Crafting a Professional Email to Follow Up After Interview
jillianhunt
July 22, 2023 6:42 pm
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10 min read
After a job interview, many candidates make the mistake of assuming their work is done. However, following up with a thank you email can be the difference between landing the job or not. A follow-up email after an interview demonstrates your eagerness, professionalism, and gratitude. In this section, we’ll discuss how to craft a professional email that will set you apart from other candidates.
Below, we’ll provide tips on timing and subject lines, structuring your email, personalizing your message, showcasing professionalism, and error-proofing your note. In addition, we’ll provide a customizable email template to help you draft an effective email that aligns with your individual interview experience.
By the end of this section, you’ll have a clear understanding of the importance of sending a thank you email, how to write one, and the key elements of a successful follow-up email after an interview.
Let’s get started with the basics.
Why Follow Up After an Interview?
Following up after an interview is a crucial step in the job search process. Not only does it show your gratitude and professionalism, but it also gives you the opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position and differentiate yourself from other candidates.
One of the most common ways to follow up after an interview is by sending a thank-you email. This email should express your appreciation for the interviewer’s time and highlight your interest in the role.
By sending a thank-you email, you create a positive impression in the interviewer’s mind, which can make a significant difference in their hiring decision. Moreover, it shows your attention to detail and proactive attitude towards the job search process, which are essential qualities that employers often look for in candidates.
Timing and Subject Line
After the interview, it is important to follow up with a thank-you email in a timely manner. Within 24-48 hours is appropriate, as it shows that you are both interested and organized. However, it is crucial not to appear too pushy or impatient.
When it comes to the subject line, make sure to keep it short and attention-grabbing. Avoid using generic phrases like “Follow-Up” or “Thank You.” Instead, try to personalize it based on your interview experience. For example, you could use “Thank You for Discussing the Marketing Strategy Position” or “Following Up on the Customer Service Role.” This will help your email stand out among the many others in the interviewer’s inbox.
Structuring Your Email
Now that you’ve established the importance of following up and considered the timing and subject line, it’s time to focus on the structure of your email. To create the maximum impact and convey professionalism, you need to structure your message effectively.
Opening Paragraph
Your opening paragraph should be brief and to the point. Start with a friendly greeting and express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the position. Mention the date and time of the interview and the position you applied for. Keep it simple and avoid repeating information that the interviewer already knows.
Body Paragraphs
The body of your email should consist of two to three paragraphs. Use these paragraphs to reinforce your qualifications and highlight the value you can bring to the organization. Mention any relevant skills or experiences that were not discussed during the interview. Show enthusiasm and reiterate your interest in the position.
If the interviewer raised any concerns or questions during the interview, address them in this section. Use this opportunity to provide additional information that may have been overlooked. This will demonstrate that you are attentive and proactive.
Closing Paragraph
The closing paragraph should be short and simple. Thank the interviewer again for their time and consideration. Mention that you look forward to hearing back from them regarding the next steps. Close with a polite and professional sign-off.
- Tip: Avoid using phrases like “I hope to hear from you soon” as it can come across as too pushy.
Customizing Your Message
Now that you understand the essential elements of a follow-up email, it’s time to customize your message. Here are some tips on how to personalize your email:
- Address the interviewer by name and thank them for their time.
- Reference specific topics or questions discussed during the interview, and reiterate your strengths and qualifications.
- Show your enthusiasm for the role and the company, and explain why you’re excited about the opportunity.
Here’s an example follow-up email using the tips above:
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about the [Job Title] role at [Company Name] on [Interview Date]. I enjoyed learning more about the position and the company’s mission and values.
I wanted to reiterate my strong interest in this opportunity and my belief that my [specific skills or experiences] make me a strong fit for the role. In particular, I was excited to hear about the company’s plans for [specific project or initiative mentioned in the interview] and I look forward to contributing to its success.
Thank you again for considering me for the position. I am eager to hear back from you and discuss next steps.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Showcasing Professionalism
One of the most critical aspects of crafting a follow-up email after an interview is maintaining professionalism throughout the message. Your email should convey your interest in the role and gratitude for the opportunity to interview while showcasing your qualifications and expertise.
When writing your email, use a friendly and professional tone that reflects your personality while avoiding overly informal language or slang. Address any concerns or questions you may have had during the interview, and reiterate your qualifications, skills, and experience that make you an excellent fit for the position.
It is also essential to proofread your email for any typos, grammatical errors, or formatting issues. A polished and error-free message will leave a positive and professional impression on the hiring manager.
