CAREER

Thank You Note Overview
What is the purpose of a thank you note?
Send thank you notes to:
• Thank employers or networking contacts for their time.
• Reaffirm your interest in a company, employer,
or industry.
• Illustrate that you are courteous and professional.
• Jog the interviewer's memory to remind him/her of your
conversation to stand out from the crowd.
When are thank you notes appropriate?
Thank you notes are appropriate after:
• Job interviews (this includes in-person interviews and
phone interviews).
• Informational interviews.
• Someone has helped you with your job search process
(e.g., referred your resume to someone else, offered you
contact information, etc.).
How do I write a thank you note?
Thank you notes are:
• Clear and concise.
• Express gratitude for the opportunity to interview or for
job search assistance.
• May mention aspects of the interview that were of
particular interest to you.
• Grant you the opportunity to clarify an answer or add
something that you may not have mentioned during
the interview that is relevant to your job search or to
your application.
How should a thank you note be sent?
Generally thank you notes are sent via email within 24 hours of your interview or meeting. If you would like to additionally send
a more personalized thank you card via postal mail you can do so after you send the thank you email.
Thank You Note Example
Following an in-person or phone interview:
To: so.shinohara@asengineering.com
From: ba234@columbia.edu
Subject: Thank You for the Interview
Dear Mr. Shinohara:
I want to thank you for interviewing me yesterday for the position
of Chemical Engineer. I enjoyed learning about the needs of your
department and the future of the company.
SAMPLE
With my background in research labs at Columbia and as the
Treasurer of Chandler Society for Undergraduate Chemistry,
I believe my skills and experiences have prepared me for this
role. I’m specifically interested in the professional development
opportunities that this position offers, such as the annual
conferences that employees are encouraged to attend.
Thank you again for the opportunity to discuss my candidacy
for the Chemical Engineering position. I look forward to hearing
from you.
Sincerely,
Ben Adams
(212) 854-1234
ba234@columbia.edu
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