- What This Article Covers
- Why Send a Thank You Note After a Phone or Virtual Interview?
- When And How Should You Write This Letter?
- Should It Be An
Email Or Hard Copy? - What You Should Include
- Why Your Experience Is A Perfect Match For The Job
- What Have You Achieved In Your Current (And Past) Roles?
- Clarify Open Items Or Topics Not Discussed
- Final Words
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Last Updated on January 26, 2025
The interview is often the most challenging step in the job application process. A phone interview is your first chance to leave a lasting impression. Once the call is over, it’s not time to relax just yet. Sending a thank-you
A well-crafted thank-you
Sending a powerful thank you letter after an interview can help put you ahead other candidates interviewing for the job so you get the coveted offer. Receive step-by-step instructions on how to write custom thank you letters for every interview.
What This Article Covers
- Importance of Follow-Up: Learn why sending a thank-you letter after an interview is a critical step in the
job application process. - Crafting a Professional Thank-You Note: Understand the elements of an effective thank-you note, including structure and tone.
- Email vs. Hard Copy: Discover the benefits of sending thank-you notes via
email , hard copy, or both, depending on the situation. - Timeliness Matters: Find out when to send your thank-you note to leave the best impression.
- Personalization Tips: Explore how tailoring your thank-you letters for each interviewer strengthens your connections.
- Reinforcing Your Qualifications: Learn how to use your thank-you letter to emphasize your experience and skills that match the job requirements.
- Addressing Missed Points: See how a thank-you letter provides an opportunity to clarify or elaborate on topics not fully covered during the interview.
- Making a Lasting Impression: Understand how a thoughtful thank-you note can distinguish you from other candidates and boost your professional reputation.
Why Send a Thank You Note After a Phone or Virtual Interview?
The thank you note is an excellent way to demonstrate your social skills and showcase your ability to write professionally. It provides an opportunity to highlight a key skill set that is essential for most jobs: effective communication.
A thank-you note also allows you to express your strong interest in the position and show genuine appreciation for being considered. This small but impactful gesture can leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager or recruiter. Even if you are not selected for the role, sending a thank-you note keeps the door open for future networking opportunities within the company. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in your overall candidacy and professional reputation.
You can use this opportunity to include anything you may have forgotten to mention during the interview. If there’s a key point that highlights your qualifications or sets you apart from other candidates, now is the time to address it. It’s common to reflect on an interview and realize you missed a chance to emphasize something important. Including it in your follow-up can leave a stronger impression and show that you’re proactive in communicating your value to the employer.
The game isn't over when you leave the interview. You're still in a conversation about this job, and you can win it or lose it with what you do after the interview. In this report, I show you the very best follow-up strategies that go way beyond a generic thank you note.
When And How Should You Write This Letter?
Immediately! Ideally, you should send a thank you note within two to three days of the job interview. If multiple people interviewed you, make sure to send each person a customized thank-you note. Personalizing your message demonstrates professionalism, attention to detail, and helps strengthen the connections you made during the interview process.
Should It Be An Email Or Hard Copy?
While sending a quick email is convenient and ensures a prompt follow-up, a hard copy can leave a stronger, more lasting impression. A handwritten or printed thank-you letter shows extra effort and thoughtfulness, setting you apart from other candidates. However, if time is of the essence or the employer has indicated a preference for digital communication, an email is perfectly appropriate. To avoid any issues, make sure to collect everyone’s business cards during the interview process so you have the correct contact information for all participants.
If you had an in-person interview, your thank you letter should be a hard copy. If you know that the person who interviewed you won’t have access to postal mail in a timely way (for example, if they are traveling), you can send a thank you
If you were interviewed by phone or video or if your prospective employer has specifically expressed a preference for
This book helps you turn phone screen interviews into in-person interviews and job interviews into job offers. It turns you into a great interviewee.
What You Should Include
A thank-you letter should be concise and to the point. It’s important to include key details, but avoid making it too lengthy. Striking the right balance ensures your message is impactful without overwhelming the reader. Aim for no more than one page, which is sufficient to convey your appreciation, reinforce your qualifications, and express your interest in the role.
If you proceed to additional interview rounds, you can provide further details at that time. Structure your letter so it flows naturally and maintains clarity. Avoid rambling or using an excessive number of bullet points, as this can make your message harder to follow.
Write a personalized thank-you letter for each individual who interviewed you. Tailor your message to reflect specific discussions or insights from your conversation. Use this opportunity to demonstrate initiative by indicating that you will follow up in a week or two.
A well-structured, timely thank-you letter shows that you’re not only interested in the position but also professional and detail-oriented. For guidance, consider looking up effective formats to ensure your letter leaves a strong, positive impression.
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Why Your Experience Is A Perfect Match For The Job
This is your opportunity to show the hiring manager that you have the right experience for the job. Address specific issues raised during the interview and explain, using examples, how you can contribute to solving their challenges. Highlight your understanding of the role and show that you’ve carefully considered how your skills align with their needs.
Focus on two key points: demonstrate that you’ve understood the challenges associated with the job and emphasize how your experience equips you to address these issues effectively. Providing clear and concise examples will strengthen your case and make your response more impactful.
What Have You Achieved In Your Current (And Past) Roles?
Hiring managers want to see specific examples of your accomplishments to gauge your potential. Use this opportunity to provide measurable results that showcase your success in previous roles. Highlight achievements that go above and beyond expectations. Examples might include “increased sales by 10%” or “successfully launched a new product ahead of schedule.”
Focus on tangible outcomes and quantify your success wherever possible. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can deliver value and exceed expectations. Be confident and specific—this is not the time to downplay your contributions.
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Clarify Open Items Or Topics Not Discussed
Interviews don’t always cover every topic, and you may not have had the chance to address critical points during the discussion. A thank-you letter provides an excellent opportunity to elaborate on topics that were overlooked or to clarify any points that may have caused confusion. For example, if there were questions about your experience or qualifications, this is the time to set the record straight.
Whether you’re pursuing an entry-level opportunity or seeking an advanced role, a well-crafted thank-you letter can leave a lasting impression. Use this follow-up to reinforce your enthusiasm, address lingering questions, and position yourself as the best candidate for the job. A thoughtful thank-you letter can set you on the path to career success.
Final Words
A well-crafted thank-you letter is more than just a courteous follow-up—it’s a strategic tool to reinforce your candidacy. By promptly expressing gratitude, addressing any missed opportunities, and personalizing your message, you demonstrate professionalism and commitment to the role.
This small but impactful step allows you to stand out, highlight your qualifications, and build stronger connections with the
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