Crafting a Professional Following Up Interview Email: Essentials Guide
jillianhunt
July 20, 2023 10:18 pm
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11 min read
The job hunt can be a daunting and exhausting process. After a job interview, many job seekers wonder what to do next. Following up with a professional email can make a significant impact on the recruiter’s decision and potentially land you the job. A well-crafted following up interview email shows your interest and enthusiasm for the position, highlights your qualifications, and reinforces your value as a candidate.
This guide aims to provide you with essential tips and strategies for crafting an effective following up interview email. You will learn why sending a follow-up email is crucial, the key components of a professional follow-up email, tips for writing a compelling email, and when to send it. Additionally, you’ll get access to a sample follow-up email template that you can customize and use as a reference. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge and tools you need to impress recruiters and increase your chances of landing your dream job.
Understanding the Importance of a Following Up Interview Email
After a job interview, sending a follow-up email is not only a polite gesture, but it can also influence the hiring decision. A well-crafted follow-up email can emphasize your interest in the position and demonstrate your professionalism.
When you send a follow-up email, you reaffirm the points discussed during the interview and remind the hiring manager of your skills and qualifications. It can also help you to stand out among other candidates.
Moreover, sending a follow-up email shows that you are organized, enthusiastic, and proactive. It also provides an opportunity to express your gratitude and reiterate your qualifications for the position.
Components of an Effective Following Up Interview Email
After a job interview, it’s essential to send a follow-up email to express your gratitude, reiterate your interest in the position, and remind the interviewer of your qualifications. To ensure your email is effective, it should include the following components:
1. Express Gratitude
Start your email by thanking the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to interview for the position. This shows your appreciation and leaves a positive impression.
2. Reiterate Your Interest
In the body of your email, reiterate your interest in the position and the company. Emphasize what excites you about the opportunity and how your qualifications align with the company’s goals and values.
3. Summarize Key Points
Recap some of the key points discussed during the interview. Mention any questions you answered particularly well or topics that you and the interviewer connected on. This helps you stand out and shows that you were engaged and attentive during the interview.
4. Personalized Touches
Include a personalized touch in your email. For example, if you and the interviewer discussed a shared interest in hiking, you could mention a recent hiking trip you went on. This helps to humanize your email and shows that you were actively engaged during the interview.
5. Provide Additional Documents
If you have any additional documents that could strengthen your candidacy, such as a reference letter or a portfolio, include them in your email as attachments or links. This shows that you are proactive and professional in your approach to the interview process.
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By including these essential components in your follow-up email, you are sure to leave a positive and lasting impression with the interviewer.
Tips for Writing a Compelling Following Up Interview Email
After a job interview, it’s important to craft a follow-up email that is concise, professional, and effectively conveys your gratitude and interest in the position. Here are some tips to help you write a compelling follow-up email:
1. Be Specific and Concise
Avoid lengthy emails and get straight to the point. Reiterate your appreciation for the opportunity and highlight the key skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the position. Use clear and concise language that showcases your professionalism and attention to detail.
2. Maintain a Professional Tone
Remember that this email is a reflection of your professionalism and communication skills. Use formal language and avoid slang, jargon, or overly casual expressions. Proofread your email carefully to avoid spelling or grammar errors.
3. Highlight Unique Details
Incorporate personal touches that refer to specific details discussed during the interview. This helps to demonstrate your attention and understanding of the role and company culture. For example, if the company emphasizes teamwork, highlight your experience in collaborative projects.
4. Avoid Common Mistakes
Avoid copying and pasting generic email templates, which can appear insincere. Also, avoid following up excessively or too soon after the interview. Instead, wait a reasonable amount of time and follow up once, demonstrating your interest without being pushy or intrusive.
By following these tips, you can craft a compelling follow-up email that reinforces your candidacy and maintains a positive impression with the company.
Sample Following Up Interview Email Template
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I wanted to thank you for taking the time to discuss the [Position] role with me on [Interview Date]. I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the position and the company culture.
After our conversation, I am even more excited about the prospect of joining your team. In particular, I was impressed by [particular aspect of the company or role that stood out to you from the interview].
- As we discussed, my experience in [Skill/Experience relevant to the position] would allow me to [how your skill or experience can benefit the company].
- Additionally, I wanted to mention that [any additional information you forgot to mention during the interview or any follow-up material you promised to send, such as a portfolio or reference letter].
Once again, thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Personalizing Your Following Up Interview Email
Personalizing your follow-up email can make a significant difference in standing out from other candidates. Here are some tips:
- Reference specific details discussed in the interview: Mentioning specific details about the position or company that you discussed in the interview can help your email feel more genuine and personalized. It shows that you were listening and engaged during the interview.
