A Thank You Email to a Candidate After the Interview? Is it Required?

As a hiring manager, you’ve just wrapped up a great interview with a candidate who you’re really excited about. There’s just one question left to ask: should you send a thank-you email after the interview? This is a question that stumps a lot of hiring managers, but luckily, we’re here to help clear things up.

First things first: yes, you should always send a thank-you email after an interview. Not only is it good manners, but it’s also a great way to show appreciation for the candidate’s time and interest in the position. A thank-you email also gives you one last chance to make a good impression on the candidate and reaffirm your interest in hiring them.

Of course, a thank-you email is not required in every situation. For example, if you’ve interviewed the candidate multiple times or if they’ve already accepted a job offer from another company, there’s no need to send a thank-you email. In these cases, a simple phone call or email to let the candidate know they’re no longer being considered for the position is sufficient.

Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s take a look at how to write a thank-you email that will make a great impression on your candidates.

How To Write the Perfect ‘Thank You‘ Email for Your Candidate

When it comes to writing a thank-you email, there are a few key things to keep in mind.

1.   Add a Personal Touch

First, make sure to add a personal touch. A generic thank-you note is not going to cut it. Instead, take the time to mention something specific you discussed in the interview. This could be anything from the candidate’s experience in a certain area to their interest in the company culture. By adding a personal touch, you’ll show the candidate that you were really listening to what they had to say and that you’re interested in them as a person, not just as a potential employee.

2.   Keep It Short and Sweet

Second, keep your thank-you email short and sweet. No one wants to read a novel, so get to the point and express your appreciation for the candidate’s time in a few sentences. Thank them for coming in, and reiterate your interest in hiring them. You can also use this opportunity to mention any next steps in the hiring process, such as scheduling a second interview.

3.   End on a Positive Note

Finally, make sure to end on a positive note. Thank the candidate again, and express your excitement about the possibility of working together. This is your chance to really sell the position and get the candidate even more excited about the opportunity.

Here’s an example of a great thank-you email:

Subject: Thank You, John!

Dear John,

Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me yesterday. I really enjoyed learning more about your experience in the software development industry. In particular, I was very impressed with the way you explained your approach to problem-solving.

I believe you would be a great fit for our team, and I am very interested in moving forward with your candidacy. I will be in touch soon to schedule a follow-up interview. Thank you again for your time and interest in our company.

Sincerely,

Your Name

As you can see, this email is short, sweet, and to the point. It hits all of the key points we mentioned earlier and leaves the candidate feeling appreciated and excited about the opportunity to work with your company.

Final Thoughts

Sending a thank-you email after an interview is not only good manners, but it’s also a great way to show your appreciation for the candidate’s time and interest in the position. By following these simple tips, you can write a great thank-you email that will leave a lasting impression on your candidates.

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