How to Thank an Interviewer

You may think that it is best to follow up with an interviewer to thank them for their time

and keep your name in the forefront of their mind. While this may have that effect on

them, it may not be in the positive way you are looking for. An interviewer takes time

out of their regular job to fill vacancies in a department. It is an extremely busy and

stressful time for them and they do not want (nor have time to) take calls from everyone

that they have completed interviews with.

But this is not to say that sending along with a thank you is a bad idea, it’s not. The method

that you thank your interviewer is going to make a difference. If you received a business

card, send a quick e-mail to thank them for their time and that you are looking forward to

hearing from them. Quick and to the point and leave it at that. Do not expect a reply

because you probably won’t get one and do not follow up on your e-mail to make sure

they received it – you will become an annoyance.

Second, to send a quick e-mail, you can send a short and professional thank you note

(this means no scented stationery or something too cutesy). The message should be

similar, thanking the interviewer for taking the time to sit down with you, express how

much you enjoyed speaking with them and learning more about the company. It is a

nicety that while not necessary, can be an added touch to a strong interview.

It may not guarantee you the job, but thank you notes, if done the right way, may open

doors for you in the future. If there are openings in the company at a later time, the

the interviewer may remember you and think of you before others.

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