Mastering the Art of Following Up After Interview Email: A Guide
jillianhunt
July 21, 2023 11:30 am
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13 min read
As a job seeker, you know the importance of making a great first impression during an interview. But did you know that what you do after the interview can be just as critical? Following up after an interview email is a crucial step in the hiring process that shows your interest in the position and can help differentiate you from other candidates.
By sending a well-crafted follow-up email, you can express gratitude for the interviewer’s time, reiterate your qualifications and interest in the role, and address any additional questions or concerns. With the right approach, following up after an interview email can make a lasting impression on the hiring manager and increase your chances of securing the job.
Why Following Up After an Interview Email Matters
Following up after an interview email is not just a courtesy, but it can significantly impact the overall outcome of the job interview process. It is a way of standing out from other candidates and reinforcing interest in the position.
Expressing Gratitude: Sending a follow-up email allows candidates to express their appreciation for the interviewer’s time and consideration. It is an opportunity to convey gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the position.
Reiterating Interest: A follow-up email also provides the chance for candidates to reinforce their interest in the position. It allows them to emphasize their strengths and qualifications for the role and convey how their skills align with the company’s mission and vision.
Addressing Concerns: Sending a follow-up email can also help address any additional questions or concerns that may have arisen during the interview. It demonstrates an eagerness to go above and beyond to clarify any doubts or queries that the interviewer may have.
All in all, following up after an interview email is a critical step that can make a significant difference in securing a job offer. It is a way to differentiate oneself from other candidates and leave a lasting impression on the interviewer.
When to Send a Follow-Up Email After an Interview
Timing is key when it comes to following up after an interview email. While you want to express your interest and enthusiasm for the position, you also want to avoid coming across as pushy or desperate. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
- Send your follow-up email within 24-48 hours after the interview. This shows that you are proactive and engaged in the hiring process.
- If the interviewer provided a specific timeline for making a decision, wait until after that date to send your follow-up email.
- If the interviewer did not provide a timeline, wait at least a week before sending a follow-up email. This gives the company ample time to evaluate all candidates and make a decision.
- If you had multiple interviews with different individuals, make sure to send a separate follow-up email to each person.
Keep in mind that every situation is different, and there may be exceptions to these general guidelines. Use your best judgment and assess the situation on a case-by-case basis.
Crafting an Effective Interview Follow-Up Email
After attending a job interview, it is crucial to follow up with a professional and impactful email to express your gratitude, reiterate your interest, and set yourself apart from other candidates. Here are some practical tips on how to craft an effective interview follow-up email:
Subject Line
The subject line is the first thing the interviewer will see, so it should be clear and concise. Use keywords such as “thank you,” “follow-up,” and the job title to make it easy for the interviewer to identify your email.
Greeting
Address the interviewer by name and express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the position. Begin with a polite greeting such as “Dear [Interviewer’s Name],”
Express Appreciation
Express sincere appreciation for the interviewer’s time and effort. Thank them for sharing information about the position and the company, and highlight specific points that you found particularly interesting or valuable.
Reiterate Interest
Reiterate your interest in the position and explain why you believe it would be a good fit for you. Highlight your relevant skills and experience and emphasize how you could contribute to the company’s goals and values.
Include Relevant Follow-Up Questions
If there were any questions or concerns that were raised during the interview, address them in the follow-up email. Ask for clarification or offer additional information to demonstrate your expertise and interest in the position.
Closing
End the email with a polite closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name and contact information. Let the interviewer know that you look forward to hearing back from them soon.
By following these tips, you can create a well-crafted interview follow-up email that showcases your professionalism, enthusiasm, and suitability for the position.
Interview Thank You Email Examples
After an interview, sending a thank you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression on the interviewer. Here are some examples of interview thank you emails to help you craft your own:
Example 1: Thank You Email After Phone Interview
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me over the phone about the [Position] role at [Company]. I appreciated the opportunity to learn about the company culture and the responsibilities of the position. Our conversation further confirmed my interest in the role and I look forward to the next steps in the hiring process.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Thank You Email After In-Person Interview
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for meeting with me today regarding the [Position] role at [Company]. I was impressed by the company’s mission and values, and I enjoyed learning more about the responsibilities of the position and the team dynamic.
I wanted to reiterate my excitement about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]’s mission and team. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or if there are any additional materials I can provide.
Thank you again, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
- Note: Make sure to personalize the email based on your conversation during the interview. This shows that you paid attention and that the interview was important to you.
- Another Note: Avoid using the same email template for every interview thank you email. Recruiters and hiring managers can spot a canned email from a mile away, and it can come across as insincere.
Following Up After an Interview by Phone
While email is the most commonly used method for following up after an interview, a phone call can also be an effective way to demonstrate your continued interest in the position. Here are some tips for making an effective follow-up call:
- Wait at least a week after the interview before making the call.
- Introduce yourself and remind the interviewer of your name and the position you interviewed for.
- Express appreciation for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your interest in the position.
- Ask if there have been any updates on the hiring process since the interview.
- If no updates are available, ask when you can expect to hear back.
- Avoid being pushy or overly eager. Be courteous and professional in your tone.
Remember that a follow-up call should not replace a follow-up email. It should be used sparingly and only in appropriate situations.
Following Up After an Interview: Dos and Don’ts
Following up after a job interview is a great way to reinforce your interest in a position and stand out from other candidates. However, there are certain dos and don’ts to keep in mind to ensure you make a positive impression and avoid coming across as pushy or unprofessional.
