Why a Thoughtful Thank You Email Will Improve Your Chances After an Informational Interview

Why a Thoughtful Thank You Email Will Improve Your Chances After an Informational Interview

Are you on the hunt for a job? In the current market, informational interviews are an essential part of the job search process. Informational interviews help job seekers learn more about a particular career path or industry, build connections, and potentially lead to job opportunities.

After an informational interview, it’s common practice to send a thank you email to the interviewer. However, the thank you email is often treated as a formality, and job seekers miss out on the opportunity to make themselves stand out. In this article, we’ll explore why a thoughtful thank you email can improve your chances after an informational interview.

The Purpose of a Thank You Email

A thank you email serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it expresses gratitude to the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. Expressing gratitude is a powerful tool in building relationships, and it shows that you value the interviewer’s time and expertise.

Secondly, a thank you email is an opportunity to reinforce key points discussed in the informational interview. Sending a well-crafted email that reiterates the topics discussed and showcases your interest and knowledge of the industry can leave a lasting impression.

Thirdly, a thank you email is an opportunity to differentiate yourself from other candidates. In today’s competitive job market, standing out from the crowd is essential. Sending a thoughtful thank you email can make a lasting impression, and potentially lead to future job opportunities.

What to Include in a Thank You Email

A thoughtful thank you email should include specific details about the interview, highlights of what you learned, and how the conversation has impacted you.

Here are some things to consider including in your thank you email:

– Express gratitude and thanks for their time
– Recap key points discussed in the informational interview
– Highlight something that stood out to you or that you learned
– Reiterate your interest in the industry or career path
– Mention any follow-up actions you plan to take
– Keep it concise and professional

Examples of Effective Thank You Emails

Here are some examples of effective thank you emails:

Example 1:

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today to discuss your experience in the [Industry/ Career Path]. Our conversation was incredibly insightful, and I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about [specific topic discussed].

Your advice on [specific advice] was incredibly valuable, and I plan to implement it in my job search. Also, I loved learning about [specific topic] and how it relates to the industry as a whole.

I look forward to keeping in touch and potentially exploring any future opportunities. Thank you again for sharing your expertise.

Best,
[Your Name]

Example 2:

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I wanted to follow up and express my gratitude for taking the time to meet with me today. Hearing about your experience in the [Industry/Career Path] was inspiring and informative.

The topic we discussed about [specific topic] really resonated with me, and I look forward to learning more about it. Your advice on [specific advice] was also extremely valuable, and I will be sure to keep that in mind as I navigate my job search.

Thank you again for your time and expertise. I hope to keep in touch and potentially explore any future opportunities.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Conclusion

In summary, a thoughtful thank you email can make all the difference after an informational interview. By reiterating key points from the conversation, showcasing your knowledge and interest in the industry, and expressing gratitude, you can leave a lasting impression on the interviewer and potentially secure future job opportunities. Remember, the thank you email is an essential part of the job search process, and it’s worth putting in the effort to make it stand out.

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