How to write follow up email after interview

Importance of writing a follow-up email after an interview

Writing a follow-up email after an interview is important for several reasons. First, it shows your professionalism and interest in the job. By taking the time to craft a thoughtful message, you demonstrate that you are proactive, detail-oriented, and genuinely interested in the role.

Second, a follow-up email can help you stand out from other candidates. If the hiring manager is considering multiple candidates for the position, a well-written follow-up email can help you leave a lasting impression and increase your chances of being remembered.

Third, a follow-up email gives you the opportunity to clarify any points from the interview or address any concerns the hiring manager may have. It also allows you to reiterate your qualifications and show how you are a good fit for the job.

Overall, writing a follow-up email after an interview is a simple but effective way to demonstrate your interest in the position, stand out from other candidates, and increase your chances of getting hired.

Brief overview of the key elements to include in a follow-up email

A follow-up email after an interview should include the following key elements:

Professional Greeting: Address the hiring manager by name and use a professional greeting.
Express Gratitude: Start by thanking the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to interview.
Recap of the Interview: Summarize the key points discussed during the interview, including any important topics, questions or issues that were covered.
Reiterate Interest: Reaffirm your interest in the job and the company, highlighting why you believe you are a good fit for the role.
Ask About Next Steps: Inquire about the next steps in the hiring process, and ask when you might expect to hear back from them.
Close Professionally: End the email with a professional sign-off, such as “Best regards” or “Sincerely”, and your name.

By including these key elements in your follow-up email, you can effectively communicate your gratitude, interest, and qualifications for the job while leaving a positive impression on the hiring manager.

A well-crafted follow-up email after an interview is a crucial step in the job search process that can help demonstrate your professionalism, reiterate your interest in the position, and increase your chances of getting hired, and this blog post will provide a comprehensive guide on how to write an effective follow-up email after an interview.

Also read: Javascript ES6 Interview Questions and Answers

The Timing of Follow-Up Emails

There are several best practices to keep in mind when it comes to the timing of sending a follow-up email after an interview:

Send the email within 24-48 hours: It’s best to send a follow-up email within one or two days after the interview while the details are still fresh in your mind.
Avoid sending it too soon: Sending a follow-up email immediately after the interview can come across as overly eager or pushy. Give the hiring manager some time to evaluate other candidates and make their decision.
Consider the company’s timeline: Take into account the company’s hiring timeline and any specific instructions they may have given you about the follow-up process. If they mentioned that they would be making a decision in a week, for example, you may want to wait until the end of that week to send your follow-up email.
Consider the type of interview: The timing of the follow-up email may vary depending on the type of interview. For a phone screen, you may want to send the follow-up email immediately after the call ends. For an in-person interview, you may want to wait until the next day to send the email.

By following these best practices, you can ensure that your follow-up email is well-timed and received positively by the hiring manager.

Similar to this topic: Angular Interview Questions and Answers 2023

How to follow up after a phone screen vs. an in-person interview

The approach to following up after a phone screen versus an in-person interview may vary slightly. Here are some tips for each:

Following up after a phone screen:

Send a thank-you email immediately after the call ends: Since phone screens are typically shorter and less formal than in-person interviews, it’s best to send a thank-you email within a few hours of the call.
Keep the email brief: A brief email reiterating your interest in the position and thanking the interviewer for their time is sufficient for a phone screen.
Ask about next steps: Inquire about the next steps in the process, and ask when you can expect to hear back from them.

Following up after an in-person interview:

Send a thank-you email within 24-48 hours: It’s best to send a thank-you email within a day or two of the interview while the details are still fresh in your mind.
Customize the email: Reference specific topics discussed during the interview and reiterate your interest in the position.
Address any concerns: If there were any concerns or questions that came up during the interview, address them in your follow-up email to provide further clarification.
Ask about next steps: Inquire about the next steps in the process and ask when you can expect to hear back from them.

Overall, whether you’re following up after a phone screen or an in-person interview, it’s important to express your gratitude and reiterate your interest in the position while being mindful of the level of formality and appropriate timing.

Sample timelines for sending a follow-up email

The timing of a follow-up email after an interview can vary depending on the circumstances, but here are some sample timelines to consider:

Same Day Follow-up: For a phone screen, it’s appropriate to send a thank-you email immediately after the call ends, expressing your interest in the position and thanking the interviewer for their time.
Next Day Follow-up: For an in-person interview, send a thank-you email within 24 hours to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role.
Two to Three Day Follow-up: If the company has given you a specific timeline for their hiring process, it’s best to follow up within that timeline. For example, if they said they would make a decision within a week, you could send a follow-up email two to three days after the interview to check on the status of your application.
One Week Follow-up: If you haven’t heard back from the company within a week, it’s appropriate to send a brief email to inquire about the status of your application and express your continued interest in the position.

