After a panel interview, sending a thoughtful thank-you email is an important step to reinforce your interest in the role and leave a strong impression on the hiring team. But unlike a one-on-one interview, where you might send a quick note to just one person, a thank-you email after a panel interview needs to address everyone involved—while still coming across as personal and meaningful.
Not sure how to do that? In this article, we’ll cover how to write an effective thank-you email to a panel interview, share examples and a template, and answer some common questions about this topic.
Why should you send a thank-you email after a panel interview?
Following up with a thank-you letter after a panel interview isn’t just a formality—it’s a key part of the hiring process that can help you stand out. Since employers often interview multiple candidates for the same role, your email gives you one more chance to remind them why you're a great fit for the position.
A follow-up email also helps you demonstrate professionalism and gratitude. When multiple interviewers take the time to meet with you, a thoughtful thank-you email shows that you appreciate their time and are genuinely interested in the role. Many job seekers skip this step, assuming the interview alone is enough. But failing to follow up can make you seem less engaged or even disinterested compared to other candidates.
Plus, sending a thank-you note after a panel interview also gives you a chance to highlight specific skills, experiences, key moments from the interview, or even something you forgot to mention—reinforcing why you're the right choice for the job.
Sending one email to all panelists vs. separate emails
After a panel interview, you might wonder whether to send a single thank-you email to the entire group or individual emails to each panelist. While both approaches are acceptable, choosing the right one depends on factors like personalization, efficiency, and access to contact information.
Emailing all panelists at once
Sending a single thank-you email to all panelists can be a great option if you’re short on time or if the interviewers played similar roles in the discussion. It ensures consistency in your message and allows you to acknowledge the panel as a whole without risking any unintentional discrepancies between emails.
However, a group email lacks a personal touch and may not leave a lasting impression on each panelist. Since it’s a collective message, interviewers might assume someone else will respond, leading to less engagement with your follow-up.
Sending separate emails
On the other hand, sending separate thank-you emails to each panelist allows for a more personalized approach. You can reference specific points from your conversation with each individual, reinforcing your connection and showing genuine appreciation for their insights. This extra effort can help your thank-you note stand out, especially in competitive hiring processes.
That said, writing multiple emails takes more time and requires careful attention to detail to avoid inconsistencies. If your panel included several interviewers, crafting unique emails for each person can be a bit overwhelming.
If you decide to send individual emails, do your best to find each panelist’s contact information. “Company websites and LinkedIn make it easier than ever to find contact information,” says Dr. Madison Tarleton, career coach at The University of Tampa and LaunchBreak member. “Take mental or physical notes regarding the panelists’ names in the interview. After the interview, try to find an email address for each of them. And always remember it’s OK to ask!”
The alternative option
There is also a third way to approach a thank-you email after a panel interview: “You can email the hiring manager with an indication you would like that email to be forwarded along,” Tarleton says. This is the best option if you can’t find the other interviewers’ contact information.
How to write a panel interview thank-you email
When you send a well-written thank-you letter after a panel interview you leave a lasting impression and stay top of mind as hiring decisions are made. Follow a structured approach to craft a polished, meaningful thank-you email.
1. Keep your email concise yet engaging
Tarleton recommends a three-paragraph model, ensuring each section is one to three sentences long to maintain professionalism and clarity. “Read it through to make sure it hits all the markers of professionalism—syntax, grammar, and spelling,” she says. “After you have checked to ensure it’s professional and stylistically sound, add your flair. You don’t need to use fancy jargon, and you do not have to swear off exclamation points.”
2. Craft a good subject line
A panel interview thank-you email subject line should be clear, professional, and attention-grabbing. Here are a few examples:
- Thank you for the opportunity, [Interviewer’s Name]
- Appreciate your time, [Interviewer’s Name]
- Following up after our panel interview
- Great speaking with you all. Thank you!
- Thank you for your time. Excited about the opportunity!
For extra guidance, read this next: The Best Thank-you Email Subject Line for After Interviews
3. Personalize your greeting
If you interviewed with a small panel, addressing each person by name is ideal. If there were multiple interviewers, a general greeting might work better.
- For a small panel: “Dear Ms. Parker, Mr. Reynolds, and Dr. Chen,”
- For a larger panel: “Dear XYZ Company Hiring Panel,” or “Dear Marketing Team,”
4. Open with thanks and a meaningful reference
Start your first paragraph by thanking the panel for their time and referencing a specific part of the conversation that resonated with you. This helps personalize your email and show genuine engagement.
For example: “Thank you all for taking the time to speak with me about the Marketing Manager position at XYZ Company. I really enjoyed learning more about your team and the exciting projects you’re working on, especially the upcoming brand campaign for your new product line.”
5. Reinforce your strengths and value
Use the second paragraph to affirm your qualifications and link your strengths to the role. “Think of—and reiterate—one to two things that you said in the interview that make you a good fit for this position,” Tarleton says “This not only reinforces your qualifications, but it offers a reminder about who you are to the reader.”
For example: “Our discussion about expanding XYZ Company’s digital presence reinforced my excitement about this opportunity. With my experience in social media strategy and content marketing, I’m eager to contribute to your goal of increasing audience engagement and brand awareness.”
6. Close on a positive note
End your email with a warm and professional closing. Express enthusiasm for the role, mention any next steps, and thank them once again.
For example: “I’m excited about the possibility of joining XYZ Company and contributing to your efforts in launching the new customer loyalty program. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any additional information from me. I appreciate your time and look forward to what’s next!”
Then, Tarleton suggests closing with a professional sign-off—such as “Sincerely,” “Thank You,” “Cheers,” etc.—and including your full name.
