It is not required, but it is a clear advantage. A TopResume survey shows that 68% of hiring managers view thank-you emails positively, and that they can tip a close decision. In Denmark it is less common than in the US, which means you stand out if you do it correctly and keep it brief.
Interview tip
Thank-You Email After a Job Interview – Example and Guide
Learn to write the perfect thank-you email after a job interview. Examples, timing, subject line, and what to remember. Simple advice that can tip a close decision.
Step-by-step guide
- 1
Send the email within 24 hours
A thank-you email should be sent by the day after the interview — preferably the same evening or the next morning. Sending it too late loses its effect. Sending it too quickly (e.g. within an hour) can seem unreflective. 12–24 hours is the ideal window. If you had a panel interview with several interviewers, send one combined email to the primary contact — not individual emails to everyone.
- 2
Open with a concrete reference to the interview
The first line should show the email was written specifically for them — not from a template. Mention one concrete point from the interview: a project they described, a challenge they outlined, or something that surprised you positively. Example: "Thank you for a good conversation on Tuesday. Your approach to user involvement in product development was especially interesting — that is exactly the type of work I thrive in." A concrete reference shows you were listening and are genuinely interested.
- 3
Confirm your interest — briefly and directly
The thank-you email is your chance to confirm you are still motivated. State it explicitly: "The conversation has strengthened my interest in the role significantly." Employers doubt candidates' interest far more often than you might think — a clear confirmation can tip a close decision. Keep it to one sentence; you do not need to rewrite your application.
- 4
Add one new point you did not mention
Think back: was there something you forgot to mention, or a question you did not get to ask? A thank-you email is a natural place to add a brief follow-up point. Example: "I remembered that in my current job I also have experience with [X], which you mentioned as a plus — I did not mention that in the interview." Keep it to max two sentences and one new point; it should not read like another application.
- 5
Close with a clear, active phrase
Avoid passive closings like "I hope to hear from you." Instead write: "I look forward to hearing about the next steps" or "I am available for a follow-up conversation from [date]." It signals you are ready to move forward — without seeming impatient. Close with a brief, polite greeting and your full name.
- 6
Keep the email short — max 150 words
A thank-you email is not a new application. It should be max 4–6 sentences. Long emails are not read and dilute the message. Use the subject line actively: "Thank you for the interview — [Job title] — [Your name]" makes it easy to find again. Avoid attachments unless they specifically asked for something. Send as plain text — no HTML formatting or colours.
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Frequently asked questions
Use a clear subject line that is easy to find again: "Thank you for the interview – [Job title] – [Your name]" is the most effective format. Alternatively: "Follow-up on interview [date] – [Your name]". Avoid vague subject lines like just "Hi" or "Follow-up".
Yes — in fact it is good form to withdraw your application with a brief, polite email rather than simply ignoring them. It is a small job market in Denmark, and recruiters remember candidates who behave professionally. Thank them for the interview and briefly state that you have chosen a different direction.
More than 48 hours after the interview, the effect starts to fade. If 3+ days have passed, it is better to skip it than to send an email that was clearly forgotten. If you received a rejection before you could send one, you can still reply to the rejection with a polite thank you — it keeps the door open for future roles.