Mastering the Follow Up Email After Interview: Key Strategies
jillianhunt
July 21, 2023 6:05 pm
.
15 min read
It’s no secret that job interviews can be nerve-wracking. You spend time researching the company, practicing your responses to tough questions, and perfecting your outfit. But even after the interview is over, there’s still work to be done. One of the most important steps in the post-interview process is the follow-up email.
Despite its significance, many job seekers struggle with crafting an effective follow-up email. It can be tough to know what to say, how to say it, and most importantly, when to say it. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you master the art of the follow-up email after an interview.
The Importance of Follow Up After an Interview
After an interview, the follow-up is just as important as the initial meeting. Following up after an interview is an opportunity for you to reiterate your interest in the position, thank the interviewer for their time, and showcase your professionalism and communication skills. It sets you apart from other candidates who may not take this extra step.
By sending a post-interview email, you demonstrate that you are responsible, diligent, and motivated. It also gives the hiring manager a chance to see how you communicate in a professional setting. A thoughtful follow-up email can make a significant difference in the employer’s decision-making process and increase your chances of getting hired.
The Importance of Follow Up After an Interview
- It shows your interest and enthusiasm for the position.
- It helps you stand out from other candidates.
- It highlights your professionalism and communication skills.
- It gives you an opportunity to reiterate your qualifications and relevant experience.
- It keeps you top of mind for the hiring manager when making their decision.
- It can provide clarity on next steps and timelines for the hiring process.
Crafting an Effective Follow Up Email – Dos and Don’ts
One of the keys to a successful interview is mastering the art of the follow-up email. A well-crafted follow-up email can keep you top of mind with the interviewer and demonstrate your continued interest in the position. However, there are also some common follow-up email mistakes to avoid. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when crafting your follow-up email:
Do: Customize Your Email
A generic follow-up email can come across as insincere and decrease your chances of getting hired. Take the time to personalize your email by referencing specific details from the interview or the company itself. This shows that you listened carefully during the interview and that you have a genuine interest in the position.
Don’t: Sound Desperate
While expressing your interest is important, it’s essential to avoid sounding desperate or needy in your follow-up email. Avoid phrases like “I really need this job” or “I’m so desperate for work.” Instead, focus on demonstrating your qualifications and how they align with the company’s needs.
Do: Keep it Short and Sweet
Interviewers are busy people, so keep your follow-up email short and to the point. Thank the interviewer for their time, express your continued interest, and offer any additional information or materials that may be relevant to the position.
Don’t: Send the Same Email to Everyone
If you’re interviewing for multiple positions, it’s important to personalize each follow-up email for the specific position and interviewer. Sending the same email to everyone can come across as lazy and diminish your chances of being hired.
Do: Check for Errors
Before sending your email, be sure to proofread it carefully for any typos or grammatical errors. A poorly written follow-up email can leave a negative impression and hurt your chances of being hired.
Don’t: Be Too Pushy
While it’s important to express your continued interest in the position, it’s also important to avoid being too pushy or aggressive in your follow-up email. Avoid phrases like “When can I expect to hear back from you?” or “I need to know if I got the job or not.” Instead, express your appreciation for the interviewer’s time and reiterate your qualifications for the position.
By following these dos and don’ts, you can craft an effective follow-up email that leaves a positive impression with the interviewer and increases your chances of getting hired.
Crafting an Effective Follow Up Email – Dos and Don’ts
Once you’ve decided to follow up after an interview, it’s important to craft an effective email. Here are some dos and don’ts to help you:
Do personalize your email
A generic email won’t grab the recipient’s attention. Use their name and reference specific details from the interview to make your email stand out.
Don’t sound desperate
While it’s important to show your interest, avoid sounding desperate or pushy. Keep your tone polite and professional.
Also Read:
Do keep it brief and to the point
Aim for a length of 3-4 short paragraphs. Mention why you’re writing, thank them for their time, and express your continued interest.
Don’t forget to proofread
Make sure to double-check for any spelling or grammatical errors before sending. A well-written email will make a good impression.
- Do: Address the interviewer by name and personalize the email
- Don’t: Send a generic email
- Do: Keep the email brief and to the point
- Don’t: Ramble on or sound desperate
- Do: Proofread your email before sending
- Don’t: Forget to check for errors
By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll be well on your way to crafting an effective follow-up email that will impress your interviewer and keep you top of mind.
