Mastering the Following Up on Interview Email – Your Key to Success
jillianhunt
July 21, 2023 10:18 am
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10 min read
Securing a job interview is a milestone in your job search process. However, it is your follow-up that can make all the difference in achieving success and landing that job. A post-interview follow-up email is an essential tool that can help you stand out from the competition and leave a positive impression on your potential employer.
Following up on an interview email is crucial because it shows appreciation for the opportunity, reinforces your interest in the position, and provides you with an opportunity to address any additional questions or concerns. It also helps you stay top of mind for the recruiter, who is likely interviewing multiple candidates for the same role.
Why Should You Follow Up After an Interview?
Following up on a job interview is essential to show your appreciation and continued interest in the position. Not only does it demonstrate good manners and professionalism, but it also sets you apart from other candidates who may not follow up.
A well-crafted follow-up email can also provide an opportunity to address any concerns or questions that may have arisen during the interview and reinforce your qualifications for the role.
When to Send Your Follow-Up Email
Sending a follow-up email after a job interview is crucial, but timing is everything. You want to show your appreciation and interest without coming across as too pushy. It’s essential to get the timing just right.
The best time to send a follow-up email is within 24 hours after the interview. This timeframe shows that you are interested, engaged, and on top of your game. It also allows you to stay top of mind as the interviewer decides on the next steps.
If you’re not sure of the timeline, you can always ask at the end of the interview what the interviewer’s timeline looks like. This can help you determine the appropriate date to send your follow-up email.
Crafting an Engaging Subject Line
The subject line of the follow-up email is the first thing the recipient will see, and it can determine whether they decide to open the email or not. Therefore, it is crucial to craft an attention-grabbing and professional subject line.
Make it Personalized
- Include the recipient’s name in the subject line to make it more personal. For example, “Thank You, [Recipient’s Name], for the Interview Yesterday.”
Be Specific
- Mention the position title or company name in the subject line to make it clear what the email is regarding. For example, “Following Up on the [Position Title] Interview at [Company Name].”
Show Enthusiasm
- Incorporate language that shows excitement and enthusiasm for the position. For example, “Thrilled to Discuss [Position Title] Further with [Company Name].”
Remember to keep the subject line concise and to the point, while also making it engaging enough for the recipient to want to open and read the follow-up email.
Opening with a Polite Greeting
Starting your follow-up email with a polite greeting is crucial for setting a positive and professional tone. Use the recipient’s name and thank them for taking the time to meet with you. Here are some examples:
- Dear [Name],
- Hello [Name],
- Good morning/afternoon [Name],
Remember to use the same level of formality as you did during the interview. If the tone was more casual, you can adjust your greeting accordingly.
Expressing Gratitude and Interest
Begin the body of your email by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the position. Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration.
Example: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about the XYZ position. I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the role and your company.
Next, it’s important to reiterate your interest in the position and the company. Use this opportunity to remind the interviewer why you are the best fit for the job and how enthusiastic you are about the opportunity.
Example: After learning more about the position and your company’s mission, I am even more excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience. I am confident that my qualifications align well with the requirements of the role and that I would excel in this position.
Addressing Any Unanswered Questions or Concerns
During an interview, it’s common to have questions or concerns that aren’t completely resolved. Your follow-up email presents an opportunity to address them. Be sure to do so in a respectful manner, and provide any additional information or clarification that may be necessary.
If possible, try to tie in your response with something that was said during the interview. Doing so will show that you were paying attention and are genuinely interested in the position. Consider starting with a statement such as:
“During our discussion, I had a question regarding…”
Alternatively, you may have had concerns about your qualifications or experience. If this is the case, use your follow-up email to highlight any relevant skills that you may not have mentioned during the interview.
Remember, the goal of addressing any unanswered questions or concerns is to show that you are a good fit for the position and to leave a positive impression on the interviewer.
Example:
“During our interview, I had a question regarding the team structure. Could you expand on how the team is currently structured and how my role would fit within it? Additionally, I wanted to clarify my experience with project management. While I didn’t mention it during our discussion, I have successfully managed multiple projects in my previous role and feel confident in my ability to do so in this position.”
Highlighting Your Strengths and Fit for the Role
One of the key objectives of your follow-up email after an interview is to reinforce your qualifications and highlight why you are the best fit for the role. This is your opportunity to showcase your strengths and provide evidence of your suitability for the position.
