Craft a Powerful Follow up on Interview Email – Your Complete Guide
jillianhunt
July 20, 2023 11:30 pm
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14 min read
As a job seeker, you put countless hours into preparing for an interview, but the process isn’t over once you leave the interview room. Following up with a thank you email is essential to demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest in the role. However, crafting a follow up on interview email that stands out can be a daunting task.
That’s why we’ve created this complete guide to help you navigate the post-interview process and craft the perfect follow up email. In this article, we’ll cover everything from why you should follow up after an interview to the dos and don’ts of crafting a compelling email, and provide you with real-life examples to inspire your own communication.
Whether you’re looking for a follow-up email template or just want to learn how to personalize your message, this article has got you covered.
Why Should You Follow up After an Interview?
Following up after an interview is an essential part of the job search process, and it can help you stand out in a competitive job market. Here are some reasons why you should follow up:
- It shows initiative: When you follow up, you demonstrate that you are interested in the job and willing to take action to get it. This can help you make a positive impression on the interviewer.
- You can address any concerns: Following up offers you an opportunity to address any concerns the interviewer may have had during the interview. It also allows you to clarify any questions or information that may have been unclear.
- You can reiterate your interest: A follow-up email lets you reiterate your interest in the position and the company. This is an excellent way to remind the interviewer of your enthusiasm and excitement about the job.
- You can emphasize your skills: Following up allows you to emphasize your skills and qualifications for the job. You can use this opportunity to provide additional information or examples that showcase your abilities.
Timing is Key: When to Send a Follow up Email
One of the most critical aspects of crafting a follow-up email is timing. You want to strike the right balance between being prompt and not appearing too eager. Sending an email too soon after an interview can come across as pushy, while waiting too long can make you seem disinterested. So, when is the best time to send a follow-up email after an interview?
The general rule of thumb is to send your email within 24-48 hours of the interview. This timeframe will give the interviewer enough time to process the interview and make any necessary decisions. However, if the interviewer provided a specific timeline during the interview process, such as “we’ll contact you in a week,” wait until that timeframe has passed before following up.
Crafting the Perfect Follow up Email: Dos and Don’ts
Writing an effective follow up email after an interview can mean the difference between landing your dream job and fading into obscurity. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when crafting your perfect follow up email.
Do Keep It Short and Sweet
Be concise and get straight to the point. A long and rambling email may not get read at all. Stick to a few key points and keep your email brief and to the point.
Don’t Sound Desperate
While it’s important to show enthusiasm for the job, you don’t want to sound desperate or needy. Avoid excessive effusiveness or sounding like you are begging for the job.
Do Use a Professional Tone
Be professional in your follow up email. Avoid casual language or emoticons, and try to match the tone of the original interview. Use a polite and courteous tone throughout the email.
Do Re-iterate Your Interest in the Job
It’s important to show your continued interest in the job, so make sure to re-iterate your enthusiasm and passion for the position. Let them know that you are looking forward to hearing back and would be thrilled to join their team.
Don’t Forget to Proofread
Avoid any embarrassing spelling or grammatical errors by proofreading your email before sending it. You don’t want to give the impression that you are careless or lack attention to detail.
Do Customize Your Email
Avoid using a generic or template email. Instead, tailor your email to the specific interviewer and company. Make reference to specific topics that were discussed during the interview, and show that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the job.
Don’t Be Too Pushy
While it’s important to follow up, you don’t want to be too pushy or aggressive in your approach. Give them time to respond and avoid emailing them more than once or twice. Remember, they are likely busy and have other candidates to consider.
Personalizing Your Follow Up Email
One of the most effective ways to make a positive impression with a follow up email is to personalize it. A generic message may come across as insincere or uninterested, but a personalized email can demonstrate that the candidate is engaged, thoughtful, and enthusiastic about the job opportunity.
