Introduction: The Final Handshake
The interview is over, and you feel great about it. But your work isn't done yet. A well-crafted follow-up email is a crucial and often overlooked part of the interview process. It’s your final opportunity to make a positive impression, reiterate your interest in the role, and remind the hiring manager of your key qualifications. It’s a simple act of professionalism that demonstrates your communication skills and enthusiasm. In a competitive job market, a thoughtful follow-up email can be the deciding factor that sets you apart from a similarly qualified candidate. This guide will provide you with a simple structure and effective templates for writing a follow-up email that gets results.
Why a Follow-Up Email Matters
- It Shows Professionalism and Courtesy: Thanking the interviewer for their time is a basic professional courtesy that shows you appreciate the opportunity.
- It Reinforces Your Interest: It's a direct way to reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and the company.
- It's a Chance to Add Value: You can briefly mention a point you forgot to make or elaborate on a topic you discussed.
- It Keeps You Top of Mind: Hiring managers are busy. A timely email brings your name back to the top of their inbox.
Key Elements of an Effective Follow-Up Email
1. A Clear and Professional Subject Line
Make it easy for the interviewer to know who you are and what the email is about. Be concise and professional.
- Examples:
- "Thank you - Interview for [Job Title]"
- "Following up on our conversation about the [Job Title] role"
- "Great to speak with you today"
2. A Personalized Greeting
Address the interviewer by name. If you met with multiple people, send a separate, slightly different email to each person.
3. An Expression of Gratitude
Start by thanking them for their time and the opportunity to interview.
4. A Reference to Your Conversation
Mention something specific you discussed during the interview. This shows you were engaged and helps them remember you. For example: "I particularly enjoyed our conversation about your upcoming expansion into the European market."
5. A Reiteration of Your Value
Briefly connect one of your key skills or experiences to the company's needs. This is your final pitch.
6. A Professional Closing
End the email professionally with a simple closing like "Sincerely," or "Best regards," followed by your full name.
When to Send Your Follow-Up Email
The best time to send your follow-up email is within **24 hours** of the interview. This ensures the conversation is still fresh in the interviewer's mind. Sending it too soon can seem desperate, and sending it too late can lose its impact.
Follow-Up Email Templates
Use these templates as a starting point. Always customize them to reflect your own voice and the specifics of your conversation.
Template 1: Standard Follow-Up
Subject: Thank you - Interview for [Job Title] Dear [Interviewer's Name], Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today about the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I truly enjoyed learning more about the role, the team, and the company's vision. I was particularly interested in our discussion about [mention a specific topic]. My experience in [mention a relevant skill or experience] aligns well with the challenges and opportunities you described. I am very excited about the possibility of joining your team and am confident that my skills would allow me to make a significant contribution. Thank you again for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Your Name]Template 2: Adding a Point You Forgot
Subject: Following up on our [Job Title] interview Dear [Interviewer's Name], Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position yesterday. I enjoyed our conversation and came away even more enthusiastic about the role. One thing I wanted to add regarding our discussion on [Topic] is that in my previous role, I also had experience with [mention the point you forgot]. I believe this experience would be particularly valuable in [how it applies to the job]. I am very confident in my ability to excel in this role and am eager to hear about the next steps. Thank you for your time and consideration. Best regards, [Your Name]Need to write a different kind of email? Use our AI Email Writer to generate a draft for any professional situation.
Conclusion: A Small Effort with a Big Impact
A follow-up email is a small investment of your time that can yield significant returns. It’s a simple, professional gesture that demonstrates your interest, reinforces your qualifications, and keeps you on the hiring manager's radar. In a competitive job search, these small details can make all the difference in landing you the offer.