Timeliness: When to Send Your Follow-Up Email
Timing is key when it comes to sending a follow-up email after an interview. You don’t want to come across as too pushy or desperate, but at the same time, you don’t want to wait too long and risk losing out on the opportunity.
Should I send a follow-up email the same day?
Sending a follow-up email the same day as your interview is not recommended. It can come across as too aggressive and may give the impression that you are not respecting the interviewer’s time. Instead, wait at least 24 hours before sending a follow-up email.
How long should I wait before sending a follow-up email?
The ideal time to send a follow-up email is within 24 to 48 hours after your interview. This gives the interviewer enough time to review your application and make a decision, while also showing that you are interested in the position and taking the initiative to follow up.
What should I do if I haven’t heard back after sending a follow-up email?
If you haven’t heard back after sending a follow-up email, it’s important to remain patient and professional. Give the interviewer enough time to review your application and make a decision. If you still haven’t heard back after a week or two, you can send a polite follow-up email asking for an update on the hiring process.
- When sending a follow-up email, make sure to keep it brief and to the point.
- Be polite and professional in your tone and language.
- Thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you and express your continued interest in the position.
By following these tips, you can send a timely and effective follow-up email that showcases your interest in the position and leaves a positive impression on the interviewer.
Structuring Your Follow-Up Email for Impact
Once you’ve reviewed our tips on crafting an effective follow-up email, it’s time to think about the structure of your message. While there are no hard and fast rules, following a basic structure will help you make the best impression and convey your message clearly.
Opening
Start with a brief greeting and thank the interviewer for their time. Restate your interest in the role and mention any key points discussed during the interview.
Main Body
Use the main body of the email to reinforce your suitability for the role. Mention any relevant skills or experience that weren’t covered during the interview, and highlight how you could contribute to the company if hired.
If you have any questions or concerns that have arisen since the interview, this is also a good time to bring them up. Keep in mind that you want to keep the focus on the company and the role, not on yourself.
Closing
End the email by thanking the interviewer again for their time and reiterating your interest in the role. If appropriate, offer to provide additional information or answer any follow-up questions.
End with a professional sign-off and your contact information.
Formatting Tips
- Keep your paragraphs short and easy to read.
- Use bullet points to break up text and draw attention to key points.
- Avoid using fancy fonts or colors, and stick to basic black text on a white background.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a follow-up email that leaves a positive impression on the interviewer and sets you apart from the competition.
Showcasing Your Continued Interest
One of the best ways to make an impact with your follow-up email after an interview is by showcasing your continued interest in the position and the company. Start off by thanking the interviewer again for their time and reiterating your enthusiasm for the position.
For example, you could say something like:
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I wanted to thank you once again for taking the time to meet with me and discuss the [Position] role at [Company]. I really enjoyed our conversation and am even more excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to your team.
After expressing your gratitude and interest, you could also include a specific detail you learned during the interview that resonated with you. This could show that you were actively engaged during the conversation and have taken the time to reflect on it.
For example, you could say:
One thing that really stood out to me during our conversation was your company’s commitment to [specific initiative]. As someone who is passionate about [related topic], I could see myself really thriving in an environment that values [value].
Remember, the goal here is to not only express your continued interest in the position, but also to stand out among other candidates. By showcasing your enthusiasm and highlighting a unique aspect of your conversation, you could leave a lasting impression on the interviewer.
Making an Impact with Your Follow-Up Email
After an interview, it’s crucial to send a follow-up email to showcase your continued interest in the role and thank the interviewer for their time. However, a generic email may not leave as much of an impact as a well-crafted and personalized message. Here are some tips to help your follow-up email stand out:
Highlight Your Skills and Experience
Start your email by reminding the interviewer of your skills and experience, and how they align with the requirements of the role. This will help to reinforce your candidacy and remind the interviewer why you’re a strong fit for the position.
Show Gratitude
Express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the position and for the interviewer’s time. It’s important to acknowledge the effort they put into the interview process and to convey your appreciation for their consideration.
Reinforce Your Interest and Enthusiasm
Make it clear in your email that you’re excited about the opportunity to join the company and that the role aligns with your professional goals. This will help to reinforce your enthusiasm and commitment to the opportunity.
Suggest Next Steps
End your email by suggesting next steps, such as a follow-up call or meeting to discuss further. This shows that you’re proactive and engaged in the process and helps to keep the conversation moving forward.