Here are some strategies and examples for personalizing your follow up email:
- Reference a specific point from the interview. A great way to show that you were attentive during the interview is to reference a specific point that was discussed. For example: “I enjoyed learning more about the company’s recent expansion into the European market, and I appreciate the importance the team places on cultural sensitivity.”
- Mention a shared interest or connection. If you discovered a shared interest or connection during the interview, be sure to mention it in your follow up message. This can help establish a rapport and make the conversation more personable. For example: “It was great to learn that we both share a love for hiking in the Appalachian Mountains. I look forward to hearing more about your favorite trails.”
Here is an example of a personalized follow up email:
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me yesterday about the Marketing Manager role. I found our conversation about the company’s new social media strategy particularly insightful.
I noticed from our discussion that the team is looking to expand the company’s Instagram presence, and I would love to offer my experience in creating engaging content for social media platforms. In my previous role, I was able to increase engagement on our company’s Instagram account by over 50%, and I would be excited to bring this expertise to your team.
Thank you again for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Standing Out with a Thank You Note
One way to ensure you stand out in the minds of interviewers is to send a thoughtful and personalized thank you note after the interview. It not only shows appreciation for their time but also serves as a reminder of your candidacy.
Tip: A quick follow up email within 24 hours is recommended to show urgency and enthusiasm. However, a handwritten note delivered via mail can also make a lasting impression.
- Personalize the message: Make sure to reference specific topics discussed during the interview and highlight your interest in the position and the company.
- Show gratitude: Thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to learn more about the company and position.
- Reinforce your qualifications: Mention any key skills or experiences that make you an excellent fit for the role.
- Express enthusiasm: Communicate your continued interest in the position and eagerness to move forward in the hiring process.
Remember, a thank you note is not only a courtesy but also a chance to reiterate your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. Use this opportunity to make a memorable impression and tip the scales in your favor.
Adding Value in Your Follow Up Email
One of the most effective ways to stand out in the follow-up process is to show employers how you can add value to their organization. Here are some tips to help you craft a follow-up email that showcases your skills and expertise:
Highlight Your Unique Qualifications
Use your follow-up email as an opportunity to highlight any unique qualifications that you possess that may have been overlooked during the interview. For example, if you have experience in a specific software or technology that the company uses, mention it in your email.
Suggest Creative Solutions
If you were able to identify any challenges or issues during the interview, take the time to suggest creative solutions that demonstrate your problem-solving skills. This is a great way to show the employer that you are proactive and resourceful.
Provide Relevant Information
If you come across any articles, research, or industry news that is relevant to the position or the company, include it in your follow-up email. This shows that you are keeping abreast of developments in the industry, and that you are invested in staying up-to-date with best practices.
Also Read:
- Example: Hi [Interviewer’s Name],
- Thank you again for taking the time to meet with me yesterday. Our conversation really solidified my interest in the [Job Title] position, and I believe my experience in [Relevant Skill/Experience] would be a valuable asset to your team.
- I also wanted to suggest a potential solution to the challenge we discussed during the interview. Based on my experience with [Related Project or Skill], I believe that [Solution]. I would be happy to expand on this idea further if you’re interested.
- Additionally, I came across an interesting article on [Related Industry Trend] that I thought might be relevant to [Company Name]. I’ve included the link below in case you’re interested in reading it.
- Thank you again for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
By following these tips, you can add value to your follow-up email and demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the position and the company.
Following up Without Being Pushy
Following up after an interview is important, but it’s equally crucial to avoid being perceived as pushy or desperate. Here are some strategies to help you follow up professionally.
1. Be patient
While it’s important to follow up, it’s equally critical to be patient. Give the hiring manager enough time to make a decision and avoid sending multiple follow-up emails shortly after the interview. This can come across as overly aggressive and can be off-putting.
2. Keep it short and sweet
Your follow-up email should be brief and to the point. Avoid lengthy messages that may seem like you’re trying too hard. Short and sweet emails are more likely to be read and appreciated.
