How To Write A Follow Up Email After Interview: Ace Your Next Job Opportunity
Landing an interview is a huge win! But the journey to your dream job doesn’t end there. One of the most critical, yet often overlooked, steps is crafting a compelling follow-up email after your interview. This seemingly small act can significantly impact your chances of getting hired. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to write a follow-up email that leaves a lasting, positive impression.
The Power of the Post-Interview Follow-Up
Why bother sending a follow-up email? In a nutshell, it’s about demonstrating enthusiasm, professionalism, and attention to detail. It allows you to:
- Reiterate your interest: Remind the hiring manager why you’re a great fit.
- Reinforce key points: Briefly recap the most relevant aspects of your qualifications.
- Show gratitude: Expressing thanks is always appreciated.
- Address any unanswered questions: Clarify anything you might have missed during the interview.
- Stand out from the crowd: Many candidates fail to follow up, giving you an edge.
Crafting the Perfect Follow-Up Email: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s break down how to write a follow-up email that converts.
Step 1: Timing is Everything - When to Send Your Email
The ideal time to send your follow-up email is within 24 hours of your interview. This shows you’re proactive and engaged. If the interviewer specified a timeline for hearing back, be sure to respect it. If you haven’t heard back within that timeframe, politely send a follow up.
Step 2: Subject Line Savvy: Getting Your Email Opened
Your subject line should be clear, concise, and memorable. Avoid generic phrases. Consider these options:
- “Following Up: [Your Name] - [Job Title]”
- “Thank You – Interview for [Job Title] on [Date]”
- “Following Up on Our Conversation – [Your Name]”
The goal is to make it immediately obvious who you are and why you’re writing.
Step 3: The Body of Your Email: What to Include
This is where you shine. Structure your email thoughtfully:
- Start with Gratitude: Begin by thanking the interviewer for their time.
- Reiterate Your Interest: State your continued enthusiasm for the role and the company.
- Highlight Key Takeaways (Briefly): Mention one or two specific points from the interview that resonated with you or that you want to emphasize.
- Address Any Unanswered Questions (If Applicable): Use this space to clarify anything that came up during the interview.
- Reiterate Your Qualifications: Briefly summarize why you are a good fit for the role.
- Express Availability: Let the interviewer know you are available for further discussion.
- End with a Strong Closing: Use a professional closing, such as “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Thank you again.”
Step 4: The Importance of Personalization
Generic emails are a turn-off. Take the time to personalize your message. Reference specific details from your conversation. This demonstrates that you were actively listening and genuinely engaged.
Step 5: Proofread, Proofread, Proofread! (And Then Proofread Again!)
Typos and grammatical errors can undermine your entire application. Before hitting “send,” carefully proofread your email for any mistakes. Use a grammar checker, and consider having a friend review it as well.
Example Follow-Up Email Templates
Here are a few template examples to get you started, adaptable to your specific situation:
Template 1: Simple and Direct
Subject: Thank You – Interview for Marketing Manager on October 26th
Dear [Interviewer Name],
Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me yesterday about the Marketing Manager position. I truly enjoyed learning more about the role and [Company Name].
I was particularly interested in [Specific topic discussed during the interview]. I am confident that my experience in [relevant skill] and my passion for [relevant area] align perfectly with your needs.
Please let me know if you require any further information. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 2: Addressing a Specific Question
Subject: Following Up – [Your Name] – Interview for Software Engineer
Dear [Interviewer Name],
Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the Software Engineer position. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation.
I wanted to follow up on your question regarding [Specific question asked during the interview]. I realized I could have elaborated further on [Your answer/clarification].
I remain very enthusiastic about this opportunity and believe my skills in [relevant skill] would be a valuable asset to your team.
Thank you again for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Follow-Up
- Sending Generic Emails: As mentioned, personalize your message.
- Being Too Pushy: Avoid excessive follow-ups. One or two are sufficient.
- Including Too Much Information: Keep it concise and focused.
- Using Informal Language: Maintain a professional tone.
- Forgetting to Proofread: Errors can damage your credibility.
- Writing a Novel: Keep it brief and to the point.
Navigating Different Interview Formats
- Phone Interviews: The follow-up email strategy remains the same.
- Video Interviews: Be sure to mention something specific from the video call.
- Panel Interviews: Send separate emails to each interviewer if possible, or a single email to the lead interviewer, acknowledging all participants.
What Happens After the Follow-Up?
After sending your follow-up email, be patient. The hiring process can take time. If you haven’t heard back within the timeframe provided, it’s appropriate to send a brief, polite follow-up email a week or two later. If you still don’t hear back, consider it a closed opportunity.
Boosting Your Chances: Beyond the Follow-Up
The follow-up email is important, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Remember to:
- Prepare Thoroughly for the Interview: Research the company and the role.
- Be Professional and Enthusiastic: Make a positive impression during the interview itself.
- Network Actively: Connect with people in your industry.
- Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Customize your application for each specific role.
FAQs - Your Burning Questions Answered
What if I don’t remember the interviewer’s name?
If you’re unsure of the interviewer’s name, you can address the email to “Hiring Manager” or, if you know the department, “Hiring Team – [Department Name].” However, always try to find the name through LinkedIn, the company website, or the recruiter who contacted you.
Is it okay to send a follow-up if I feel the interview didn’t go well?
Absolutely! A thoughtful follow-up can still leave a positive impression, even if you don’t feel the interview went smoothly. Use it to reiterate your interest and address any concerns the interviewer might have.
How long should my follow-up email be?
Keep it concise. Aim for a few paragraphs, ideally no more than 200-300 words. Your goal is to reinforce your interest, not overwhelm the reader.
When should I send a second follow-up email?
If you haven’t heard back after the initial follow-up, wait at least a week or two before sending a second, brief email. This time, you can simply reiterate your interest and inquire about the status of your application.
What if I interviewed with multiple people?
If you interviewed with multiple people, it’s best to send a separate thank-you email to each person, if possible. If not, send one email to the primary contact, and acknowledge all interviewers in the email.
Conclusion: Securing Your Next Opportunity
Writing a compelling follow-up email after your interview is a crucial step in the job search process. By expressing gratitude, reiterating your interest, highlighting key takeaways, and addressing any unanswered questions, you can significantly increase your chances of getting hired. Remember to personalize your message, proofread carefully, and maintain a professional tone. Following these guidelines will help you stand out from the competition and land your dream job. Your dedication and attention to detail can make all the difference.