What To Write In A Follow Up Email After Interview: Your Ultimate Guide

Congratulations! You’ve aced the interview. Now comes the next crucial step: the follow-up email. This isn’t just a formality; it’s a strategic opportunity to reiterate your interest, reinforce your qualifications, and potentially sway the decision in your favor. This guide offers a comprehensive look at crafting the perfect follow-up email, helping you stand out from the crowd.

The Importance of a Timely Follow-Up

Timing is everything. Sending your follow-up email promptly demonstrates your enthusiasm and attentiveness. Ideally, send your email within 24 hours of the interview. This timeframe is considered professional and ensures your name remains fresh in the interviewer’s mind. Delaying longer than this can unintentionally signal a lack of interest.

Crafting the Perfect Subject Line for Maximum Impact

Your subject line is the first thing the hiring manager sees. It needs to be clear, concise, and attention-grabbing. Avoid generic phrases. Instead, use a subject line that is both informative and personal. Consider these examples:

• “Following Up: [Your Name] - [Job Title] Interview”
• “Thank You - [Your Name] - Interview for [Job Title]”
• “Enthusiastic About the [Job Title] Opportunity - [Your Name]”

The goal is to immediately identify the email’s purpose and remind the recipient of the interview.

Expressing Gratitude and Reaffirming Interest

The body of your email should begin with a sincere expression of gratitude. Thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to discuss the position. This is a crucial first step in showing you appreciate their consideration. Immediately after expressing your thanks, reiterate your strong interest in the role.

Key Points to Reiterate from the Interview

Don’t just repeat yourself. Instead, thoughtfully select 2-3 key points from the interview that you want to reinforce. These could include:

• A specific skill or experience you discussed.
• Your understanding of the company’s goals or challenges.
• Something the interviewer seemed particularly interested in.

By revisiting these points, you subtly remind the interviewer of your value and demonstrate your attentiveness.

Tailoring Your Message: Personalization is Key

Generic emails are easily disregarded. Personalize your email to the specific interviewer and the specific job. This means referencing details discussed during the interview, showing you were truly engaged and invested. This could include:

• Mentioning a project they worked on.
• Referencing a specific comment they made.
• Highlighting a shared interest.

Adding Value: Going Above and Beyond

Consider including something extra to further demonstrate your suitability. This could be:

• A relevant article or blog post that aligns with the company’s work.
• A sample of your work that you didn’t have the chance to showcase during the interview.
• A brief summary of how your skills directly address a specific challenge the company faces.

This proactive approach shows initiative and a genuine desire to contribute.

Addressing Any Unanswered Questions

If any questions arose during the interview that you didn’t fully answer, or if you later came up with a more insightful response, use this opportunity to clarify. This demonstrates your thoughtful approach and commitment to providing comprehensive information.

The Importance of a Professional Tone and Formatting

Maintain a professional and polished tone throughout your email. Proofread carefully for any grammatical errors or typos. Use clear and concise language, and keep your email brief and easy to read. Use formatting to your advantage:

• Use short paragraphs.
• Use bullet points to highlight key information.
• Ensure your email is easily scannable.

Closing Your Email with Confidence

Your closing should be positive and forward-looking. Reiterate your interest in the position and express your availability for further discussion. Include a clear call to action, such as:

• “I look forward to hearing from you soon.”
• “Thank you again for your time, and I am eager to learn about the next steps.”
• “Please let me know if you require any further information.”

Contact Information: Ensuring Easy Communication

Always include your contact information in your email signature. This should include your:

• Full Name
• Phone Number
• Professional Email Address
• (Optional) LinkedIn Profile URL

This ensures the hiring manager can easily reach you if needed.

What to Avoid in Your Follow-Up Email

There are several pitfalls to avoid. These include:

• Being overly casual: Keep your tone professional.
• Repeating everything you said in the interview: Focus on new insights and relevant information.
• Being overly aggressive or demanding: Remain polite and patient.
• Including unnecessary attachments: Only include relevant documents if specifically requested or if they add significant value.
• Spelling and grammar errors: Always proofread!

Sample Follow-Up Email Template

Here’s a template you can adapt:

Subject: Thank You - [Your Name] - [Job Title] Interview

Dear [Interviewer Name],

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me yesterday about the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I truly enjoyed learning more about [Company Name] and the team.

[Reiterate a specific point from the interview, e.g., "I was particularly interested in our discussion about the new marketing campaign, and I believe my experience with [relevant skill] would be a valuable asset to the team."]

[Add value, e.g., "I've also attached a link to a recent blog post I wrote on [relevant topic] that I thought might be of interest: [Link]."]

I am very enthusiastic about this opportunity and confident that my skills and experience align well with the requirements of the role. I am eager to learn about the next steps in the hiring process.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)]

FAQs About Following Up After an Interview

Here are some frequently asked questions about the process:

What if I don’t hear back within a reasonable timeframe?

If you haven’t heard back within the timeframe the interviewer specified (or within a week or two if no timeframe was given), it’s acceptable to send a second, brief follow-up email. This email should politely inquire about the status of the application.

Is it okay to send a follow-up email if I interviewed with multiple people?

Yes, you should send a personalized follow-up email to each interviewer. This shows respect for their individual time and contribution to the process.

How do I handle multiple interviews for the same role?

If you’ve had multiple interviews, tailor your follow-up to each stage. In the initial follow-up, thank them for their time and reiterate your interest. After subsequent interviews, highlight specific aspects of the discussion and how they fit your skillset.

What if I made a mistake during the interview?

If you realized you made a mistake or misspoke during the interview, use the follow-up email to clarify your point and provide a more accurate answer. This shows accountability and a commitment to accuracy.

Can I send more than one follow-up email?

While one follow-up email is standard, a second, brief follow-up is acceptable if you haven’t heard back within a reasonable timeframe. However, avoid sending multiple emails. If you haven’t heard back after a second follow-up, it’s best to assume the position has been filled, or they are no longer interested.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of the Post-Interview Email

The follow-up email is a critical tool in your job search arsenal. By crafting a well-written, personalized, and timely email, you demonstrate your professionalism, enthusiasm, and commitment to the opportunity. Remember to express gratitude, reiterate your interest, add value, and maintain a professional tone. By following these guidelines, you’ll significantly increase your chances of landing your dream job. Good luck!