How to thank effectively in a job interview

Your goal should definitely be to score with great answers to difficult interview questions, but giving a few thanks in the right places and in the right way can really seal the deal.

Think of a thank you as an opportunity to express your gratitude and highlight your enthusiasm for the job. Courtesy and good manners increase your employability quotient and set you apart from the competition. And if necessary, a pleasant temperament can sometimes even make up for a lack of knowledge.

Here are some simple ways to make an ordinary thank you very effective:

Get off to a good start

Well started is half done and making sure you start your job interview on a good note is crucial. Candidates sometimes reschedule appointments, and if you have, remember to express your appreciation with a “Thank you for fitting me into your busy schedule.”

Emergencies and unforeseen delays can upset the best planners, and in case you are late, thank you politely by saying, “An unfortunate accident stopped traffic for a long period of time; thank you for continuing to see me today.” He is supposed to have called the meeting facilitator as soon as he realized that he would not be there on time.

Polite responses

Interviewees often ask if there is any way to find out how the interview is going; politely ask, “I hope my explanation has fully answered your question” or “Do you want me to give more details?” This tells the interviewer that you are excited to make a great impression, and your response will tell you how the interview is progressing.

If you need clarification for any question, ask; is better than giving the wrong answer. You can then start your response with: “Thanks for the clarification, it helped me structure my thoughts …”

Nod your head and smile

Getting nervous about an interview is natural. When the stakes are high, it’s common for all knees to shake, but there’s a great way to eliminate anxiety and make a big impression: smile. Fight stress with a smile and nod frequently so that the hiring manager knows that you are interested in what they are saying.

Both smiling and nodding do not come naturally to many people and it is strongly recommended that you rehearse your actions in front of a mirror in advance.

Firm handshake

Exchanging courtesies with a handshake is common in most parts of the world, and while a good handshake can portray you as a confident man, a bad one can ruin your chances of landing the job.

A warm thank you is easily conveyed with a gentle handshake, and while there are several theories detailing the perfect handshake, it is best to be safe with a semi-extended arm offering your hand at 90 degrees.

Thank you letter / email

Thank you letters (or emails that are convenient and perfectly acceptable alternatives) are the most important thing a job applicant should do after an interview. Unfortunately, this must-do activity is also the one most often forgotten.

Thank you notes definitely convey your gratitude for the interviewer’s time and your enthusiasm for the opportunity, but they also serve two other key purposes. First of all, if there was information that you were unable to provide during the interview session, you can attach it along with this note and make sure your application is complete. Second, a thank you is a reminder of your candidacy in the sea of ​​other apps that are also vying for the position.

Always personalize the note with the correct names and even a meeting anecdote if it fits professionally. To do this, you must get the interviewer’s business cards or call reception to obtain their official contact information.