Expressing gratitude after an informational interview is essential to show appreciation for the person's time and willingness to share their insights and expertise with you. Here's a guide on the best way to thank someone for their time during an informational interview:
Send a Thank-You Email: Within 24 hours of the interview, send a sincere and well-crafted thank-you email. This shows promptness and enthusiasm for the discussion.
Use a Professional Tone: Keep the tone of your thank-you email professional and courteous. Address the person by their name and use appropriate salutations.
Personalize the Message: Mention specific points from the interview that you found valuable or particularly insightful. This shows that you were actively engaged during the conversation.
Express Appreciation: Clearly express your gratitude for their time and willingness to share information with you. Let them know that you value the knowledge they imparted.
Be Specific: If their advice or insights have already made an impact or if you plan to take certain actions based on the conversation, let them know. This demonstrates that you are proactive and value their input.
Keep it Concise: Be mindful of the person's time and keep your thank-you email concise and to the point.
Reiterate Your Interest: If the informational interview was related to a job or career opportunity, express your continued interest in the position or field. Let them know that the discussion reinforced your enthusiasm.
Leave the Door Open: Politely express your willingness to follow up or stay in touch. You might mention that you'd appreciate any future guidance or advice they can offer.
Proofread Before Sending: Double-check your email for any errors or typos before hitting the send button. A polished and error-free email reflects positively on you.
Sample Thank-You Email:
Subject: Thank You for the Informational Interview
Dear [Interviewer's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for the informational interview we had yesterday. It was incredibly insightful, and I genuinely appreciate the time you took to share your expertise and experiences with me.
I found the discussion about [mention a specific topic discussed] particularly valuable, and it has given me a fresh perspective on [related area of interest]. Your insights have inspired me to explore new avenues in my career journey.
I want to reiterate my interest in [mention the position or industry you discussed] and am excited about the possibilities this field offers. I am looking forward to applying the knowledge gained from our conversation.
If there are any further tips or guidance you could provide, I would be grateful for the opportunity to learn from you. Please feel free to reach out if there's anything I can assist you with in the future.
Once again, thank you for your time and consideration. I hope our paths cross again soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name] [Your Contact Information]
Remember, a thoughtful and appreciative thank-you email can leave a lasting positive impression on the person and potentially open doors for future connections or opportunities.