Look, we’ve all sent the tragic “Thank you for your time” email that reads like it was written by a hostage. Meanwhile, the candidate who sends a short, human, slightly witty note is the one who gets the offer. Hiring managers are people too — they like people who don’t bore them to death.
Send these within 4–18 hours (same day = eager beaver, next morning = cool and collected). Subject line matters more than your degree, so don’t sleep on it.
Here are the 7 templates that have actually landed jobs (plus a sprinkle of humor so you don’t sound like you’re applying to be a tax auditor).
Template 1 – The Classic (but with personality) Subject: Thank you – still recovering from how much I enjoyed that chat
Hi [Name],
Just wanted to say thanks for today. I genuinely enjoyed hearing about [specific thing – the new product, the office dog, the fact you’re finally getting decent coffee]. It only made me more excited to throw my hat in the ring and hopefully ruin your budget with my brilliance one day.
If I can provide any extra info (or just more bad jokes), let me know.
Cheers, [Your Name] [Your Number] (in case you want to hire me immediately)
Template 2 – When You’re Obsessed With the Company (without being creepy) Subject: Thank you – I’m now emotionally invested in your success
Hi [Name],
I’ve interviewed at a lot of places, but today was the first time I walked out thinking, “I would actually cry if I don’t get this job.” (Too much? Maybe. True? 100 %.)
Your plans for [specific thing they mentioned] are ridiculously cool, and I’d love nothing more than to help make them happen — ideally while getting paid and not just stalking your careers page like a loser.
Looking forward to next steps (and trying not to refresh my inbox every 7 seconds).
Best, [Your Name]
Template 3 – Panel Interview (because nobody should have to write 5 separate emails) Subject: Thank you all – I promise I have a normal amount of enthusiasm
Hi [Name 1], [Name 2], and [Name 3],
Thank you for tag-teaming me today. [Name 1], your question about [topic] was excellent (and mildly terrifying). [Name 2], I’m now obsessed with the project you described. [Name 3], yes, I did notice the football on your desk — go [team] or are we enemies now?
All in all, I left even more excited than when I walked in, which is saying something because I was already pretty caffeinated.
Happy to provide anything else you need.
Best, [Your Name]
Template 4 – The “I Totally Forgot to Brag About This” Save Subject: Quick follow-up before my brain explodes
Hi [Name],
One thing I completely blanked on today (because nerves apparently turn me into a goldfish): at [Previous Company], I [quick impressive achievement in one line]. Thought you’d want to know before you make any rash decisions… like hiring someone else.
Still riding the high from our chat. Thanks again!
[Your Name
Template 5 – Final Round (confidence level: finally stopped sweating) Subject: Thank you – I’ve already mentally redecorated my future desk
Hi [Name],
Today confirmed what I suspected: I want in. Badly. Your vision for the next year sounds like the kind of challenge people write LinkedIn posts about, and I’d love to be part of making it real (preferably before I start sending you baked goods as bribery).
Ready when you are.
Warmly, [Your Name]
Template 6 – The Polite “Are We Dead?” Nudge After Radio Silence Subject: Still alive and still very interested
Hi [Name],
Just checking in after our interview on [date] — I haven’t been ghosted this hard since Tinder in 2019. Kidding (mostly).
I remain super excited about the role and wanted to see if there’s any update or anything else I can provide while you decide my fate.
Thanks again for your time!
Best, [Your Name]
Thanks for letting me know. While I’m currently stress-eating cookies in the fetal position, I genuinely loved learning about the team and still think [Company] is doing seriously cool things.
If anything changes (or you just need someone who can make a decent cup of tea), keep me in mind. Wishing you all the best!
Warm regards, [Your Name] (future colleague… maybe in another timeline)
There you go — seven templates that make you sound human, memorable, and hireable (without trying too hard). Pick one, add your details, hit send, and go treat yourself to something strong.