Following up with a thoughtful email after an interview can help you stand out from other candidates and keep you fresh in the interviewer’s mind.
It’s a good opportunity to reaffirm your interest in the position, highlight your relevant skills, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role whilst also including any additional information that may have been requested during the interview.
When I get a well timed, well constructed follow up after interview it goes a long way to keeping that candidate front of mind.
Key Takeaways
Crafting Your Follow-Up
Here’s some pointers on how to master the art of the follow-up after an interview.
Timing Your Follow-Up
It’s advisable to send a thank you email within 24 hours of your interview to express gratitude.
If you don’t received a response, wait for at least a week before sending a follow-up email to inquire again.
Do:
Don’t:
Writing an Effective Thank-You Note
Start with a strong subject line that clearly states the purpose of your email.
Keep your tone professionalism and formal and focus on attention to detail.
Express appreciation for the interviewer’s time and reference specific discussions or topics from your interview to show your attentiveness.
Do:
Don’t:
Polishing Your Email
To mitigate the potential for grammatical errors and spelling mistakes, it may be beneficial to use a follow-up email template as a starting point; but always tailor it to your unique interview experience.
Do:
Don’t:
Reinforcing Your Interest
When you follow up after an interview, it’s crucial to communicate your enthusiasm clearly and to leave a lasting impression that distinguishes you as a dedicated candidate.
Conveying Passion for the Position
In your follow-up, highlight specific aspects of the job and company culture that align with your personal and professional goals.
For example, “I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to work with a team that’s committed to innovation and excellence, as that’s a core component of my professional ethos.”
Such personalized details show not only that you’ve done your homework, but also that your interest in the role is sincere and well-considered.
Additional Touchpoints to Stand Out
After you’ve sent your initial thank you message, consider connecting with the hiring manager on LinkedIn to keep you front of mind and build your network.
If you’ve discussed any updates to your resume that were prompted by the interview, share those improvements along with your follow up email. This shows you’re proactive and responsive to feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
James Waite
Founder of Remoteopia, James has worked in remote roles for 6 years. After a stint in recruitment, he now works as a director of website strategy in tech.