By following these tips, you can create a follow-up email that not only shows your continued interest in the role, but also highlights your skills and enthusiasm, setting you apart from other candidates and making a lasting impression on the interviewer.
Following Up on Next Steps
After sending your follow-up email, it’s important to keep track of any responses or next steps that were discussed during the interview. If the interviewer provided a specific timeline for making a decision, mark that date on your calendar and follow up accordingly.
If you haven’t received a response after a week or so, it’s appropriate to send a brief message reiterating your interest and asking for an update on the status of the position. Keep in mind that employers can have very busy schedules, so it’s important to be patient but persistent when following up.
Handling Non-Response to Your Follow-Up Email
It can be frustrating to not receive a response to your follow-up email after an interview. Here are some tips for handling this situation:
- Don’t panic: First and foremost, do not panic. It’s common for hiring managers to be busy and not respond immediately.
- Wait: Give the hiring manager some time to respond before sending another follow-up email. Wait at least one week.
- Be polite: When you do send another follow-up email, be polite and professional, and avoid sounding pushy or demanding.
- Make a phone call: If you still haven’t received a response after sending a second follow-up email, consider making a phone call to the hiring manager. Be polite and professional on the phone, and explain that you’re following up on your application.
- Move on: If you still don’t hear back after making a phone call, it’s time to move on. Don’t take it personally, and don’t let it discourage you. Simply continue your job search and keep applying to other opportunities.
Remember, a non-response doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t get the job. There could be a number of reasons why the hiring manager hasn’t responded, ranging from a large number of applicants to company restructuring. Stay positive, stay professional, and keep moving forward with your job search.
Maintaining Professionalism in Follow-Up Emails
When it comes to crafting a follow-up email after an interview, it’s important to maintain a level of professionalism. The email is an opportunity for you to showcase your interest in the position, but also to demonstrate your communication skills and attention to detail. Here are some tips for maintaining professionalism in your follow-up email:
Use Proper Salutations
Start your email with a proper salutation such as “Dear [Interviewer’s Name]” or “Hello [Interviewer’s Name]”. Using a proper salutation shows that you respect the interviewer and the company.
Avoid Using Slang or Abbreviations
Keep your language formal and avoid using slang or abbreviations. This will show that you take the interview process seriously and that you’re a professional.
Proofread Your Email
Before sending your email, proofread it for any grammar or spelling errors. A professional email should be error-free and easy to read. You can also use tools such as Grammarly to help you catch any mistakes.
Keep Your Tone Positive
It’s important to keep your tone positive and enthusiastic in your follow-up email. Thank the interviewer for their time and express your continued interest in the position.
Use Proper Sign-Offs
End your email with a proper sign-off such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards” followed by your name and contact information. This will show that you’re professional and that you’re interested in staying in touch with the company.
Following these tips will help you maintain professionalism in your follow-up email and increase your chances of landing the job.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Follow-Up Emails After Interviews
Q: How soon should I send a follow-up email after an interview?
A: It’s best to send a follow-up email within 24-48 hours after your interview. This shows that you’re proactive and enthusiastic about the position.
Q: What should I include in a follow-up email?
A: You should express gratitude for the interviewer’s time, reiterate your interest in the position, and ask about the timeline for the hiring process. You may also include any additional information that you forgot to mention during the interview.
Q: How should I address the interviewer in my follow-up email?
A: It’s best to address the interviewer using their formal title (e.g. Mr. or Ms.) and last name. If you’re unsure of their preferred title, you can use their first name instead.
Q: Should I send a follow-up email if I already sent a thank-you note?
A: Yes, a follow-up email is different from a thank-you note. The follow-up email is a chance to reiterate your interest in the position and ask any unanswered questions from the interview.
Q: How many follow-up emails should I send?
A: It’s appropriate to send one or two follow-up emails after an interview. If you still haven’t received a response after that, it’s best to move on and focus on other opportunities.
Q: Can I follow up with the interviewer by phone instead of email?
A: It’s best to stick to email for follow-ups. Phone calls can be intrusive and may catch the interviewer off-guard. If you haven’t heard back after several follow-up emails, you can try calling the interviewer as a last resort.
Q: Should I ask for feedback in my follow-up email?
A: It’s best to avoid asking for feedback in your follow-up email. The hiring process can be confidential, and the interviewer may not be able to provide feedback. Instead, focus on expressing your continued interest in the position.
If you have any additional questions or concerns about follow-up emails after interviews, reach out to a career counselor or mentor for guidance.
You might also like
