After your graduate job interview, a thank you will help you stand out
The age of the thank-you note isn’t over. In fact, many interviewers expect it. It’s your last chance to remind them how great you are, and what a valuable addition you’d make to their company in a graduate role.
Some job seekers will try to cover this in a phone call. That won’t always go down well, as you’re actively interrupting someone who probably has a lot on their plate.
In the age of the mobile, one or two interviewers have reported receiving a “Thx 4 the intervu!” text which looks less than professional to most recipients.
That leaves us with email. It’s personal, you can express yourself properly and the interviewer can read at their leisure. You should also send it on the same day as your interview. That’s not just good manners, as they could be making a hiring decision sooner rather than later.
Writing a memorable thank-you email
Now most working professionals receive a ton of emails every day. Emails which tend to be functional and on the dull side. So when you want to capture a busy person’s attention and shine in your follow-up note, keep it short and keep it simple.
Perhaps offer links to your website or blog (only if it’s relevant, as your awesome collection of cat .gifs probably won’t do you any favours) and even think about sending a short, hand-written note as well as the email, as it’ll stand out more.
Where to start
So what should you say? Thanks, of course. They’re busy people and everyone likes it when someone appreciates the time and effort they’ve taken, especially when it means you’ve taken time and effort yourself.
Include great things you forgot
Then briefly reiterate your good points – skills, any experience and qualities you discussed at interview – and why you’d be a great match for the role and the company. Perhaps talk about your abiding interest in the industry itself.
Importantly, take this opportunity to bring up any points you didn’t cover as well as you wanted on the day – perhaps you couldn’t remember all the salient details or now want to highlight something that could make you stand out as the perfect candidate. It won’t make you look bad for not bringing it up before; think of it as providing useful new information.
Also mention anything which may not have come up if you ran out of time, and remember to stress your cultural fit.
Then say how interested you still are. Finally, say thanks again.
If you are applying for a graduate job or internship this autumn, be sure to go that extra mile and make use of these tips to write a thank-you note after your interview.
And by the way, thanks for reading.