Why is your interview thank you email subject line important?

By Patrick Published on November 20, 2023

Creating a compelling subject line for your post-interview thank-you email is crucial, as it's the first element your interviewer will notice. A well-crafted subject line serves as a gateway to your gratitude note, potentially influencing the interviewer's decision to engage with your message. It's essential to strike a balance between clarity and brevity to ensure your subject line is impactful and visible, especially on mobile devices.

Top Three Strategies for Effective Thank-You Email Subject Lines

When formulating your subject line, remember to:

1. Prioritize Transparency: Avoid overly clever or misleading teasers. Your intent should be straightforward, allowing the interviewer to anticipate the content of your email.

2. Emphasize Clarity: Given that interviewers often meet numerous candidates or are involved in various recruitment processes, your subject line should provide sufficient detail to trigger recognition, including your identity and the context of the interview.

3. Aim for Brevity: With varying email platforms and devices, subject line length can greatly impact visibility. A good benchmark is ensuring visibility on standard devices, like an iPhone 13 Pro, where approximately 40 characters are shown without truncation. Keep it short, yet descriptive and professional.


Essential Elements to Include in Your Thank-You Email Subject Line

To capture your interviewer's attention, consider incorporating:


- Expressions of gratitude, such as "Thank you" or "Thanks."

- References to the interaction, like "Thank you for our discussion" or "Thanks for the interview."

- The specific job title, for example, "Thank You - Marketing Manager Interview."

- Timing of the interview, if sent promptly, like "Thanks for this morning's conversation."


There's no need to restate your full name in the subject line as it will be displayed in the sender's details.


Templates and Illustrations for Interview Thank-You Email Subject Lines

Utilize the following structures to create your unique subject line, tailored to your interview experience:


Basic Thank-You Email Subject Line Template:

Opt for a straightforward approach:


[Expression of gratitude] for [interaction type]


Filled examples:


- "Thank you for our meeting"

- "Thanks for your time today"

- "Appreciate the discussion this morning"


Specific Thank-You Email Subject Line Template:

To add specificity:


[Expression of gratitude] for [specific discussion topic]


Examples include:


- "Grateful for Insight on PopCorp’s Marketing Strategies"

- "Thankful for the Digital Marketing Conversation"

- "Appreciate the Finance and Leisure Chat"


Inquisitive Thank-You Email Subject Line Template:

To follow up with a pertinent inquiry:


[Expression of gratitude] [concise, relevant question]


Such as:


- "Thanks for the interview - May I provide more references?"

- "Thankful for our talk - Any further info needed?"

- "Thanks and a question about next steps"


Ready-to-Use Thank-You Email Subject Line Examples:

These direct examples are ready for immediate use:


- "Heartfelt thanks!"

- "Appreciate the engaging interview"

- "Thanks for today's insightful meeting" 


Remember, the thank-you email is not only a gesture of politeness but also a strategic move to keep you at the forefront of the interviewer's mind. Use these tips to craft a subject line that will ensure your email gets the attention it deserves.