What to Email After a Bad Interview

It’s a situation many of us dread: you’ve just had a less-than-stellar interview. Perhaps the conversation didn’t go as planned, or maybe you were caught off-guard by a tough question. Now, you're left wondering how to salvage the situation with a follow-up email. Here’s a guide on crafting the perfect email to send after a bad interview, ensuring you leave a positive impression despite the rough start.

1. Acknowledge the Situation and Show Appreciation

Begin your email by acknowledging the interview and expressing gratitude for the opportunity. This sets a positive tone and shows professionalism.

Subject: Thank You for the Interview Opportunity

Dear [Interviewer's Name],

I want to extend my sincere thanks for the opportunity to interview for the [Position] role at [Company] on [Date]. I truly appreciate the time you took to meet with me and discuss the position.

2. Address Any Issues

If there were specific points during the interview where you feel you didn't perform well, address them briefly and professionally. This is your chance to clarify any misunderstandings or provide additional information.

Upon reflection, I realized that I didn’t fully articulate my experience with [specific skill or topic] as clearly as I would have liked. I wanted to provide a bit more detail on how I have applied this skill in my previous roles. In my position at [Previous Company], I [briefly explain a relevant achievement or experience].

3. Reiterate Your Interest

Reaffirm your enthusiasm for the position and the company. This demonstrates your continued interest despite the interview challenges.

I remain very enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to [Company] and am excited about the potential to bring my skills in [specific area] to your team. The role aligns perfectly with my career goals and interests.

4. Offer to Provide Additional Information

Make it clear that you are open to providing any further information or clarifications that may be needed.

If there are any additional details or examples you would like me to provide, please do not hesitate to reach out. I am more than happy to discuss my qualifications further or provide any additional information that might be helpful.

5. Close Professionally

Wrap up your email with a professional closing that reiterates your thanks and interest.

Thank you once again for the opportunity. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team and hope to hear from you soon.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your LinkedIn Profile]

6. Proofread and Send

Before hitting send, ensure your email is free of typos and grammatical errors. A well-polished email reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

Conclusion

Sending a follow-up email after a bad interview can be a powerful way to address any issues, reaffirm your interest, and leave a positive impression. By acknowledging the situation, addressing any missteps, and expressing continued enthusiasm, you increase your chances of turning a challenging interview into a potential opportunity.