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In this article, you’ll learn how to craft a casual thank-you note that’s both professional and uniquely you. We’ll cover what to include, share examples, and offer tips to help your message stand out.
Steps to Write an Informal Thank-You Note After a Job Interview
A thank-you note after an interview isnw’t just a polite gesture, it’s an opportunity to reinforce your interest in the role and leave a positive impression. The key is to keep it warm, professional, and tailored to your conversation. Here’s how to craft an effective informal thank-you note that feels personal and genuine.
1. Start with a Warm Greeting
A friendly salutation sets the tone for your letter. The greeting you choose depends on your relationship with the recipient. If this is a post interview thank you note, addressing the interviewer by name adds a personal touch and helps make a positive impression.
Most hiring managers pay very close attention to details, so matching their level of formality can help you stand out.
2. Open with a Personal Touch
The opening lines should be engaging and relevant to your recipient. Jumping straight into the main message can feel abrupt, so adding a warm introduction helps ease into the conversation.
If this is a thank you email after an interview, mention something from your chat to show you were paying attention:
A strong subject line like “Great Talking About the Job Title Position – Thanks Again!” makes your email after an interview stand out in the interviewer’s mind.
3. Share Your Main Message
This is the heart of your letter. The way you structure this section depends on your reason for writing. Keep it clear, engaging, and personal.
For a professional thank you note after a job interview:
If the interviewer asked about additional materials, be sure to follow up:
Mentioning something unique from the in person interview, phone interview, or next round of discussions keeps your message memorable
4. Keep It Conversational
Unlike formal letters, informal ones should feel natural and reflect how you normally speak. Here are some ways to keep it conversational:
A conversational tone makes your letter more engaging and enjoyable to read.
5. Match the Recipient’s Personality
When writing an informal thank-you letter, consider the personality of the interviewer and how they communicated during the conversation. A warm, natural tone helps maintain the connection you built during the interview.
- For a friendly, conversational interviewer: Keep your message engaging and personal. If they shared a lighthearted moment, referencing it can make your note feel more authentic.
Example:- For a more formal interviewer: Keep it professional yet warm.
Example:Mirroring their communication style makes your thank-you note feel more natural and reinforces your enthusiasm for the role.
6. Keep It Short and Focused
An informal letter doesn’t need to be long to be meaningful. Instead of covering too many topics, focus on one or two key points that make your letter feel personal and engaging.
For example:
Keeping it concise shows respect for their time while ensuring they actually read and enjoy your letter.
7. Use Natural Language
An informal letter should sound warm and real, not like a formal business email. Stick to simple, friendly phrasing.
The goal is to sound genuine, not stiff.
8. Mention Something Specific
If your letter is meant to show appreciation, referencing a specific moment or contribution makes it more meaningful.
For example:
Adding details makes the letter feel more thoughtful.
9. Include Your Contact Information
Even though the interviewer already has your details, it’s helpful to make it easy for them to reach you.
Example:- “You can reach me at [your email] or [your phone number] if you need anything else.”
This small touch adds convenience and ensures smooth communication.
10. Sign Off with Your Name
End your letter with a warm and friendly closing. Since this is an informal letter, keep it natural and reflective of your personality. You want the recipient to feel like they’re hearing from a real person, not a template.
Examples:- “Looking forward to staying in touch, [Your Name]”
- “All the best, [Your Name]”
- “Cheers, [Your Name]”
If you built a particularly friendly rapport with your interviewer, you can add a light personal touch:
A friendly but professional closing keeps the letter warm and engaging while reinforcing your enthusiasm.
11. Check for Typos
Even informal letters should be polished. A quick read-through helps catch typos or awkward phrasing. Reading it out loud can help ensure it flows naturally.
12. Send It Within 24 Hours
Timing matters! Sending your thank-you note within a day of your interview keeps the conversation fresh and shows enthusiasm. If you wait too long, you might miss the opportunity to make an impact before the hiring decision is made.
A well-crafted, timely thank-you note demonstrates professionalism, thoughtfulness, and attention to detail, all qualities that can set you apart from other candidates.
Examples of Informal Thank-You Notes
Here are three informal thank-you notes with varying levels of casualness. Feel free to adapt them to match the tone of your interview.
1. Short and Friendly
This version is quick and to the point, ideal if your interview was casual.
2. Thoughtful and Detailed
A slightly longer message that works well for a professional but conversational tone.
3. Enthusiastic and Professional
A warm, professional option for when you want to convey enthusiasm while keeping it polished.
Conclusion
Sending an email after an interview is a small step with big potential. By keeping it informal yet polished, you show professionalism, genuine enthusiasm, and a knack for building connections. Take the time to make it personal, it’s a small but valuable step in your job search that can leave a lasting impression. Now go craft your perfect note, you’ve got this!