Lastly, make sure to close your email with a clear call to action that highlights your enthusiasm for the position and your interest in moving forward with the next steps. This can include expressing your availability for further interviews or providing additional information that may be useful to the hiring manager.
Proofreading and Polishing
After crafting your follow-up email, it is essential to take some time to proofread and polish your message. This step is crucial in ensuring that your email appears professional, error-free, and conveys the right tone and message.
Proofreading Your Email
When proofreading your email, be sure to check for grammar and spelling errors, typos, and formatting issues. Pay attention to the tone of your email and ensure it aligns with the message you intend to convey. Reading your email out loud can also help identify any awkward phrasing or unclear language. Once you’ve identified any errors or issues, correct them before sending your email.
Polishing Your Email
Once you have proofread your email, it’s time to polish it to make an excellent impression on the recipient. One way to achieve this is by rearranging your sentences to improve clarity and flow. Another is to ensure that the salutations and sign-offs are appropriate for the recipient and the nature of your interaction. Also, make sure to use a professional email signature that includes your name, job title, and contact details. Finally, consider adding a second pair of eyes by having a friend or family member read over your email and provide feedback.
Add Value with Additional Information
A well-crafted follow-up email is an excellent opportunity to showcase your expertise and interest in the position. In addition to expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to interview, consider adding additional information that can enhance your chances of landing the job.
Some tips for adding value to your follow-up email include:
- Highlighting relevant experience or accomplishments that were not discussed during the interview
- Sharing additional resources or insights that may be helpful to the interviewer or the company
- Offering to provide references or examples of your work that were not included in your initial application
Remember, any additional information should be relevant and helpful without coming across as pushy. Avoid including too much information or anything that may be deemed confidential or proprietary.
Finalizing Your Email
Before you hit the send button, make sure you have taken the following steps:
- Double-check all the details: Ensure that you have spelled the interviewer’s name correctly and included the correct job title and company name. Review your email for any typos, grammatical errors, or factual inaccuracies.
- Ensure appropriate email etiquette: Use a professional email address and avoid using informal language or slang. Be respectful and courteous in your tone and avoid using all caps or excessive exclamation points.
- Highlight next steps or actions: End your email by thanking the interviewer for their time and reiterating your interest in the position. Be specific about any follow-up actions you intend to take, such as scheduling a second interview or checking in about the hiring decision.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your follow-up email is polished and professional, effectively communicating your gratitude and interest in the role.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Follow-Up Emails After Interviews
After an interview, it is crucial to follow up with a thank-you email to show your appreciation and maintain a professional connection with the interviewer. However, many job seekers have questions and concerns about the appropriate timing, content, and format of follow-up emails. In this section, we will provide answers to some of the most commonly asked questions to help you craft an effective and polished follow-up email.
Q1: When should I send a follow-up email after the interview?
Ideally, you should send a thank-you email within 24-48 hours after the interview. This timeframe shows your enthusiasm and appreciation for the interviewer’s time and consideration. However, if you don’t have the interviewer’s contact details or are unsure about the appropriate timing, you can ask your recruiter or HR representative for guidance.
Q2: What should I include in my follow-up email?
Your follow-up email should express gratitude for the interviewer’s time, reiterate your interest in the position, and briefly summarize your qualifications and relevant skills. You can also add value by including any additional information or resources that demonstrate your expertise or fit for the role. However, avoid sounding pushy or desperate, and keep your email concise and professional.
Q3: How should I address the interviewer in my email?
Address the interviewer by their title and last name, such as “Dear Mr. Smith” or “Dear Dr. Johnson.” If the interviewer has a first name or informal title, such as “John” or “Ms. Lee,” you can use it if you feel comfortable and it aligns with the company culture. However, avoid using overly familiar or casual language, such as “Hey” or “Hi there.”
Q4: Should I send a follow-up email if I’m no longer interested in the position?
Yes, it is courteous and professional to inform the interviewer if you have decided to decline the job offer or pursue other opportunities. A brief and polite email can help close the loop and maintain a positive relationship with the interviewer and company.
Q5: What are some common mistakes to avoid in a follow-up email?
Some common mistakes to avoid include: sending a generic or impersonal email, making spelling or grammar errors, writing excessively long or detailed emails, and sounding too pushy or insincere. Before sending your email, proofread it carefully and ensure that it reflects your professionalism, gratitude, and interest in the position.
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