Thank You Notes

Say thank you

Notice: This page is being depreciated and will be removed soon. It can now be found on the CDC Guides webpage here.

A thank you note is not only good manners, but it can make or break your chances at landing that job. Your thank you note shows an appreciation for the time your interviewer spent meeting with you and can help you stand out from other applicants. Below are some tips for writing a great thank you note.

Make it personal

A handwritten thank you note is ideal, but when you can't deliver a handwritten note, a personalized email is fine. Be sure to write an individual note or email message for each person you met with.

Don't delay

Be sure to respond with a thank you note as soon as possible after you have met with your interviewer. Our general rule is to do it within 24 hours of your meeting.

Components of a thank you note

Your thank you note should start with a greeting.  Be sure to address your recipient by name.  A classic greeting is:

Dear [Name of recipient],

This is the main text for your thank you note. You will want to make sure that you are expressing authentic gratitude while keeping it professional. Some suggestions include:

  • Thank them for their time.
  • Express gratitude for their insight.
  • Reference something specific that you talked about in the interview.
  • Express your interest in the position.

You will finish your note with a closing.  A classic example is:

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Example thank you note

Dear Mr. Wells,

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I am very excited about the opportunity to work at Indiana University!

I was especially excited to learn about how tour guides interact with prospective students and would love to share my passion for IU with visitors to campus.

I look forward to hearing back from you. If you have any additional questions, please contact me at 812-555-5555.

Sincerely,

Jane Hoosier