You’ve heard that a post-interview thank-you note can be the final touch that leaves a lasting impression on a hiring manager. Now, you might be wondering, “OK, but how long should I wait to send a thank-you email after an interview?”
In this article, we’ll break down the best timing for a thank-you note after the interview and answer all your questions about post-interview etiquette.
First things first: Should you send a thank-you email after an interview?
Always yes! Consider the post-interview thank-you email a chance to reiterate your interest in the position, highlight key points from your conversation, and reinforce why you're the right fit for the job. Even if you already feel confident about your performance, following up shows professionalism and appreciation.
“While it won’t necessarily guarantee you the job, it helps set you apart by demonstrating professionalism and gratitude,” says Kevandre Thompson, senior talent acquisition partner at Innomotics.
Here’s when a post-interview thank-you email is definitely a good idea:
- After a successful interview. If the conversation went well and you’re excited about the opportunity, a “thank you for the interview” email helps solidify your enthusiasm and professionalism.
- Even after a tough interview. If you stumbled on a few questions, a well-written thank-you letter after the interview gives you the chance to clarify any misunderstandings and leave a positive final impression. “It shows maturity and professionalism, and you may even leave the interviewer with a positive final impression, which can be beneficial for future opportunities,” Thompson says.
- After interviewing with multiple interviewers. If you had several rounds of interviews with different team members or attended a panel interview, consider sending a tailored thank-you email to each person who played a key role in the process.
- After an internal interview. If you’re wondering, “Should I send a thank-you email after an interview for an internal position?” the answer is yes. A thank-you email is important even when applying for an internal position, as it shows continued professionalism and appreciation for the opportunity.
Exceptions: When you may not want to send a thank-you email
There are some situations where sending a thank-you email might not be necessary. For example, if the company explicitly asks candidates not to follow up, it’s best to respect that request. This can be communicated non-verbally through the use of a “no reply” email address. If the meeting revealed serious red flags about the company, you may choose to forgo a post-interview thank-you email as well.
When to send thank-you email after interview
Now, you might be wondering, “How long should I wait to send a thank-you email after an interview?” Here's the deal: The general rule of thumb is to send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview. This keeps you fresh in the interviewer’s mind while showing promptness and enthusiasm.
Let's explore some common timing questions and help you figure out what works best for you when sending that follow-up note.
“Can I send a thank-you email right after an interview?”
If you want to make an immediate impression, sending a thank-you email right after an interview is fine. But consider waiting at least an hour before hitting the “send” button. Until 24 hours after the interview is the ideal timeframe. This shows you took the time to decompress after the meeting and wrote the note calmly. “Doing this keeps you fresh in the interviewer’s mind and shows promptness, enthusiasm, and your seriousness about the position,” Thompson says.
Is 48 hours too late to send a thank-you email after the interview?
While not ideal, it’s better late than never. 48 hours is the limit to express your gratitude after the interview without sounding like you forgot to hit send. “Waiting a day or two isn’t the end of the world or won’t cost you getting the position,” the talent acquisition partner says. “Just make sure it’s sent soon enough that it doesn’t feel or appear like an afterthought.”
Is three days too late to send a thank-you email after an interview?
Sending a thank-you note three days later might be a bit delayed, but it can still be valuable if you reference a specific part of your conversation. Look for a hook to make your message feel more natural. If you've come across any relevant news related to the topic you discussed during the interview, this would be an excellent opportunity to reconnect.
How late is too late to send a thank-you email?
A thank-you note after an interview loses its significance if sent more than 72 hours after the interview. If you exceed this timeline, it would be more appropriate to follow up by asking about the next steps in the hiring process, as a thank-you letter would seem out of place.
Is it bad if you forget to send a thank-you email after an interview?
Sending a post-interview thank-you email is a good move to keep you on top of the hiring manager's mind—but it’s no crime not to send one. What matters the most at the end of the day is the strength of your resume and your performance in an interview. It's best to not send a “thank you for interview” email than to ruin your good impression by sending an awkward one.
How to write a thank-you email after an interview: Examples for different timings
Examples #1: If you send it immediately (within a few hours)
Subject line: Thank you for your time
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you so much for meeting with me today. I truly enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic], and I’m even more excited about the opportunity to join [Company Name]. Looking forward to next steps!
Best,
[Your Name]
Examples #2: If you send it the next day
Subject line: Thank you for the opportunity
Hi [Interviewer’s Name],
I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me yesterday. I really enjoyed learning more about [Company Name] and discussing how my skills in [specific area] could contribute to your team. I’m looking forward to hearing about the next steps!
Best,
[Your Name]
Examples #3: If you’re late (more than 48 hours later)
Subject line: Thank you - [Role you interviewed for] Interview
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for our conversation earlier this week. Catching up on recent news about [specific topic], I truly appreciate the insights you shared and remain very excited about this opportunity. Looking forward to staying in touch!
Best,
[Your Name]
Read this next: The Best Thank-you Email Subject Line for After Interviews
Take the time—send the thank-you
A well-timed thank-you email can reinforce a positive impression and keep you top of mind. While sooner is better, don’t let a delay stop you from sending one at all. Whether it’s a same-day follow-up or a late note of appreciation, taking the time to say “thank you” can make all the difference.
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