3. Use a polite tone
When drafting your follow-up email, ensure that your tone is polite and courteous. Avoid using language that is overly demanding or aggressive. Remember that you’re requesting an update, not demanding one.
4. Demonstrate a continued interest
Include a sentence in your follow-up email that expresses your continued interest in the position. This can help the hiring manager see that you’re genuinely interested in the job and not just looking to fill a void in your schedule or earn a paycheck.
5. Be professional
Always remember that your follow-up email is a professional communication. Avoid using slang or informal language, and ensure that your email address, subject line, and formatting are all professional and appropriate for the workplace.
Additional Tips for Follow up Success
Here are some additional tips to ensure your follow up email after an interview is successful:
- Mind your subject line: Be specific with your subject line so the recipient knows what the email is about. Avoid using generic subject lines like “Follow up” or “Thank you.”
- Keep it concise: Your email should be short and to the point. Thank the interviewer for their time and reiterate your interest in the position.
- Personalize your email: Reference something specific that was mentioned during the interview to show that you were paying attention and engaged.
- Show enthusiasm: Let the interviewer know that you are excited about the opportunity to work for their company.
- Check for errors: Double-check your email for any typos or grammatical errors before clicking send.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of making a positive impression and standing out from other candidates.
Examples of Follow Up Emails
Now that you have a solid understanding of what to include in your email and how to structure your message, it’s time to take a look at some real-life examples to inspire your own follow up email.
Example 1: The Grateful Candidate
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Position] role at [Company]. It was a pleasure to learn more about your company and the exciting work you’re doing. I appreciate the time you took to discuss the role and my qualifications in-depth.
Please let me know if you require any additional information from me. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Thank you for your time and consideration!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 2: The Value Adder
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for inviting me to interview for the [Position] role at [Company]. I enjoyed our conversation and am excited about the possibility of joining your team.
I wanted to share some additional insights that I think are relevant to the role and the company’s mission. As we discussed, I have extensive experience in [Skill/Industry] and have worked with several clients in your industry. I believe this background would enable me to bring valuable perspective and contribute to the success of your team.
Please let me know if you have any further questions or if there is any other way I can provide information to help you make your decision.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Example 3: The Reminder
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Position] role at [Company]. I enjoyed learning more about your organization and the innovative work you’re doing.
In our conversation, you mentioned that the final decision would be made by [Date/Timeframe]. I wanted to check in to see if there were any updates on the hiring process and if you had any further questions or concerns about my candidacy.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of working together.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Remember, these are just templates and should be tailored to suit your specific situation and the company’s culture. Always proofread carefully before sending and ensure that you’ve got the name and email address of your interviewer correct!
FAQ
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about follow up emails after an interview:
How soon after an interview should I send a follow up email?
The general rule of thumb is to send a follow up email within 24-48 hours after the interview. This timeframe ensures that you remain top-of-mind with the hiring manager while not appearing too eager.
What should I include in my follow up email?
Your follow up email should express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your interest in the position. You can also use this opportunity to provide additional information that may have been missed during the interview or to address any concerns that were raised.
What’s the best way to format my follow up email?
Keep your follow up email clean and simple with an easy-to-read font and layout. Use short paragraphs and bullet points where appropriate to make your key points stand out. Don’t forget to proofread your email for errors before hitting send.
How many follow up emails should I send?
It’s generally recommended to send one or two follow up emails after an interview. If you don’t hear back after that, it’s best to assume that you haven’t been selected for the position and move on.
What if I don’t have the interviewer’s email address?
If you don’t have the interviewer’s email address, you can reach out to the HR department or the recruiter who set up the interview to request it. Alternatively, you can try to find the interviewer’s email address on LinkedIn or the company’s website.
Should I follow up if I didn’t get the job?
While it’s not necessary to follow up if you didn’t get the job, it’s always a good idea to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. You can also ask for feedback on areas where you could improve your skills or experience for future opportunities.
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