The Dos and Don’ts of Writing a Thank You Email for an Informational Interview

The Dos and Don’ts of Writing a Thank You Email for an Informational Interview

After completing an informational interview, it’s critical to follow up with a thank you email to show gratitude for the time and insights provided. However, writing a thank you email can be intimidating, especially when you’re unsure what to say. In this article, we’ll outline the dos and don’ts of writing a thank you email for an informational interview.

Dos

1. Personalize Your Email

Make your email personal and specific to the conversation you had during the informational interview. Consider referencing a topic you discussed or a key takeaway from the meeting. This will demonstrate that you were actively engaged in the conversation, and that you appreciate the time and knowledge of the person you spoke with.

2. Express Gratitude and Enthusiasm

Be sure to begin your email by thanking the person for their time and insights. Express heartfelt gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity to speak with them. These sentiments will help build a positive relationship and leave a lasting impression.

3. Reiterate Your Interest

By participating in an informational interview, you’ve already demonstrated your interest in the industry or company. However, it’s essential to reiterate your interest in the email. Let the person know that you are excited about the possibility of working together in the future.

4. Follow Up

End your email by mentioning that you are open to further discussions and opportunities. Suggest that you will take the initiative to follow up if there are any relevant openings. This proactive approach shows that you are highly motivated and demonstrates excellent communication skills.

Don’ts

1. Be Too Formal or Stilted

Your thank you email should be conversational and friendly, not overly formal. Avoid using overly stilted language or generic phrases that lack personality or sincerity.

2. Make it Too Long

Be concise and to the point in your email. Thank the person for their time and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to speak with them. Don’t ramble on or repeat information they already know.

3. Forget to Proofread

Before sending your email, proofread it carefully. Nothing undermines your professional image more than sending an email riddled with spelling or grammatical errors.

4. Rush the Email

Take the time to craft a thoughtful email that fully expresses your appreciation and interest in the person and the company. Sending a hastily written or poorly composed email can be just as damaging as not sending one at all.

In conclusion, writing a thank you email for an informational interview is an essential step towards building a professional relationship. Remember to be personal and specific, express your gratitude and enthusiasm, reiterate your interest, and follow up. Avoid being too formal or stilted, making it too long, forgetting to proofread, or rushing the email. By following these dos and don’ts, your thank you email will help set you apart from other candidates and make a positive impression.