The Art of Saying “Thank You” After an Informational Interview
Informational interviews are a great way to gain insights and advice in your field of interest. While the main objective of these interviews is to gather information, it’s important to remember that this is also an opportunity to build relationships and leave a positive impression on the interviewee. One crucial aspect of this is expressing your gratitude through a thank-you note or message. In this article, we’ll explore the art of saying “Thank You” after an informational interview and why it matters.
Why Saying “Thank You” is Important
Saying “Thank You” after an informational interview is not only polite, but it also shows that you value the interviewee’s time and expertise. This small gesture can go a long way in building a lasting professional relationship. Moreover, expressing gratitude can make the interviewee more inclined to help you in the future or even recommend you to their network.
When to Say “Thank You”
It’s important to send a thank-you note or message within 24-48 hours after the informational interview. This not only ensures that the conversation is still fresh in the interviewee’s mind, but it also shows your promptness and professionalism. If you’re not sure how to reach out to the interviewee, you can ask for their preferred method of communication during the interview itself.
How to Write a Thank-You Message
When writing a thank-you message, it’s essential to keep it short, sweet, and to the point. Start by expressing your gratitude for the interviewee’s time and insights. Then, highlight a few key takeaways from the conversation that you found particularly valuable. You can also mention how this information has helped you better understand your preferred career path or industry. Lastly, reiterate your appreciation and willingness to stay in touch or offer assistance in any way possible.
Thank-You Message Examples
Here are a few examples of thank-you messages that you can use as a starting point:
Example 1:
Dear [Interviewee’s Name],
I wanted to thank you for taking the time to meet with me and share your insights on [career path/industry]. Your advice on [specific topic discussed] was particularly helpful, and I will definitely keep it in mind as I move forward with my career goals. I appreciate your willingness to offer your expertise and look forward to staying in touch.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 2:
Hi [Interviewee’s Name],
I just wanted to reach out and express my gratitude for our recent conversation about [industry/career path]. Your insights on [specific topic discussed] were incredibly valuable, and I now have a better understanding of what to expect in this field. Thank you again for your time and expertise. I would love to remain in touch and perhaps even collaborate in the future.
Take care,
[Your Name]
Final Thoughts
Saying “Thank You” is a simple but powerful gesture that can leave a lasting impression on the interviewee. It shows that you respect their time and expertise and value the information they have shared with you. By following these tips and crafting a thoughtful thank-you message, you can turn a positive informational interview into a valuable professional relationship.
