The Ultimate Guide to Crafting a Thank You Email for Informational Interviews
When it comes to informational interviews, following up with a thank you email is a crucial step that can make or break your chances of building a relationship with the interviewer.
Crafting the perfect thank you email can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to craft an impactful thank you email that showcases your professionalism and highlights your interest in the industry or company.
Introduction
First off, let’s discuss why sending a thank you email after an informational interview is such an important step. Not only does it show gratitude for the interviewer’s time and insights, but it also allows you to continue the conversation and keep the momentum going.
Additionally, a well-crafted thank you email can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your communication skills and attention to detail. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from the do’s and don’ts of writing a thank you email to sample templates and examples.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing a Thank You Email
Before we dive into the specifics of crafting a thank you email, let’s go over some general do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.
Do:
– Express gratitude for the interviewer’s time and insights
– Reiterate your interest in the industry or company
– Highlight any key takeaways or learnings from the interview
– Personalize the email to the interviewer (mention something specific from the conversation)
– Keep it concise and to the point
Don’t:
– Use a generic template or copy/paste the same email to multiple interviewers
– Come across as too pushy or desperate
– Focus solely on yourself and your interests (show interest in the interviewer and their work as well)
– Make any typos or grammatical errors (double-check for mistakes before hitting send)
The Structure of a Thank You Email
Now that we’ve gone over some general guidelines, let’s talk about the structure of a thank you email. Ideally, your email should have the following components:
1. Opening sentence expressing gratitude
2. Mention something specific from the conversation to personalize the email
3. Reiterate your interest in the industry or company
4. Highlight any key takeaways or learnings from the interview
5. Thank them again for their time and offer to stay in touch
6. Closing sentence
Example Thank You Emails
To give you an idea of how to put this all together, here are some example thank you emails:
Example 1:
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me yesterday about the [Position/Industry/Company]. I really appreciated your insights and suggestions, particularly when you spoke about [Specific Topic].
It was great to hear about your experience in the field and your passion for [Industry/Company], and I look forward to staying in touch. If you have any further advice or resources to share, I would be grateful.
Thank you again for your time and guidance.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 2:
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the opportunity to discuss the [Position/Industry/Company] with you on [Date]. Your perspective on [Specific Topic] was particularly insightful, and I appreciated the candidness of our conversation.
As someone who is deeply interested in [Industry/Company], I found our discussion incredibly valuable and informative. I look forward to staying in touch and potentially connecting again in the future.
Thank you again for your time and expertise.
Best,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
Crafting the perfect thank you email for an informational interview doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By following our guide and keeping in mind the do’s and don’ts, you can showcase your professionalism and continue the conversation with the interviewer.
Remember to personalize the email, highlight key takeaways, and express gratitude for their time. With these tips and examples, you’ll be on your way to crafting a thank you email that sets you apart from other candidates and demonstrates your interest in the industry or company.
