How to Write the Perfect Post-Interview Email

Landing a job takes more than just nailing your interview. An additional key component of the job application process today is your follow-up email. The secret to the perfect post-interview email? Personalization!

Consider these ideas:

Include something the interviewer said in the conversation that stood out to you. This proves you listened and makes the message stronger than a basic “thank you.”

Thank your interviewer for teaching you about the role and/or industry. For example, say you want a job at a commercial real estate firm. Include a line from your conversation, such as, “Thanks for explaining the new commercial real estate zoning laws here in Philadelphia. I appreciate the information.”

Tailor your concluding sentence to include information that you discussed during the interview. Make quick reference again to the conversation. For instance, “Thanks so much, and I hope you enjoy your convention in Chicago next week.”

Here’s the caveat: ONLY be conversational if you developed a comfortable back-and-forth with the interviewer. Otherwise, play it safe. If you feel uncomfortable being conversational, opt for a polite professional approach and keep it brief. For example, “Thank you for your time. I look forward to speaking with you soon.” When in doubt, mirror the language used by the company at which you interviewed. By matching the tone of the company and including a detail that will make them remember you specifically, you can set yourself apart from other candidates and best position yourself for getting the job.