How to Write a Thank-You Email After an Interview

Hiring can get very hectic. When you're building a team at a fast-moving startup, recruiters and managers are juggling dozens of interviews, putting out fires, and racing against deadlines. In the middle of all that, a thoughtful thank-you note can make the difference between a candidate fading into the noise and staying top of mind.

There have been multiple times where I've almost lost track of strong candidates but their thank-you email landed in my inbox, reminded us who they were, and nudged me to move them forward.

That's the power of a good thank-you note. It doesn't erase a weak interview, but when you're on the edge? It can tip things in your favor.

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Do You Have to Send a Thank-You Email After an Interview?

Strictly speaking: no. But you really should.

A quick note, sent within 24 hours, signals that you're intentional, communicative, and thoughtful under pressure. It's true whether you're applying to a Fortune 500 company or a five-person startup.

And if you're in a competitive internship pipeline, where the difference between offers and rejections can be razor-thin, this is one of the few parts of the process that's fully in your control.

A thank-you email matters because it:

• Refreshes the interviewer's memory of you
• Builds goodwill, especially if they're undecided
• Shows professionalism (critical in client-facing roles)
• Helps you stand out at smaller companies
• Adds one more positive data point at larger companies

Even if the interviewer already remembers you or has submitted notes—write it anyway.

What Makes a Good Thank-You Email

The best notes are short, specific, and sincere. They reference something you discussed, express genuine gratitude, and connect your skills or interests back to the role.

What to include:

• A genuine thank-you for their time
• A specific reference to the conversation
• A line tying your experience or mindset to the team's work
• A calm, confident closing

Optional but strong: mention a moment that stuck with you, a question that challenged you, or something you followed up on afterward.

Sample Thank-You Notes

Behavioral Internship Interview

Subject: Thank you for today  

Hi [Interviewer's Name],  

Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me this afternoon. I appreciated the chance to learn more about your team's work on [specific project or value they mentioned].  

I've been thinking about your question on [insert question, e.g., "balancing speed with accuracy in early-stage environments"], and it gave me a new lens on how I approach collaboration in fast-moving teams. I'm excited by the opportunity to contribute while continuing to grow in areas like that.  

I know how busy things must be this week, so thank you again for the thoughtful conversation. Please don't hesitate to reach out if there's anything else I can provide.  

Best,  
[Your Name]  

Technical Internship Interview

Subject: Thanks again  

Hi [Interviewer's Name],  

Thank you again for the conversation earlier, I enjoyed walking through the [problem or project] and appreciated your clarity around how your team approaches technical mentorship.  

Your comment about [e.g., "code quality > cleverness"] stuck with me. That mindset is something I've been working to apply, and it was helpful to hear how it plays out in practice.  

I'm grateful for the opportunity to be considered and hope to bring both curiosity and reliability to the team if I join. Thanks again for your time.  

Best regards,  
[Your Name]  

When the Interview Didn't Go Perfectly

Subject: Thank you  

Hi [Interviewer's Name],  

Thank you again for speaking with me today. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about your team, and especially your perspective on [insert topic or moment you genuinely valued].  

While I would have liked to articulate a few points more clearly, I left the conversation even more excited about the role, especially after hearing about [specific initiative/project/learning culture].  

Thank you again for your time and thoughtful questions. I'd be grateful for the chance to keep learning from your team.  

Warmly,  
[Your Name]  

Notice this isn't an apology—it simply shows reflection, composure, and continued interest.

Interview Follow-Up Tips Most People Forget

• Send it within 24 hours. Same day is ideal, the morning after is fine, but three days later is too late.
• Keep it short. Five to seven sentences is plenty.
• Send separate emails to each interviewer. Even if they're on the same team.
• Double-check names and subject lines. No placeholders, no typos.
• Don't ask logistical questions. Keep it focused on gratitude and connection, not scheduling.

What If You Don't Have Their Contact Info?

If you can't find their email, you still have options:

• Reply to the recruiter and ask them to forward your message
• Find the interviewer on LinkedIn and send a short, professional note
• Skip it only if you've truly exhausted every option—but try first

Even if the process is already moving along, a kind follow-up leaves a good impression.

Final Thoughts

Most interviewers don't expect a thank-you email. But the great ones notice it.

If you were strong, it reinforces that. If you were borderline, it can tip things in your favor. If you stumbled, it shows professionalism and maturity.

Take the time to write it. It doesn't need to be long or perfect—just genuine.

Tip: Every internship you apply to through Simplify is automatically saved to your job tracker. That makes it easy to track your progress, update statuses, and remember to follow up with recruiters. Check it out here.