Overall, it’s important to strike a balance between being persistent and respectful of the hiring manager’s time. By sending a follow-up email at the appropriate time, you can demonstrate your professionalism and increase your chances of getting hired.

What to Include in a Follow-Up Email

The key elements of a follow-up email (such as gratitude, a recap of the interview, and a reaffirmation of interest)

A well-crafted follow-up email after an interview should include several key elements:

Gratitude: Begin your email by expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the position. Thank the interviewer for their time and for considering you as a candidate.
Recap of the interview: Briefly summarize the main points discussed during the interview, including any skills or experience that you feel make you a good fit for the position.
Reaffirmation of interest: Reiterate your interest in the position and why you believe you would be a good fit for the role. You can also mention any specific aspects of the job or company that appeal to you.
Address any concerns: If there were any concerns or questions that came up during the interview, address them in your follow-up email to provide further clarification.
Next steps: Inquire about the next steps in the hiring process and when you can expect to hear back from the company. You can also offer to provide any additional information that may be needed.
Closing: End your email with a professional closing, such as “Best regards” or “Sincerely,” followed by your name and contact information.

By including these key elements in your follow-up email, you can demonstrate your professionalism, express your enthusiasm for the position, and increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.

Examples of follow-up emails with different structures and approaches

Here are three different examples of follow-up emails with different structures and approaches:

The Short and Sweet Approach:

Subject: Thank You!

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for taking the time to speak with me about the [position] role at [company name]. It was a pleasure to learn more about the role and the company, and I am even more excited about the opportunity to join the team.

Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide or if you have any further questions for me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Best regards, [Your Name]

The Personalized Approach:

Subject: Thank You and Recap of Our Conversation

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to thank you for taking the time to meet with me to discuss the [position] role at [company name]. Our conversation was insightful, and I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the company and the role.

As we discussed, my experience in [specific skill or experience] has prepared me to excel in this role. I am especially excited about the opportunity to [specific task or responsibility mentioned in the job description]. I believe my skills and experience align well with the requirements of this position.

Thank you again for your time and consideration. Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide or if you have any further questions for me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards, [Your Name]

The Assertive Approach:

Subject: Checking in on the status of my application

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to follow up with you regarding the [position] role at [company name] that I interviewed for on 2024. I am very interested in this opportunity and wanted to check in on the status of my application.

If there are any additional steps I need to take or any additional information I can provide, please do not hesitate to let me know. I appreciate your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thank you, [Your Name]

Tips for tailoring your follow-up email to the specific job and company

Here are some tips for tailoring your follow-up email to the specific job and company:

Research the company: Before sending your follow-up email, take some time to research the company. Look at their website, read their mission statement and company values, and check out their social media profiles. This will give you a better understanding of the company culture and help you tailor your email accordingly.
Highlight relevant experience: In your follow-up email, highlight any relevant experience or skills you have that make you a good fit for the position. Use specific examples and connect your experience to the needs of the company.
Mention specific aspects of the job or company: Show your interest in the position by mentioning specific aspects of the job or company that appeal to you. This could include the company’s mission or values, the job responsibilities, or the opportunity for growth and development.
Use company language: Pay attention to the language used on the company website and in the job description, and try to incorporate some of that language into your follow-up email. This will demonstrate that you understand the company’s values and goals.
Personalize your email: Address the interviewer by name and refer to specific points from your conversation or the interview process. This will show that you were engaged and attentive during the interview and that you are invested in the opportunity.

By tailoring your follow-up email to the specific job and company, you can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position and increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.

Writing a Professional Greeting

How to address the recipient of the email

When addressing the recipient of your follow-up email, it’s important to use a professional and appropriate salutation. Here are some tips on how to address the recipient of the email:

Use their name: If you know the name of the person who interviewed you, use it in the salutation. This shows that you took the time to research and personalize your email.
Use a formal title: If you don’t know the name of the person who interviewed you, use a formal title such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Recruiter.” This is a polite and professional way to address the recipient.
Use their preferred name: If the interviewer introduced themselves by a nickname or a shortened version of their name, it’s okay to use that name in the salutation. However, make sure it’s a professional and appropriate nickname.
Avoid using “To Whom It May Concern”: While this salutation is technically correct, it can come across as impersonal and generic. Try to find the name of the person who interviewed you, or use a formal title instead.

