You know that sending a thank-you email after an interview is a must. But while following up with a note of appreciation can help you stand out, sending a bad post-interview thank-you email can actually do more harm than good. A poorly written or thoughtless message can make you seem unprofessional, disengaged, or even disinterested in the role.
To avoid making a mistake that could cost you the job, read on for what not to say in a thank-you note after the interview—and other common mistakes to steer clear of.
5 things you shouldn’t say in a post-interview thank-you note
Recruiters and hiring managers are busy, so while your message should be thoughtful, it also needs to be concise and professional. Knowing what to avoid helps you focus on what really matters.
So, what should you not say in a thank-you for an interview? Here are some things to steer clear of at all costs.
1. Over-the-top flattery
Phrases like “You’re the best manager I’ve ever met!” or “I’ve never been so excited about a job in my life!” can sound insincere. Express enthusiasm, but don’t overdo it.
2. Salary talk
It’s not the time to negotiate salary or perks. Asking about salary after the interview might come across as inappropriate or make it seem like you lacked the confidence to address compensation face-to-face.
3. AI-generated or generic language
There’s no reason not to use technology, as long as you use it the right way. That means crafting a message that’s genuine, professional, and personalized. Hiring managers can spot a copied-and-pasted email—or one generated by artificial intelligence (AI)—from a mile away. A robotic, impersonal thank-you note lacks authenticity and can backfire at you, making you seem disengaged.
Always make sure your email reflects your own voice and includes personal details from the interview. “Mention something specific from the interview to personalize the message is a must,” says Kevandre Thompson, senior talent acquisition partner at Innomotics.
4. Using the wrong tone
If you’re too formal, you might come across as stiff and distant. On the other hand, if you’re too casual—using slang, emojis, or an overly familiar tone—you risk sounding unprofessional. Match your tone to the company culture and the way your interviewers communicated with you.
For example, “Hey, it was super cool meeting you all! Can’t wait to join the team!” is too informal, while “Dear Sir/Madam, I extend my deepest gratitude for your time” can feel overly rigid.
5. Begging or coming across as desperate
Expressing enthusiasm for the role is great, but desperation is not. Phrases like “I’ll do anything for this job” or “Please, I really need this opportunity” can make you seem less confident and may even raise red flags for hiring managers. Instead of pleading, reinforce why you’re the right fit by emphasizing your skills, experience, and excitement for the position.
How to thank someone for an interview: Other mistakes to avoid
Even if your wording is perfect, other missteps can ruin your post-interview thank-you email. Here are some additional things to avoid:
Don’t wait too long to send it
The best time to send a thank-you note after an interview is within 24 hours of your meeting with the hiring manager. “Doing this keeps you fresh in the interviewer’s mind and shows promptness, enthusiasm, and your seriousness about the position,” Thompson says. If you wait too long—especially more than three days—it may seem like an afterthought.
Don’t send an email immediately after the interview
While enthusiasm is great, firing off a thank-you email within minutes of ending the interview can feel rushed and impersonal. Take a little time to reflect on the conversation and craft a thoughtful message.
Don’t send a long-winded email
A thank-you email after an interview should be short and to the point. “Keep it to a few sentences—three to five,” Thompson says. “You do not need to write a one-page essay.”
Don’t send the same generic email to multiple interviewers
If you interviewed with multiple people, personalize each email. Simply copying and pasting the same message can make it seem like you put in minimal effort.
Don’t forget to proofread
A thank-you email with typos, misspellings, or incorrect names is a surefire way to make a bad impression. Read it out loud and double-check everything before hitting send.
For extra guidance, read this next: How to Write a Thank-you Email After an Interview (with Samples!)
The right way to follow up
A well-written thank-you email after an interview can reinforce your interest in the role and leave a positive impression. Keep it professional, sincere, and personalized. And if you’re unsure whether your post-interview thank-you email is doing more harm than good, it may be better to skip it altogether. Taking the time to write a thoughtful, polished follow-up message can set you apart from other candidates—so make sure you get it right!