While a thank-you note may never be the entire reason that you get a job, it can absolutely lose it for you. Thank-you notes are a key part of following up after an interview. The key is to make sure that you are utilizing the thank-you note as an extension of the interview toyou’re your best foot forward and show your interest and capabilities to the employer. While expectations for thank-you notes may vary based on the region, it is always a good idea to err on the side of caution as long as you make sure they are tailored, concise, timely, and of course, error-free.
Thank-you notes should be individualized. Do not send an entire group email. Send it to every person who you interviewed with separately and with thoughtful details. They can be similar in nature, but differ slightly. Try to find something you discussed in particular with each interviewer to highlight in the note. A thank-you note should be brief, but enthusiastic in your appreciation for the opportunity. Ensure that your message has no spelling, grammatical or other errors and that you have included the name of the person you are thanking. Make sure that you send the Thank-you note within 24 hours after your interview.
See below for a sample of a Thank-you note to a firm. Make sure to individualize your thank-you to truly capitalize on the communication and ensure you further connect with the firm and interviewers.
SAMPLE:
Dear Ms. Smith:
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me yesterday in regards to the Summer Associate position with FIRM NAME. I enjoyed hearing about your recent article/case/trial and the interesting work done at <FIRM NAME>. I also appreciated your insights into the daily tasks and responsibilities of attorneys in your office. I remain very interested in a summer position and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Student