Overall, using a professional and personalized salutation is an important part of crafting an effective follow-up email. It shows that you are respectful and engaged in the hiring process, and it can help make a positive impression on the recipient.

Examples of professional greetings that show respect and interest

Here are some examples of professional greetings that show respect and interest:

#1. Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about the [Position] role at [Company]. I enjoyed learning more about the company and the opportunity, and I appreciate the insights you shared.

#2. Hello [Interviewer’s Name],

I wanted to follow up with you after our meeting regarding the [Position] role at [Company]. I am still very interested in the position and I would be honored to contribute my skills and experience to the team.

#3. Dear Hiring Manager,

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Position] role at [Company]. After speaking with you, I am more excited than ever about the opportunity to join the team.

#4. Hi [Interviewer’s Name],

It was a pleasure speaking with you about the [Position] role at [Company]. I appreciate your time and the opportunity to learn more about the company and the position. I wanted to follow up with you and express my continued interest in the role.

In all of these examples, the greetings are personalized, professional, and demonstrate interest in the company and the position. By using a polite and respectful tone, you can show the interviewer that you are invested in the opportunity and committed to the hiring process.

Expressing Your Gratitude

The importance of showing gratitude for the opportunity to interview

Showing gratitude for the opportunity to interview is an important aspect of writing a follow-up email. Here are some reasons why it’s important to express your gratitude:

It shows appreciation: By thanking the interviewer for their time and consideration, you are demonstrating that you value their effort and expertise. This can help build a positive relationship and show that you are respectful and grateful.
It reflects positively on you: Showing gratitude can help you stand out as a candidate who is professional, polite, and grateful for the opportunity. This can leave a positive impression on the interviewer and increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.
It demonstrates enthusiasm: By expressing your gratitude, you are also showing your enthusiasm for the opportunity. This can help demonstrate your interest in the company and the position, which is important for the interviewer to see.
It’s a basic courtesy: Expressing gratitude is a basic courtesy that is expected in professional settings. By thanking the interviewer for their time and consideration, you are demonstrating that you understand and respect professional norms.

Overall, showing gratitude for the opportunity to interview is an important part of writing a follow-up email. It can help build a positive relationship with the interviewer, demonstrate your professionalism and enthusiasm, and reflect positively on you as a candidate.

Examples of ways to express gratitude that are appropriate for different types of interviews

Here are some examples of ways to express gratitude that are appropriate for different types of interviews:

#1. Phone screen interview:

“Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about the [Position] role at [Company]. I appreciate the insights you shared and the opportunity to learn more about the company and the position.”

#2. In-person interview:

“Thank you for inviting me to interview for the [Position] role at [Company]. I appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and the team, and to learn more about the company and the position.”

#3. Group interview:

“Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the group interview for the [Position] role at [Company]. I appreciated the chance to meet the other candidates and to learn more about the company and the position.”

#4. Panel interview:

“Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Position] role at [Company]. I appreciated the chance to speak with the panel and to learn more about the company and the position. It was a valuable experience.”

Overall, expressing gratitude in a follow-up email after an interview is important regardless of the type of interview you had. By thanking the interviewer for their time and consideration, you are demonstrating your appreciation, professionalism, and enthusiasm for the opportunity. Be sure to tailor your expressions of gratitude to the specific type of interview and the people you spoke with to make your message more personal and impactful.

Recap of the Interview

A recap of the interview is an important part of a follow-up email. Here are some tips for summarizing the interview:

Highlight key points: Summarize the key points that were discussed during the interview. This can include the skills and experience required for the position, the company culture, and any other important details that were mentioned.
Be specific: Use specific examples from the interview to demonstrate your understanding of the position and the company. This can show the interviewer that you were engaged and paying attention during the interview.
Keep it concise: A recap of the interview should be brief and to the point. Avoid going into too much detail or repeating information that was already discussed.
Thank the interviewer: Use your recap as an opportunity to express your appreciation for the interviewer’s time and effort.

Here’s an example of a recap of an interview:

“During the interview, we discussed my experience working in a similar role and my ability to handle multiple projects at once. We also talked about the company culture and how I could see myself fitting in with the team. I was impressed by the company’s commitment to innovation and their focus on employee development. Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me.”

