Landing an interview is a significant achievement in the job search. However, the process doesn’t end when you walk out of the room. Sending a follow up email after interview is a crucial, often overlooked, step that can significantly increase your chances of securing the position. It’s your final opportunity to reinforce your interest, reiterate your qualifications, and leave a positive, lasting impression on the hiring manager. This article examines how to craft the perfect post-interview email.
Making a Memorable Impact
The primary purpose of a follow-up email is to express your gratitude for the interviewer’s time and consideration. It demonstrates professionalism and respect for the opportunity. Beyond simple politeness, it also gives you a chance to −
- Reinforce your interest − Explicitly state your continued enthusiasm for the role and the company.
- Highlight key qualifications − Briefly reiterate the skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate, connecting them to the specific requirements of the job.
- Address any concerns − If you felt you didn’t adequately answer a question during the interview, use the email to clarify your response.
- Showcase your personality − Inject a touch of your personality to make the email engaging and memorable.
- Provide additional information − If there’s relevant work or information that you feel would strengthen your application, this is the place to include it.
A well-crafted email shows that you are proactive, detail-oriented, and genuinely invested in the opportunity.
Crafting the Ideal Follow-Up Email
Timing is crucial. Aim to send your follow-up email within 24 hours of the interview. This ensures that the conversation is still fresh in the interviewer’s mind. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements −
- Subject Line − Keep it concise and professional. Examples include − “Thank you – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Interview” or “Following Up – [Your Name] – [Company Name]”.
- Greeting − Address the interviewer by name. If you interviewed with multiple people, consider sending individual, personalized emails to each.
- Express Gratitude − Begin by thanking the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to interview. Be specific. Mention something you appreciated about the conversation. For instance, “Thank you for taking the time to speak with me yesterday about the Marketing Manager position. I especially enjoyed learning more about your upcoming campaign.”
- Reiterate Interest − Clearly state your continued interest in the position. “After our conversation, I am even more excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] as a [Job Title].”
- Highlight Key Qualifications − Briefly reiterate one or two key skills or experiences that align with the job requirements. “I believe my experience in [relevant skill] and my proven track record of [achievement] would be a valuable asset to your team.”
- Address Concerns (Optional) − If you feel you didn’t answer a question effectively, use this space to clarify. “I wanted to briefly clarify my response regarding [topic discussed]. [Provide a concise and improved answer].”
- Add Value − If appropriate, offer to provide additional information or resources. “Please let me know if you require any further information from me.”
- Closing − End with a professional and appreciative closing. “Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.” or “Sincerely,” followed by your name.
- Proofread − Before hitting send, carefully proofread your email for any grammatical errors or typos. A grammar check is essential to ensure your email is polished and professional. Consider using an AI-powered tool to assist with this task.
After sending a follow up email after interview, remember that patience is key. Avoid bombarding the hiring manager with multiple emails. Allow them sufficient time to review your application and make a decision.
Examples of What Not to Do
- Generic Subject Lines − Avoid vague subject lines like “Following Up” or “Just Checking In.”
- Demanding Tone − Refrain from using language that is pushy or demanding.
- Excessive Length − Keep your email concise and to the point.
- Typos and Grammatical Errors − These can make you look unprofessional and careless. Use a grammar check tool.
- Inappropriate Tone − Maintain a professional and respectful tone throughout the email.
Taking the time to craft a thoughtful and well-written follow-up email demonstrates your professionalism, reinforces your interest, and increases your chances of landing the job. It’s a small effort that can yield significant results.