Like Flossing But for Your Career: 4 Thank-You Emails You Need to Send

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Nobody wants to floss. It’s awkward and sometimes painful, right up until your dentist brings out the scraper and the guilt. Thank-you emails in a job search are the career version of flossing. They don’t take long, but avoiding them builds plaque on your reputation. Worse, skipping the right thank-you can unknowingly impact your momentum.

Awkward or not, learn more below about four must-send thank-you notes, with examples.

After the Interview: The Classic Clean-Up

A thoughtful thank-you isn’t just polite. It’s strategic. A simple email reinforces your interest, reminds the interviewer of your strengths, and sets you apart from the 68% of candidates who won’t send one.

🪥 Floss version: Basic hygiene. Skipping it leaves a bad impression.

Example:

“Thanks again for our conversation today. I appreciated your insights on the team’s current challenges, especially the shift to a new system. I’m excited about the role and how I could contribute to the transition, particularly with my background in streamlining operations during system changes.”

After Rejection: The Class Act

This floss is the hard-to-reach and easy-to-ignore space between your molars. Sending a gracious thank-you when you don’t get the job shows your interest and professionalism and keeps the door open.

🪥 Floss version: Prevents future decay (aka, keeps you in the running for other roles).

Example:

“I truly appreciate the opportunity to interview and learn more about the team. While disappointed, I’m grateful for the experience and even more interested in the company’s direction, especially your focus on collaboration and generative AI initiatives. I’d love to be considered for future opportunities.”

Post Referral: The Connection Thank-You

Whether it’s an intro to a hiring manager or a referral to a company, this thank-you matters more than people realize. When someone puts their name on the line for you, a warm, prompt thank-you builds trust and makes them more likely to do it again.

🪥 Floss version: Keeps your relationships fresh and your network healthy.

Example:

“Thank you so much for connecting me with Maria. We had a great conversation, and I’m excited to follow up with her team. I really appreciate your support. Your thoughtful introduction opened a door and reinforced the power of having advocates like you in my corner.”

Post Informational Interview: The Take-Away Thank-You

A quick thank-you here can turn a casual contact into an advocate. People love feeling helpful, and your follow-up note confirms that their time and insight were valuable.

🪥 Floss version: Removes the awkward bits and leaves you smiling.

Example:

“I really enjoyed our conversation and appreciated your advice about breaking into project management. Your suggestion to explore short-term certifications was incredibly helpful. Thank you again for your time.”

You don’t have to send a thank-you novel. A few sincere, specific sentences will do the trick. Think of it as the daily flossing of your job search: easy to skip, but always worth it.

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Hillary Hufford-Tucker is the founder of Relevated Brands. Since 2019, she’s helped professionals grow visibility and relevance through distinctive resumes, LinkedIn profile optimization, and individualized personal brand plans. Hillary holds certifications in career coaching, transitions, digital strategy, and reinvention, along with an MA in strategic communications and a Level Two Award in Wine from WSET. Splitting time between Illinois and California, she’s a cyclist, author, traveler, and Syrah enthusiast, sometimes all at once.