Sending a follow-up email after an interview can be a bit nerve-wracking, but it’s a crucial step in the job application process. It shows your continued interest in the position and helps keep your name fresh in the interviewer’s mind. Plus, it’s a polite way to thank them for their time. The key is to keep it professional, concise, and timely.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Word a Follow Up Email After an Interview
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to know that the purpose of this tutorial is to help you craft a follow-up email that strikes the right balance between professionalism and personality.
Step 1: Choose the Right Subject Line
Your email won’t get read if it’s not opened, and the subject line is the first thing the interviewer will see.
A clear, concise subject line is your first step. Consider using your name and the position you interviewed for, like "John Smith – Follow Up on Marketing Coordinator Position." It’s direct, and they’ll know exactly what the email is about.
Step 2: Open With a Thank You
Starting with gratitude is always a good move.
In the first sentence or two of your email, thank the interviewer for their time. It’s courteous to acknowledge that they took time out of their busy schedule to talk with you. A simple "Thank you for meeting with me on Tuesday" will do.
Step 3: Reiterate Your Interest
Make sure they know you’re still interested!
After your thank you, quickly remind them of your interest in the position and the company. Something like "I’m very excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team" works perfectly.
Step 4: Bring Up a Specific Point from the Interview
This helps personalize your email and makes it clear you were engaged during the interview.
Mention a particular moment from the interview that was significant to you. Maybe there was a project discussed that you’re eager to work on, or perhaps you shared a mutual interest. Bringing up these details can help you stand out.
Step 5: Close With a Call to Action
End your email by encouraging a response or next step.
A simple closing line like "I look forward to hearing from you regarding the next steps in the hiring process" is a polite way to prompt them to reply.
After you’ve completed these steps, you’ll have a follow-up email that’s professional, personalized, and shows your strong interest in the job.
Tips on How to Word a Follow Up Email After an Interview
- Keep it brief and to the point – no one wants to read an essay!
- Personalize the email – use the interviewer’s name if you know it.
- Proofread – typos and grammatical errors can be a big turn-off.
- Send it within 24-48 hours of the interview – you want to be prompt but not pushy.
- If you interviewed with multiple people, send personalized emails to each of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t hear back after sending the follow-up email?
Be patient, hiring decisions can take time. However, if you haven’t heard back in over a week, it’s okay to send another polite follow-up email.
Can I ask for feedback in my follow-up email if I didn’t get the job?
Yes, it’s acceptable to ask for feedback, but make sure to keep the tone polite and non-confrontational.
Should I include anything else in my follow-up email?
It’s a good opportunity to include any thoughts or ideas you have about the position that you didn’t get a chance to mention during the interview.
Is it okay to follow up with a phone call instead of an email?
It depends on the company culture and how they’ve communicated with you so far. If they’ve been emailing, it’s best to stick with email.
How long should my follow-up email be?
A few short paragraphs are typically more than enough. Remember, brief and to the point.
Summary
- Choose a clear subject line with your name and the position.
- Open with a thank you.
- Reiterate your interest in the position.
- Mention a specific point from the interview.
- Close with a call to action.
Conclusion
Crafting the perfect follow-up email after an interview is an art that balances professionalism, enthusiasm, and brevity. It’s your chance to leave a lasting impression and edge out the competition by reminding the interviewer of your conversation and reiterating your interest in the job. Remember, the goal is to be memorable for all the right reasons. By following these steps and tips, you’ll be well on your way to penning an effective follow-up email. Who knows, it might just be the nudge that lands you the job. So go on, hit that send button with confidence, and get ready for the good news!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.