So, you put together an awesome resume, you landed an interview and you followed the latest interview tips. But now what? Now, you wait…
The post-interview phase can be daunting. But remember, waiting doesn’t mean inactivity. A well-crafted follow-up email can keep you on the interviewer’s mind and positively reinforce your candidacy.
In this guide, we’ll cover the how-tos of follow-up emails and provide practical examples, potentially turning your wait into a successful job offer. Let’s explore how to make your follow-up email stand out.
When should you send a follow-up email?
The optimal timing to send a follow-up email is within 24-48 hours after the interview. This is the best window because it provides you with the opportunity to thank your interviewer while reminding them of your qualifications and interest.
Some companies use interview scheduling software to keep track of all their job applicants. If this is the case at the organization you’re applying to, check their software to see if there are any updates about your interview or status as an applicant.
How to write a good follow-up email
So you now know you should send a follow-up email, but you need to make sure you hit the right note.
Pay attention to your subject line: Your subject line should be concise and clear. It can include the job title you interviewed for and your name. For example, “Follow-up on Inbound Call Center Position – Your Name”.
Thank the interviewer: Show appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Express gratitude for their time and the insights they shared about the company and role.
Let them know why you’re writing: After thanking the interviewer, clearly state why you’re following up. Indicate that you are checking the application status or expressing continued interest in the position.
Remind them of your qualifications: Highlight your key qualifications, and remind them how you can contribute to the company. Discuss a specific part of the conversation where your skills, such as monitoring calls for a call center position, match with the job requirements.
Sign off: End the email professionally with a sign-off like “Best regards,” or “Sincerely,” followed by your name and contact information.
What to include in a follow-up email
In your post-interview correspondence, it’s crucial to affirm your engagement with the role and refresh the interviewer’s memory of your relevant abilities. Emphasize the match between your experience and the job’s requirements, articulate your passion for the opportunity, and convey your readiness to progress in the selection process.
Asking for feedback after an interview can not only help build your skills for any future interviews but also open up a post-interview dialogue and give the impression you are willing to learn. You can ask about your job application status in your follow-up email. Ensure that you express your continued interest in the position and the company, and politely inquire about the next steps in the process. For example, “I wanted to follow up about the [Job Title] role. I’m really excited about the opportunity and was wondering if you had any updates on my application.”
What if it’s been a couple of weeks and you still haven’t heard anything?
If you feel ghosted after an interview and have yet to hear back after 2 weeks, it’s reasonable to follow up again. In this email, reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the company, and politely ask if there is any update or if further information is needed.
Examples of effective follow-up emails
Post interview follow-up email Subject Line: Follow-up on Marketing Manager Interview – [Your Name] Dear [Interviewer’s Name], I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to express my gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the Marketing Manager position last week. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about [Company’s Name] and its forward-thinking strategies. I am eager to bring my skills in strategic planning and team leadership to the table and believe that I could make significant contributions to your team. As discussed during our conversation, my recent experience with implementing a new social media strategy that increased engagement by 20% at my current job aligns perfectly with the objectives of this role. If there are any updates about my application or additional information required, please let me know. Thank you once again for your time and consideration. Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Final interview follow-up email Subject Line: Re: Final Interview Dear [Interviewer’s Name], I wanted to extend my appreciation for inviting me to the final round of interviews for the [Job Title] position. I greatly enjoyed our discussion about [specific topic], and it reaffirmed my interest in becoming part of [Company’s Name]. The role strongly aligns with my career objectives and my [specific skills or experiences]. I am eager to contribute and bring added value to your talented team. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need additional information. I look forward to any updates concerning the next steps in the selection process. Thank you once again for considering my application. Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Phone interview follow-up email Subject Line: Follow-up to Phone Interview for [Job Title] – [Your Name] Dear [Interviewer’s Name], I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you today about the [Job Title] role at [Company’s Name]. Our conversation further solidified my interest in the position, and I am excited about the prospect of joining your team. As we discussed, my background in [specific skills or experiences] aligns well with the needs of the role. I am confident that I could contribute effectively to your team and add value to your organization. If there are any further steps to be taken or additional information is needed, please let me know. I am looking forward to hearing about the next steps in the application process. Thank you for your time and consideration. Best Regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Conclusion
Sending a follow-up email after an interview is a crucial step that demonstrates your interest in the role and the company while giving you an opportunity to highlight your candidacy one more time. Whether you’re checking the status of your application, or sending a thank-you note after the final interview, a well-crafted follow-up email can make a lasting impression.
Always remember to be concise, professional, and genuine in your communication. Use these guidelines and examples to make your follow-up emails impactful and to set you apart in the hiring process. Good luck!
