A Different Thank-You Email in English that Will Get You the Job
Last updated: 15 October 2020
“Thank goodness that’s over!”
“I think the interview went well. They seemed to like my answers. But…I only hope my English was ok and that I didn’t make too many grammar mistakes. There was that moment when I simply couldn’t find the right words. I just wanted to disappear then.”
“I can’t believe I forgot to mention that project I worked on. It was so important. I could kick myself.”
“I should have asked more questions when the interviewer talked about an upcoming expansion plan.”
“I hope they call.”
The excruciating experience that is the job interview whether it’s for a new job or promotion.
You walk away a bundle of nerves, sweaty palms, reminding yourself to breathe. As you review what just happened, you’re a mix of elation and despair.
It’s out of your control now. Now all you can do is wait nervously for that call or email.
What a horrible feeling.
You wonder if there’s anything else you could do. To remind the interviewer of your existence and how right you are for the job and them.
Ah, yes of course. You can send your interviewer (s) a thank-you email the day after.
You spend half a day creating a perfectly-crafted standard email in English regurgitating your skills and boring them about why you’re a good fit.
The same old email they receive in the thousands.
You know the one.
Not another standard thank-you email
Dear …,
Thank you so much for meeting with me today. It was such a pleasure to learn more about the team and position, and I’m very excited about the opportunity to join XXX and help [bring in new clients/develop world-class content/] with your team.
I look forward to hearing from you about the next steps in the hiring process, and please do not hesitate to contact me if I can provide additional information.
Best regards,
[Boring applicant]
Yawn.
You want to shine. You want your email to grab and keep your interviewer (s) attention. You want to make a lasting impression. A true connection.
You want an email that stands out. That doesn’t depend on ‘perfect’ English but uses the English you already have.
Time to shine
So, how about you make a real impression that doesn’t involve perfect grammar and unusual words that you found on Google Translate?
How about you show them:
➜ you truly listen and don’t just fret about your English
➜ how thoughtful you are
➜ how generous you are
How about you show them you’re refreshingly different?
Sound good? Let’s explore.
A good listener
What you normally do.
You walk into that interview ready to dazzle with your expertise and English.
You’ve prepared your ‘speeches’. In fact, you worked with an English coach to get it pitch-perfect. You walk in ready to perform. You’re ready for your audience to listen to how fabulous and right you are for that job.
You do all the talking and the interviewer does all the listening.
Doesn’t seem fair, does it? There doesn’t seem to be much communicating here. (Remember my mantra: communication is a 2-way street). There also doesn’t seem to be much probing or learning on your part.
There isn’t much listening out for the true meaning behind the interviewer’s question about your experience. What is it they’re truly looking for?
Not much asking well-thought-out questions and listening to the answers about the company’s plans, challenges, concerns, etc.
Try this instead
Walk in there not solely focused on yourself or on your own English, but with the intention of asking questions and listening to understand.
With the intention of finding ways where you can truly be helpful.
Thoughtful
You might have forgotten to highlight an experience you had and on further reflection and having listened carefully, you think that what you learned and gained from the experience might be helpful to the company.
For example, you worked on a project where you successfully solved a serious problem that this company is now facing. Your solution could be just what they need.
Not only would you be reminding them of your expertise, but you’d also demonstrate how you listened and carefully reflected on how you could be of help.
Generous
Irrespective of whether you get offered the job or promotion, you’re willing to make an unexpected gesture of generosity.
You’re willing to share how you and your team solved the problem – what strategies you adopted and suggest what the company could do to solve their issue. No strings attached.
I am The One for the job thank-you email
Put all this together and your thank-you email looks like this.
Dear XXX,
It was a pleasure to meet you yesterday. Thank you very much for your time. Here’s a link to that article/podcast I mentioned which I think you will find an eye-opener.
During the interview, you mentioned that [Name of Company] has been struggling with [describe a problem the company is having].
I’ve reflected more about this since, and I want to share a similar experience we had and the strategies we adopted to solve it which may be helpful to you.
Please take a look at the attached document for those strategies.
I hope that helps. Please consider me a resource—I’d love to be of service.
Kind Regards
[Your Name]
Conclusion
Don’t spend hours writing a perfectly-crafted email in English where you regurgitate your skills and bore them about why you’re a good fit.
The way to the top of the ‘pile’ is by listening, reflecting, being thoughtful and unexpectedly generous.
Then taking the English you already have, keep it short and simple and voilà, you have an unforgettable email.
Try it!