- Mention any relevant connections: If you have any relevant connections to the company or the interviewer, mention them in your email. It can help you establish a connection or a common ground with the recipient.
- Customize the email to align with the company’s culture and values: Researching the company’s culture and values can help you tailor your email to align with them. It shows that you understand and respect the company’s mission and can be a good fit for their team.
Examples:
Here are a few examples of personalization for your follow-up email:
- Mentioning a specific project or initiative that you discussed in the interview and expressing your excitement to contribute to it.
- Referencing a mutual connection or a shared passion for a particular cause that the company supports.
- Using the company’s language or describing how your skills and experience align with their mission or values.
Remember, personalizing your email should not come across as insincere or generic. Keep it professional and tailored to your conversation during the interview.
Best Timing for Sending a Following Up Interview Email
Timing is crucial when it comes to sending a follow-up email after an interview. You want to wait long enough to give the interviewer time to make their decision, but not so long that they forget about you.
Consider the Company’s Decision Timeline
Before sending a follow-up email, find out the company’s decision timeline. If they mentioned a specific date by which they would make a decision, wait until a few days after that date to follow up. If no timeline was mentioned, it’s appropriate to follow-up after a week or two.
Factor in the Interview Process
The length of the interview process can also impact the timing of your follow-up email. If you had a first-round interview, it’s appropriate to follow up within 24-48 hours. For second or third-round interviews, it’s best to wait a few days to a week before following up.
Consider the Type of Job
The type of job can also play a role in determining the timing of your follow-up email. For entry-level positions or jobs with a high volume of applicants, it’s best to follow up within a few days of the interview. For higher-level positions or jobs with a longer decision-making process, it’s appropriate to wait a week or two before following up.
When to Send a Thank-You Note
It’s appropriate to send a thank-you note immediately after the interview, preferably within 24 hours. This can be a separate email or included in your follow-up email. If you opt to include it in your follow-up email, make sure to keep it brief and to the point.
Following Up Interview Email Dos and Don’ts
Sending a follow-up email after a job interview is a critical step in the job search process. However, it’s essential to ensure the email is well-crafted and professional to make a lasting impression on the recipient. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when crafting your following up interview email:
Do: Be Professional
It’s crucial to maintain a professional tone in your follow-up email. Address the recipient formally, and be polite throughout the email. Avoid using slang or overly casual language, and keep your email concise and to the point.
Don’t: Follow-Up Excessively
While it’s essential to follow up after a job interview, avoid being too pushy or following up excessively. One or two well-crafted follow-up emails are sufficient. You don’t want to come across as desperate or bothersome to the recipient.
Do: Avoid Using Generic Templates
Avoid using generic follow-up email templates. Instead, craft your email to suit the specific job and company you are applying to. Personalize the email with specific details discussed during the interview, and tailor it to fit the company’s culture and values.
Don’t: Maintain a Negative Tone
It’s crucial to maintain a positive and optimistic tone in your follow-up email. Avoid sounding frustrated or disappointed, even if you haven’t received a response yet. Keep in mind that the hiring process can take time, and it’s essential to remain patient and positive.
Do: Be Mindful of the Recipient’s Time and Preferences
Be mindful of the recipient’s schedule and preferences when following up. If they mentioned a specific time frame for their decision-making process, wait until after that time to follow up. Additionally, avoid sending follow-up emails too early in the morning or late at night.
By following these dos and don’ts, you can craft a professional and effective follow-up email that reinforces your candidacy and makes a lasting impression on the recipient.
FAQ about Following Up Interview Emails
Following up after a job interview is an essential step in the job hunting process. However, it can often raise many questions for job seekers. Here are some frequently asked questions related to following up interview emails.
When should I follow up after an interview?
The timing for sending a follow-up email can vary depending on the company’s decision timeline, the interview process, and the type of job. It is best to ask about the next steps during the interview and confirm the timeline. If you haven’t heard back in the given time frame, it is appropriate to follow up within a week after the interview.
What should I include in a follow-up email?
Your follow-up email should include a polite greeting, thank the interviewer for their time, express your continued interest in the position, and reinforce why you’re a good fit for the role. You can also summarize key points discussed during the interview and personalize the email to align with the company culture and values.
How should I follow up?
Email is the most common way to follow up after an interview. If you haven’t received a response to your follow-up email, it is appropriate to send a polite follow-up email after a week. If you still haven’t heard back, you can call the company and inquire about the status of your application.
How long should I wait to follow up again?
It is appropriate to follow up once a week if you haven’t received a response. However, avoid excessively following up, as it may come across as pushy or desperate. If you still haven’t heard back after two follow-up attempts, it is best to move on and continue your job search.
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