You passed the CV screening, aced the online test and walked out of your interview, feeling like it went well? Congrats! But before you shut your laptop and mentally move on, there’s one small step that can still make a big difference: the thank-you email.
In this article, you'll learn what a thank-you email is, why it's especially valuable in the consulting and finance world, when to send it, and what to include. You’ll also get a simple structure to follow, clear do’s and don’ts, and a sample message you can use as a starting point.
Let’s get started!
A thank-you email is a short, polite message you send to your interviewer after a job interview. It’s your chance to express appreciation for the conversation and ideally reaffirm why you’re a strong fit for the role and the team.
In consulting and finance, especially in the US or Canada, thank-you emails are a common and expected part of the interview process. They’re seen as a sign of professionalism, attention to detail, and strong communication skills.
You might be wondering: Do I really need to send a thank you email? Isn’t it a bit much? The short answer: It’s not required, but it’s an easy way to stand out in the competitive application process at top firms like McKinsey, Bain & Company, or Goldman Sachs.
Especially in interviews where many candidates are equally qualified, small gestures can make a big difference. A thank-you email gives you the chance to reinforce your genuine interest in the role, the team, and the company. It shows appreciation, professionalism, and attention to detail – qualities that matter in consulting and finance.
It’s also a great opportunity to reference something specific from the conversation. Maybe there was an interesting topic you want to briefly follow up on, or a point you’d like to add now that you’ve had time to reflect. A thank-you email is the perfect place for that.
Bottom line: It’s not about flattery. It’s about finishing strong and making sure your interview leaves a lasting, positive impression.
You don’t need to send a thank-you email the second your interview ends. It’s better to take a moment to reflect and write a clear, well-thought-out message. Sending it too quickly can make it feel rushed or impersonal.
Still, timing matters. Aim to send your note within 24 hours of the interview, while the conversation is still fresh in your and the interviewer’s mind. The best approach is to write it later the same day or by the next morning.
💡 Tip: A thank-you email is a good idea after every round of interviews. The more meaningful or in-depth the conversation was, the more important it is to follow up. This is especially true when you’ve spoken with partners or senior decision-makers.
A thank-you Email doesn’t need to be long or complicated, but a few key things can make the difference between forgettable and impactful. Here are some helpful tips to guide you:
Do’s
Don’ts
💡 Note: Your thank-you email isn’t the right place to ask for a status update. If you haven’t heard back after the timeline mentioned in the interview, it’s fine to follow up later with a short, polite email.
Writing a thank-you email isn’t complicated, but having a clear structure helps you express your thoughts in a professional and organized way. Your message should be concise and personal, while showing that you listened closely and appreciated the conversation.
Here’s a simple structure you can follow:
Start with a polite and personal greeting. Then, thank the interviewer for their time and mention something specific that stood out to you. Refer back to a point from the conversation or briefly add a thoughtful comment. This shows you were engaged and reflective. In the next sentence, you can express your continued interest in the role without sounding too eager or pushy. Finish with a friendly and professional closing.
This example can help you get a feel for how a thank-you Email might sound. Important: Don’t copy this (or any other template) word for word. To make a strong impression, personalize your message to reflect your own voice and the specific conversation you had.
Subject: Thank you for the conversation
Dear [Name of Interviewer],
Thank you for the insightful and engaging conversation on [Date] and for sharing more about your work at [Company Name]. I especially appreciated your perspective on [e.g., digital strategy, M&A, restructuring]. It further confirmed my interest in joining your team.
I truly valued our discussion. Your insights into starting out in consulting were both helpful and motivating.
I’m excited about the next steps in the process and would be happy to provide any additional information if needed.
Best regards,
[Your First and Last Name]
A thank-you email is a small but powerful step after a job interview, especially in consulting and finance, where professionalism, initiative, and strong communication skills really matter.
To make an impact, your note should be personal, well-written, and clearly connected to the conversation you had. Skip the generic phrases and avoid anything that feels too pushy or unauthentic.
Timing is also key: aim to send your message within 24 hours of the interview. A simple structure can help – start with a warm greeting, thank your interviewer, reference something specific from the conversation, express continued interest, and close professionally.
With the right tone and timing, a thank-you Email shows appreciation and reinforces your interest and helps you leave a strong, lasting impression.