Do:
- Send a thank-you email within 24 hours: Express your appreciation for the interviewer’s time and reiterate your interest in the position.
- Personalize your message: Mention specific topics discussed during the interview to show you were paying attention and are truly interested in the role.
- Highlight your qualifications: Use the follow-up email as an opportunity to reinforce your skills and experience related to the position.
- Be professional: Use a professional tone and avoid informal language or slang. It’s essential to present yourself as a serious and qualified candidate.
- Follow up once: If you haven’t heard back from the interviewer within a week, it’s acceptable to send a gentle follow-up email. However, avoid contacting them multiple times as this will come across as pushy.
Don’t:
- Be impatient: Avoid following up right after the interview or too frequently. It’s important to give the interviewer time to make their decision.
- Be too informal: While it’s important to express gratitude and enthusiasm, avoid using overly familiar or informal language in your email.
- Ask for feedback on your interview: While it’s natural to want feedback on your interview performance, avoid asking for it in your follow-up email. Instead, focus on expressing appreciation and reiterating interest in the position.
- Write a generic message: Customize your follow-up email to the specific position and company you interviewed for. Avoid using a generic template that could apply to any job.
- Come across as desperate: While it’s important to express your interest in a position, avoid coming across as desperate or overly eager. It’s essential to strike a balance between enthusiasm and professionalism.
By following these dos and don’ts, you can create an effective and professional follow-up email that reinforces your qualifications and interest in the position.
The Benefits of Following Up After an Interview Email
Following up after an interview email is not just a formality. It can provide various benefits that can positively impact your job search. Here are some of the potential benefits of sending a well-crafted interview follow-up email:
- Building rapport: Following up after an interview can help you stay on the interviewer’s radar and keep your name top of mind. It also provides an opportunity to continue the conversation and build rapport with the interviewer.
- Reinforcing qualifications: Reiterating your qualifications and expressing continued interest in the position can remind the interviewer of why you are the best candidate for the role.
- Distinguishing yourself from other candidates: Standing out in a crowded applicant pool is crucial in securing a job offer. A well-crafted interview follow-up email can help distinguish you from other candidates and showcase your professionalism.
- Receiving feedback: In some cases, following up after an interview can also provide an opportunity to receive feedback on your interview performance and areas where you can improve for future job interviews.
By following up after an interview email, you not only demonstrate gratitude and professionalism, but also potentially increase your chances of securing the job offer.
Following Up After an Interview Email: Success Stories
Following up after an interview email can make a significant difference in the job search process. Here are some success stories of individuals who secured job offers or received positive feedback after following up:
Success Story 1: Standing Out from the Crowd
Emily applied for a marketing position and had a great interview with the hiring manager. A few days later, she sent a well-crafted thank-you email expressing her gratitude and enthusiasm for the position. The next day, the hiring manager responded to her email, stating that he was impressed with her follow-up and that it showed she was serious about the job. Emily was offered the position shortly after.
Success Story 2: Addressing Concerns
John interviewed for a software engineering position and thought it went well. However, he noticed that the interviewer seemed hesitant about his lack of experience in a specific programming language. The next day, John sent an email thank-you note, briefly addressing the interviewer’s concerns and explaining how he had been learning the language on his own time. The interviewer responded, thanking him for the follow-up and offering him the position.
Success Story 3: Demonstrating Enthusiasm
After interviewing for a journalism position, Maria sent a thank-you email expressing her sincere passion for the industry and the opportunity to work for the company. A few days later, she received a response from the editor, stating that her enthusiasm had made an impression and they could tell she was the best fit for the job. She was offered the position and now works as a successful journalist.
These success stories demonstrate the impact that following up after an interview email can have on the job search process. By taking the time to craft a thoughtful and well-written message, candidates can distinguish themselves from the competition and demonstrate their enthusiasm and qualifications for the position.
Frequently Asked Questions About Following Up After an Interview Email
Q: Should I send a follow-up email after every interview?
It is generally recommended to send a follow-up email after every interview, unless the interviewer explicitly states otherwise. A follow-up email is an opportunity to express gratitude, reiterate interest in the position, and address any additional questions or concerns that arose during the interview.
Q: How soon after the interview should I send a follow-up email?
It is advisable to send a follow-up email within 24-48 hours after the interview to strike the right balance between being prompt and giving the interviewer enough time to make a decision.
Q: What should I include in a follow-up email?
A follow-up email should include a brief introduction, a thank you message, a reiteration of your interest in the position, any relevant follow-up questions, and your contact information. It should be concise, professional, and tailored to the specific interviewer and position.
Q: How can I make my follow-up email stand out?
To make your follow-up email stand out, personalize it by referencing specific aspects of the interview or company that resonated with you, and by expressing your enthusiasm for the position and company culture. Avoid generic templates and proofread your email carefully for spelling and grammatical errors.
Q: Is it appropriate to follow up after an interview by phone?
Following up after an interview by phone can be appropriate in certain circumstances, such as if the interviewer specifically requested a phone call or if you have not received a response to your follow-up email within a reasonable timeframe. However, it is important to be professional and respectful of the interviewer’s time and preferences.
Q: What should I do if I do not receive a response to my follow-up email?
If you do not receive a response to your follow-up email within a week or the timeframe specified by the interviewer, you can send a polite and professional email or make a brief phone call to inquire about the status of your application. However, it is important to avoid being pushy or aggressive and to respect the interviewer’s decision if you are not selected for the position.
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