Common mistakes to avoid in your thank-you email
A well-crafted thank-you email after a panel interview can leave a lasting positive impression, but there are a few common pitfalls to avoid:
Don’t be too generic or vague
A thank-you email that simply says, “Thank you for your time. I enjoyed our conversation,” without any specific details can feel impersonal and doesn’t really add anything. Instead, reference a key topic discussed or a shared interest to show genuine engagement.
Don’t miss addressing everyone correctly
“If you choose to write one email, make sure that everyone is included as a recipient,” Tarleton says. “If the team mentions that someone is out or absent that day, but they were involved in the process, send the email to them as well.”
If you’re sending one email to the entire panel, be sure to spell everyone’s name correctly and avoid singling out just one person in a group email. If you’re opting for separate emails, make sure they are not identical. Panelists could compare notes, and sending the same templated message to each interviewer can come across as insincere.
Don’t wait too long to send your thank-you email
Timing is crucial when following up. “The optimal time to send a thank-you email to an interviewer or interview panel is within 24 hours,” the career coach says. “For virtual interviews, optimize your time at the computer by typing up a thank-you email before you get up. For in-person interviews, prioritize sending a thank-you email by the end of the day or the end of the next business day.”
Employers expect timely follow-ups, and waiting too long may make you seem disinterested or unorganized.
Don’t skip proofreading for errors
Even the most thoughtful thank-you email can lose its impact if it’s filled with typos or grammatical errors. Proofread carefully to ensure clarity and professionalism. A polished email demonstrates attention to detail—an essential quality in any role.
Thank-you email after panel interview examples (plus a template!)
Below, you'll find three sample emails—one formal, one casual, and one balanced for a professional yet friendly tone. Plus, there's a panel interview thank-you email template at the end so you can easily customize your own.
Example #1: Formal thank-you email (corporate or traditional industries)
Subject: Thank You for the Opportunity–Financial Analyst Interview
Dear Ms. Carter, Mr. Reynolds, and Dr. Patel,
I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to have interviewed with XYZ Company for the Financial Analyst position. It was a pleasure speaking with you all and learning more about the team’s vision and the exciting projects ahead.
I especially enjoyed our discussion on XYZ Company’s approach to risk management strategies, as it reinforced my enthusiasm for the role and how I can contribute my analytical skills and financial modeling experience. Hearing about your commitment to sustainable investment strategies made me even more excited about the idea of joining XYZ Company.
Thank you again for your time and insights. I look forward to the possibility of working with your team. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need any additional information from me.
Best regards,
Olivia Bennett
[Your LinkedIn profile (if applicable)]
[Your email]
Example #2: Casual thank-you email (creative or start-up environments)
Subject: Thanks for the Great Conversation!
Hi Alex, Jordan, and Priya,
I just wanted to send you a quick note to say thanks for taking the time to chat with me today. I really enjoyed meeting all of you and learning more about the exciting work happening at XYZ Company.
Our conversation about the upcoming rebrand really stuck with me, and I would love the chance to bring my branding and content strategy experience to the team. The passion you all have for creative storytelling was truly inspiring!
Looking forward to what’s next—let me know if there’s anything else you need from me in the meantime. Thanks again!
Best regards,
Ryan Chen
[Your LinkedIn profile (if applicable)]
[Your email]
Example #3: Balanced thank-you email (professional yet friendly tone)
Subject: Thank You–HR Manager Panel Interview
Dear Mr. Hayes, Ms. Martinez, and Dr. Sullivan,
I truly appreciate having had the opportunity to meet with you all today. It was great learning more about XYZ Company’s leadership development programs and hearing about the exciting direction of your HR team.
I particularly enjoyed discussing employee engagement strategies and how my experience in workplace culture initiatives could contribute to XYZ Company’s goals. The energy and collaboration within your team were inspiring, and I’d love the opportunity to be part of it.
Thank you again for your time and insights—I look forward to staying in touch! Please feel free to reach out if there’s anything else I can provide.
Best regards,
Sophia Mitchell
[Your LinkedIn profile (if applicable)]
[Your email]
Panel interview thank-you email template
Subject: Thank You–[Job Title] Interview
Dear [Panelist 1’s Name], [Panelist 2’s Name], and [Panelist 3’s Name],
I wanted to take a moment to thank you all for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. It was a pleasure speaking with you and learning more about the role and your team.
I especially enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic], and it further reinforced my excitement about potentially joining [Company Name]. Given my background in [your relevant skill or experience], I’d love to contribute to [specific project, goal, or value discussed].
I appreciate your time and insights, and I look forward to hearing about the next steps in the hiring process. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything else from me.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn profile (if applicable)]
[Your email]
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FAQs
How do I address a panel of interviewers?
You can address the panel collectively (e.g., “Dear Hiring Panel” or “Dear XYZ Company Interview Team”) or individually if you remember their names (e.g., “Dear Mr. Johnson, Ms. Gonzalez, and Dr. Lee”). If you're unsure, reviewing your interview invitation email or checking LinkedIn can help you find their correct names and titles.
Can you send one thank-you email to multiple interviewers?
Yes, you can send one thank-you letter after a panel interview and include all interviewers in the recipient list. However, if you have specific points to address with each interviewer, individual thank-you emails can be more impactful. If you go with a single email, make sure it’s personalized enough to feel sincere.
Should I CC a recruiter on a thank-you email?
If the recruiter was involved in the interview process or scheduled your panel interview, it’s a good idea to CC them. This keeps them in the loop and reinforces your professionalism. However, if your interviewers were from different departments and the recruiter wasn’t directly involved, CCing may not be necessary.
What’s the best time to send a thank-you email after a panel interview?
Ideally, send your thank-you email for a panel interview within 24 hours of your interview. This ensures your appreciation is timely and your name stays fresh in the interviewers' minds as they make their hiring decision.