Begin by reflecting on the key skills and experiences required for the job. Identify those that align with your background and expertise, and craft your follow-up email to emphasize them. Use specific examples to illustrate how you have demonstrated those skills in the past and how they will be valuable in the position you interviewed for.
Additionally, highlight any relevant achievements or accolades that showcase your abilities and expertise. Draw attention to your unique selling points and what sets you apart from other candidates.
Remember to keep the focus on the company’s needs and the requirements of the role. Demonstrate how your qualifications and experience align with their needs and will enable you to contribute to their success.
Examples:
- “I am confident that my experience in project management, coupled with my excellent analytical skills and attention to detail, make me the perfect candidate for this role.”
- “As demonstrated in my previous experience, I have a proven track record of developing effective marketing strategies and campaigns that drive business growth. I am excited about the prospect of applying these skills to help your company achieve its goals.”
Concluding with a Professional Closing
Just like the opening, the closing lines of your follow-up email are equally important. It’s crucial to leave a lasting professional impression on the recipient. End your email with a thank you and a reference to your interest in the position that reiterates your enthusiasm. Use a polite closing such as “Best regards” or “Sincerely.”
Remember to proofread your email once again before hitting the send button. Make sure that your email is free from any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-structured, polite, and well-articulated email can make all the difference in you landing the job.
Crafting an Engaging Subject Line
The subject line of your follow-up email is the first thing the recipient sees, so it’s essential to ensure it’s attention-grabbing and professional. A strong subject line can increase the chances of your email being opened and read.
Here are some tips for crafting an engaging subject line:
- Keep it short and sweet: A concise subject line that accurately reflects the content of your email is more likely to get noticed.
- Include the job title: Mentioning the job title in the subject line can help the recipient quickly identify the purpose of the email.
- Add a personal touch: Consider including the recipient’s name or mentioning a topic that was discussed during the interview.
- Avoid generic phrases: Steer clear of cliches like “Thank you for your time” or “Following up on our interview.”
Remember, your subject line should be professional and relevant to the content of your email. A well-crafted subject line can help your follow-up email stand out in a crowded inbox.
Following Up When You Haven’t Heard Back
It can be frustrating to not hear back from an interviewer after you’ve sent a follow-up email. However, it’s important to not jump to conclusions and assume the worst. Here are some tips for following up when you haven’t heard back:
1. Wait for at least a week before following up
It’s important to give the interviewer enough time to review all the candidates and make a decision. Wait for at least a week before sending a follow-up email. If the company provided a timeline during the interview, follow that timeline and wait until it has passed before following up.
2. Send a polite reminder email
If you still haven’t heard back after a week or more, it’s appropriate to send a polite reminder email. In the email, express your continued interest in the position and ask if there have been any updates regarding the hiring process.
Here’s an example:
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my interview for [Position] that took place on [Date]. I remain very interested in the opportunity to work with your team and would appreciate any updates you could provide regarding the status of the hiring process.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
3. Be patient
It’s important to remember that the hiring process can often take longer than expected. Try not to take the lack of response personally and stay positive. If you still haven’t heard back after your reminder email, it may be time to move on and focus on other job opportunities.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Following up after an interview can be nerve-wracking, and you may have questions about the process. Here are some commonly asked questions to help guide you:
How long should my follow-up email be?
Your follow-up email should be concise and to the point. It should not exceed two to three short paragraphs.
Should I include attachments in my follow-up email?
It’s best to avoid attaching any files or documents to your follow-up email unless the interviewer specifically requested them. Instead, you can offer to provide additional materials if needed.
Can I use an interview follow-up email template?
While using a template can be helpful, it’s important to personalize your follow-up email and avoid sounding generic or impersonal. Customize the template to fit your situation and add your own voice and personality to it.
When should I follow up again if I haven’t heard back?
If you haven’t received a response to your initial follow-up email, it’s appropriate to follow up again after one to two weeks. However, be cautious not to appear pushy or demanding.
What if I forgot to send a follow-up email?
It’s never too late to send a follow-up email. Even if it’s been a few weeks since your interview, a polite and professional follow-up can still leave a positive impression on the interviewer.
Should I follow up if I’m not interested in the job anymore?
While it’s not necessary to follow up if you’ve decided the job isn’t for you, it’s still courteous to let the interviewer know if you’ve withdrawn your candidacy for the position.
Following up after an interview is an essential part of the job search process. By following these tips and guidelines, you can craft a professional and effective follow-up email that can increase your chances of being offered the job.
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