Overall, a recap of the interview can help demonstrate your understanding of the position and the company, and show that you were engaged and interested during the interview. It’s a great way to personalize your follow-up email and leave a positive impression on the interviewer.

Reaffirmation of Interest

Why it’s important to reiterate your interest in the job and the company

Reiterating your interest in the job and the company is important for several reasons:

Shows your motivation: By reiterating your interest in the job and the company, you demonstrate to the interviewer that you are motivated and enthusiastic about the position. This can help set you apart from other candidates who may not show the same level of interest.
Demonstrates a good fit: Employers want to hire candidates who are a good fit for the job and the company culture. By expressing your interest, you are showing that you have done your research and that you believe you would be a good fit for the role and the organization.
Reinforces your candidacy: By reiterating your interest, you are reminding the interviewer of your candidacy and making it clear that you are still available and interested in the position. This can help keep you top-of-mind and increase your chances of being selected for the job.
Opens the door for further communication: By expressing your interest and asking about the next steps in the hiring process, you are opening the door for further communication with the interviewer. This can help you stay in the loop and demonstrate your commitment to the position.

Overall, reiterating your interest in the job and the company is an important part of a follow-up email after an interview. It shows your motivation, demonstrates a good fit, reinforces your candidacy, and opens the door for further communication. By doing so, you increase your chances of being selected for the job.

Examples of ways to convey your enthusiasm for the role

There are many ways to convey your enthusiasm for a role in a follow-up email after an interview. Here are a few examples:

“I am extremely excited about the possibility of joining your team and contributing to the company’s success. I believe that my skills and experience make me a great fit for the role, and I am eager to put them to work.”
“I left the interview feeling even more enthusiastic about the opportunity to work for your company. The discussion we had about the company’s mission and values really resonated with me, and I believe that my background and experience align well with what you are looking for.”
“I appreciate the time you took to meet with me and learn more about my qualifications. After learning more about the position and the company, I am even more excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and help drive success.”
“I am impressed with the work your team is doing, and I believe that I could make a meaningful contribution to your efforts. I am excited about the possibility of joining the team and would be honored to be considered for the role.”

Overall, the key to conveying your enthusiasm is to be specific and authentic. Talk about what excites you about the job and the company, and be sure to reference specific details from your interview or your research on the company. By doing so, you can demonstrate your genuine interest and increase your chances of being selected for the role.

Asking About Next Steps

Asking about next steps is an important part of a follow-up email after an interview. It shows that you are proactive and interested in the job, and it can help you stay informed about the hiring process. Here are some examples of how to ask about next steps:

“Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the position. I am very interested in the role and would like to know what the next steps are in the hiring process.”
“I appreciate the chance to discuss the position with you, and I am eager to learn more about the next steps in the process. Could you provide an update on the timeline for the hiring decision?”
“I am excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute to the company’s success. Could you please let me know what the next steps are and how I can best follow up with you?”
“I enjoyed our conversation about the position and the company, and I believe that my skills and experience would be a good fit for the role. Could you provide an update on the status of the hiring process and what the next steps will be?”

Remember to be polite and professional when asking about next steps, and avoid coming across as pushy or demanding. By showing your interest in the job and asking about the next steps, you can help keep the conversation going and increase your chances of being selected for the role.

Closing the Email Professionally

Closing your follow-up email professionally is important to leave a positive and lasting impression on the interviewer. Here are some examples of how to close your email:

“Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to hearing back from you soon.”
“Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the position. I enjoyed our conversation and am excited about the prospect of joining your team. I look forward to hearing from you soon.”
“I appreciate your time and consideration throughout the interview process. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further information or if I can provide additional references.”
“Thank you for your time and for providing me with additional insights into the company and the position. I am eager to learn more about the next steps and am excited about the possibility of joining your team.”

Remember to use a professional tone and avoid any slang or casual language. Use a formal closing such as “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Thank you” followed by your name and contact information. Double-check for any typos or errors before hitting send to ensure your message is polished and professional.

Conclusion

Sending a follow-up email after an interview is an important step in the job search process that can help you stand out as a candidate and demonstrate your interest in the position and the company. Your follow-up email should include key elements such as expressing gratitude, recapping the interview, reaffirming your interest in the job and company, and asking about next steps. By tailoring your email to the specific job and company and using a professional tone and structure, you can leave a positive impression on the interviewer and increase your chances of being selected for the position. Remember to send your follow-up email within an appropriate timeframe and to proofread your message before sending to ensure it is polished and professional.

4.2/5 - (5 votes)