How to Write a Follow-Up After an Interview

In the world of job searching, the follow-up after an interview is often as critical as the interview itself. It’s your opportunity to reiterate your interest, reinforce your qualifications, and leave a lasting impression. So how do you craft a follow-up message that stands out?

1. Timing is Everything

The first rule of follow-up is timing. Aim to send your follow-up email within 24 hours of the interview. This shows that you are prompt and enthusiastic without coming across as desperate. The email should be short and to the point, ideally not longer than a few paragraphs.

2. Craft a Compelling Subject Line

The subject line of your follow-up email can be the deciding factor in whether your message gets opened or ignored. Keep it straightforward and professional. Something like “Thank You for the Interview” or “Follow-Up on [Position] Interview” works well. Avoid vague subject lines that could get lost in a crowded inbox.

3. Personalize Your Message

Your follow-up email should be personalized. Begin by thanking the interviewer for their time and mentioning something specific from your conversation. This could be a particular topic that was discussed, a shared interest, or a point of mutual agreement. This not only shows that you were attentive but also helps to create a connection.

4. Reiterate Your Interest

Make it clear that you are still very interested in the position. You can briefly mention why you think you’re a great fit for the role based on the interview. Reference specific skills or experiences that were discussed and how they align with the needs of the team or company.

5. Address Any Missed Points

If there was something you didn’t get a chance to mention during the interview or if you’ve had a follow-up thought about the role or company, this is the place to address it. Use this opportunity to provide additional information or clarify any points that were left open-ended.

6. Be Polite and Professional

Always maintain a tone of professionalism and politeness. Avoid slang or overly casual language. Your follow-up email should reflect the same level of professionalism you demonstrated in the interview.

7. End with a Call to Action

Close your email with a call to action. This could be a request for the next steps in the hiring process or an invitation to provide additional information if needed. Keep it open-ended but polite.

8. Proofread Your Email

Before hitting send, make sure to proofread your email for any grammatical or typographical errors. An error-free message reinforces your attention to detail and professionalism.

Sample Follow-Up Email

Subject: Follow-Up on [Position] Interview

Dear [Interviewer's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to extend my gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the [Position] role with [Company Name] yesterday. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and learning more about your team and the exciting projects you're working on.

Our discussion about [specific topic] was particularly enlightening, and I am even more enthusiastic about the possibility of contributing to [Company Name] in this role. I believe my experience with [specific skill or experience] would allow me to make a meaningful impact, and I am eager to bring my [specific quality or experience] to your team.

If you require any additional information from my end or have further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. I look forward to the next steps in the process and am excited about the opportunity to potentially join your team.

Thank you once again for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]
[Your LinkedIn Profile]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

In Summary

A well-crafted follow-up email is your chance to reinforce your interest and stand out in a competitive job market. By sending a personalized, timely, and professional message, you can make a positive impression and keep yourself at the forefront of the hiring manager’s mind.