How to Write an Email to Follow Up After a Job Interview

Following up after a job interview can be a critical step in reinforcing your interest and keeping you top-of-mind with the hiring team. Crafting an effective follow-up email requires careful consideration of tone, timing, and content. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you write a professional and compelling follow-up email.

1. Timing is Key

Send your follow-up email within 24 to 48 hours after the interview. This timing ensures your conversation is still fresh in the interviewer’s mind, showing that you are enthusiastic and prompt.

2. Use a Professional Subject Line

Your subject line should be clear and straightforward. Examples include:

• "Thank You for the Interview"
• "Follow-Up on [Position] Interview"
• "Appreciation for the Opportunity"

3. Start with a Polite Greeting

Begin your email with a polite and professional greeting. Use the interviewer's name, and if you’re uncertain about their title, stick with a general greeting such as “Dear [Interviewer's Name].”

4. Express Gratitude

Thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to discuss the role. Be specific about something you enjoyed or found particularly insightful during the interview.

Example: "Thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday. I appreciated learning more about [Company Name]'s innovative approach to [specific project or initiative]."

5. Reiterate Your Interest

Reaffirm your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Mention specific aspects of the job or company that excite you and align with your skills and career goals.

Example: "I am very excited about the possibility of joining [Company Name] and contributing to [specific project or responsibility]. Our discussion about [specific topic] only strengthened my interest in this role."

6. Address Any Additional Points

If there were any questions you didn’t fully address during the interview or if you have additional thoughts that came to mind, this is a good place to include them. This shows that you are proactive and thorough.

Example: "I wanted to follow up on my response regarding [specific question]. I have additional experience in [related skill or project] that I believe would be beneficial to [Company Name]."

7. Close with a Call to Action

End your email with a polite request for the next steps or a brief mention of your anticipation for their decision. Make sure to express your availability for any further discussions or follow-ups.

Example: "I look forward to the possibility of working together and am available for any further discussions or questions you may have. Please let me know if there are any additional steps I should take."

8. Professional Sign-Off

Use a professional closing statement followed by your full name and contact information. Examples of closing statements include:

• "Best regards,"
• "Sincerely,"
• "Thank you,"

Example: "Best regards, [Your Full Name] [Your Phone Number] [Your LinkedIn Profile]"

9. Proofread Your Email

Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. A well-written, error-free email reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.

10. Follow Up Again if Necessary

If you don’t hear back within the timeframe provided by the interviewer or within a week, it’s appropriate to send a second follow-up email. This should be polite and reiterate your continued interest.

Example of a Second Follow-Up Email: "Dear [Interviewer's Name], I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my previous email and inquire about the status of my application for the [Position] role. I am very interested in the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] and look forward to any updates you can provide. Thank you again for considering my application."

In summary, a well-crafted follow-up email can reinforce your candidacy and leave a lasting impression on the interviewer. By following these guidelines, you demonstrate professionalism, enthusiasm, and effective communication skills.