How to Write a Job Interview Thank You Letter

By Tracy Achen, Divorce Transition Coach 

Going through a divorce often brings massive life changes, including needing to go back to work or seeking new employment which will earn you more money. Hopefully your job search efforts result in being called in for a job interview. If you’ve recently had a job interview, writing a job interview thank you letter isn’t just polite, it’s a powerful way to show confidence and professionalism.

The Importance of Sending a Thank You Note After an Interview

A personalized letter gives you the opportunity to demonstrates follow-through, strong communication skills, and your genuine interest in the position. Not only does it show that you recognize proper business etiquette, but it also allows you to recap why you would be the best person for the position. 

As soon as you finish your interview, you should write down any relevant observations and questions from the interview so you don’t forget them. Also include the names of the people who interviewed you. This will help you personalize the thank you note to your interviewer and highlight what was discussed during the interview.

Following up with a thank you note will help keep you fresh on the interviewer's mind, especially if you refer specifically to what you discussed in the interview. If you have interacted with the interviewer through email, it's a good idea to send them a short email within 24 hours thanking them for them interview. You'll also want to make sure you send the email out during business hours and not 2:00 in the morning (you don't want to highlight your erratic hours).

Do I Really Need to Send a Thank You Note After My Interview?

Technically, it’s not required. But in competitive job markets or people-focused positions, it can make a big difference. It’s especially valuable in roles where communication, people skills, attention to detail, or professionalism matter. For example: 

  • Administrative roles  
  • Marketing, sales, customer service 
  • Healthcare (nursing, therapy, support roles)  
  • Nonprofits, education and social services 
  • Corporate positions (HR, project management, etc.)

There may be certain sectors where it is not expected, but it will still be well received. For example: 

  • Trade jobs (plumbing, electrical, construction) 
  • Technical positions without much client contact 
  • Gig or short-term contract work

Sending a thank you letter is often a move that most job seekers fail to take. Sending one can help set you apart, especially if it's a close call between candidates. It shows that you’re thoughtful, organized, and serious about the job. According to a LinkedIn poll, 80% of hiring managers find thank-you notes helpful, yet only 24% of candidates actually send them.

What to Include in Your Interview Thank You Letter

You want to use the interviewer’s name in your letter. If you interviewed with multiple people, consider sending each one a personalized note.

Next, you want to thank them for their time and the opportunity to learn more about the position. For example:

Thank you so much for meeting with me yesterday to discuss the Administrative Coordinator position. I appreciated learning more about your team and the exciting direction the company is heading.

You also want to remind them why you're the right person for the job and you can include a personal touch or mention something you learned during the conversation. For instance:

Our discussion about your commitment to community outreach really resonated with me. I’m excited about the possibility of contributing my organizational skills and passion for helping others to a company that shares my values.

In the last paragraph of your letter, you want to respectfully let the person who interviewed you see that you are interested in hearing back from them. Finally, end your letter with confidence. For example: 

Thank you again for the opportunity. I look forward to the possibility of working together. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything further from me.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

For some more ideas on what to include in your email, check out this follow-up email example from The Balance.

Job Interview Thank You Letter Template

Here’s a customizable thank you letter template designed for divorced women re-entering the workforce. You can personalize it easily to fit your tone, the job, and your interview.


Subject Line (for email): Thank you – [Job Title] Interview

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me on [Day of Interview]. I truly appreciated the opportunity to speak with you and learn more about the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].

Our conversation confirmed my interest in this opportunity. I was especially inspired by [mention something specific from the interview—e.g., "your approach to team collaboration" or "the mentorship program you described"], and I feel confident that my [highlight a specific skill or strength] will be an asset to your organization.

As someone re-entering the workforce after a life transition, I bring a renewed sense of purpose, resilience, and commitment. I am excited about the possibility of growing professionally in an environment like yours.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any additional information from me. Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to the next step.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]  
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Optional: LinkedIn Profile URL] 

Thank You Letter Tips:

  • The letter should be tailored for each interview and refer to the details of the interview. 
  • Instead of using the term "life transition" you can use "career pivot" or "personal growth period" if you want to be more general. 
  • Personalize your strengths: e.g., "strong organizational skills," "customer service experience," "ability to adapt quickly." 
  • Keep the tone professional, but don’t be afraid to let a little warmth or gratitude shine through - it reflects emotional intelligence, which many employers value. 
  • Do not share personal struggles in the thank you note. Let your professionalism and enthusiasm speak for themselves. 
  • Keep the message concise and free of errors. 

A Final Note of Encouragement

While sending a thank-you note after your interview may not guarantee a job offer, it can boost your chances by demonstrating courtesy and enthusiasm. This small gesture shows professionalism, reinforces your interest, and gives you one last chance to make a memorable impression.

Whether you're returning to work after years at home or changing careers after your divorce, sending a thank you letter is a moment to stand tall. It’s a subtle, classy reminder: you’ve got this. Below are more topics to help you find the job of your dreams...