Thank You Notes

When should you send a thank you note?

Aim to send a thank you note after any interview (i.e. phone, video, in-person, on- or off-campus) within 24 hours of the interview, whether on the same day or the following day.  

Is email or postal mail appropriate?

If the employer notes a quick turn-around time for additional interviews or a final decision, email may be preferred. Use a subject line, such as "Thank You" or something similar that will be easily seen in a busy in-box. 

If there is a longer timeline or postal mail feels more in line with the specific employer, a mailed note may be preferred.  Contact your career counselor with specific questions about the appropriate method. 

What is the appropriate format and length?

A thank you note should be concise that shows appreciation for the interviewer's time, references key parts of your conversation, and reiterates your interest in the position.  You may also invite requests for additional information and provide grounds for follow-up.  Address the note properly and be sure to proof-read, double-checking the content as well as the spelling of the employer and recipient's name.  

Here is a sample email for your reference:

Dear [Mr./Mrs./Ms./Mx.] Johnson,

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me and discuss the internship at the Attorney General's Office. I especially enjoyed learning about your recent efforts and initiatives to continue promoting safety within the community, an aspect that has further strengthened my interest to work in your office this summer. Please let me know if I can provide you with additional information and thank you, again, for your consideration. 

Sincerely,
Austin Adams

How do you handle a thank you note for a panel interview and/or multiple consecutive interviews?

Following a panel interview or multiple interviews with the same employer (such a firm call-back interview), you can either send separate thank you notes to each interviewer, or you can compose a collective note for all.

If you send multiple thank you notes, do not send a generic message to each individual participant.  Instead, draft a thoughtful note to each person.  If you elect to send one collective thank you note, address your note to your primary contact and reference the other participants.