Nailing the Follow-Up Email After Your Interview
Sending a follow-up email after your interview can make a big difference in the hiring process. It shows you’re professional, thankful, and still interested in the job. Let’s talk about why a follow-up email matters and when to send it.
Why a Follow-Up Email Matters
A follow-up email isn’t just about being polite. It’s your chance to thank the interviewer for their time and remind them why you’re a great fit for the job. This email shows you’re serious about the position and helps you stand out from other candidates.
Plus, it’s another shot to make a good impression. Maybe you forgot to mention something important during the interview—now’s your chance to bring it up. And don’t forget to thank the interviewer for their time and consideration.
When to Send Your Follow-Up Email
Timing is everything with a follow-up email. You want to be quick but not too quick. The sweet spot is usually within 24 to 48 hours after your interview.
Send it too soon, and you might seem desperate. Wait too long, and they might think you don’t care. By sticking to this timeframe, you show you’re prompt but not pushy.
Keep in mind that every hiring process is different. If the interviewer mentioned a specific date for making a decision, send your follow-up email a day or two after that date to account for any delays.
Writing a thoughtful and timely follow-up email is a key step after your interview. Next, we’ll cover what to include in your follow-up email, like subject lines, greetings, and how to say thanks. For a ready-to-use template, check out my article on follow-up email after interview template.
Nailing Your Follow-Up Email
So, you nailed the interview, but the job’s not in the bag just yet. Sending a follow-up email can show you’re serious about the gig and remind the hiring manager why you’re the best fit. Let’s break down how to write a killer follow-up email.
Subject Line Tips
Your subject line needs to be short but sweet. It should tell the reader exactly why you’re emailing and make them want to open it. Here are some tips:
- Mention the job title or the date of your interview.
- Include your name so they know who it’s from.
- Use words that show you’re thankful or still interested, like “Thank you” or “Follow-up.”
Example subject lines:
- Thanks for the Interview – [Your Name]
- Follow-up on [Job Title] Interview – [Your Name]
Opening Greetings and Expressing Gratitude
Start your email with a friendly but professional greeting. If you know their name, use it. Thank them for the interview to set a positive tone. Here’s an example:
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Hope you’re doing well. I just wanted to say thanks for the chance to interview for the [Job Title] at [Company Name].
Recap of Your Qualifications and Interest
In the main part of your email, quickly remind them why you’re perfect for the job. Mention a skill or experience you talked about during the interview and how it fits the job. This keeps you fresh in their mind. Here’s an example:
During our chat, we talked about my experience in [relevant skill] and how it matches what you’re looking for in the [Job Title]. I’m really excited about the chance to work on [specific project/initiative] at [Company Name] because it aligns with my passion for [relevant interest or industry].
Keep this part short and to the point. For more ideas, check out my article on follow up email after interview example.
By following these tips, you can write a follow-up email that shows you’re still interested and reminds them why you’re the best choice. Next, we’ll talk about why personalizing your email and keeping it professional is so important.
Personalization and Professionalism
Nailing that follow-up email after an interview can be a game-changer. You want to be personal but still keep it professional. Here’s how to make your email hit the right notes and leave a lasting impression.
Tailoring Your Email Content
To stand out, make your email reflect the actual interview. Mention specific things you talked about, like projects or ideas. This shows you were paying attention and are genuinely interested in the job.
Got any questions or ideas that popped up during the interview? Throw them in the email. It shows you’re proactive and eager to contribute. By making your email a continuation of the interview, you reinforce why you’re the right fit for the job.
Proofreading and Polishing Your Message
Before you hit send, make sure your email is spotless. A clean, error-free email shows you’re detail-oriented and professional. Here’s how to get it right:
Spelling and Grammar: Check for typos and grammar mistakes. Use a spell-check tool and read your email out loud to catch anything that sounds off.
Tone and Language: Keep it professional but friendly. Avoid slang and overly casual language. You want to be approachable but still formal enough to show respect.
Clarity and Conciseness: Make sure your email is clear and to the point. Cut out any fluff or repetitive info. You want your message to be easy to read and understand.
Formatting: Use a clean, readable font. Bullet points or numbered lists can help organize your thoughts. Good formatting makes your email easier to digest.
Subject Line: Make sure your subject line is clear and to the point. Need help? Check out my article on follow-up email after interview templates.
By customizing your email to reflect the interview and making sure it’s polished and error-free, you boost your chances of making a great impression. Attention to detail can set you apart from other candidates.
Call to Action and Closing
After sharing your qualifications and gratitude in your follow-up email, it’s crucial to wrap things up with a strong call to action and a closing that leaves a lasting impression. This part will help you show your ongoing interest and ask about the next steps smoothly.
Showing You’re Still Interested
To show you’re still pumped about the job, let them know you’re excited about the company and the role. Mention something specific from the interview that got you even more interested. This shows you’re serious and helps you stand out.
For example:
“I wanted to thank you again for the chance to interview at [Company Name]. After our chat, I’m even more excited about the possibility of joining your team. Our discussion about [specific topic discussed during the interview] really confirmed for me that [Company Name] is a place where I can thrive and contribute meaningfully.”
Asking About What’s Next
When closing your follow-up email, politely ask about the next steps in the hiring process. This shows you’re proactive and eager to keep things moving.
For example:
“Could you please let me know what the next steps are in the interview process? I’m happy to provide any more information or references you might need and am available at your convenience for further discussions or interviews. Thanks again for your time and consideration.”
By showing you’re still interested and asking about the next steps, you leave a positive impression and show you’re committed to the opportunity. Make sure to tweak your call to action and closing to fit your style and what was discussed in the interview. For a follow-up email template, check out my article on follow up email after interview template. If you haven’t heard back after your initial follow-up, you can find tips in my article on follow up email after interview no response.
Tips to Nail Your Follow-Up Email
So, you’ve aced the interview, but the job isn’t yours just yet. A killer follow-up email can seal the deal. Here’s how to make sure your message hits the mark.
Keep It Short and Sweet
Hiring managers are swamped with emails. Make yours stand out by being brief and to the point. No one wants to read a novel. Stick to short paragraphs and avoid unnecessary fluff.
Using bullet points or a table can help organize your thoughts and make your email easy to skim. Here’s a quick example:
| Qualifications | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Relevant Experience | – 3 years in a similar role – Managed a team of 10 – Boosted productivity by 20% |
| Skills | – Microsoft Office Suite – Strong analytical skills – Excellent communication |
| Education | – Bachelor’s in Business Administration – Project Management Certification |
This format shows you’re organized and makes it easy for the reader to see why you’re a great fit.
Common Follow-Up Email Mistakes
Even a well-intentioned follow-up can go wrong. Here’s what to avoid:
Typos and Grammar Goofs
Nothing says “I don’t pay attention to details” like a typo. Proofread your email. Use spell-check and maybe even get a friend to look it over.
Coming Off as Desperate
You want the job, but don’t sound like you need it to survive. Keep your tone professional and respectful. Avoid phrases that make you seem desperate or demanding.
Overdoing the Follow-Ups
One follow-up email is good. Two might be okay. Three is pushing it. Give the hiring team some time. If you haven’t heard back in a week or two, a polite nudge is fine. For more on this, check out my article on what to do if you get no response.
By steering clear of these mistakes, you’ll keep your follow-up professional and polished.
Remember, your follow-up email is your chance to remind them why you’re the best fit for the job. Keep it short, relevant, and error-free, and you’ll leave a lasting impression. For templates and examples, check out my articles on follow-up email templates and examples of follow-up emails.
