So, you are done with the job interview—yes, you! 💪
Now comes the toughest part—the waiting game. It’s been days since you heard back from the recruiter, and you are just wondering what’s next.
Why keep waiting and guessing when you can take the charge? Yes, you can do so by sending a follow-up email after an interview and tipping the scales in your favor.
Ready for one? Let’s dive in!
Why a Follow-up Email After an Interview Matters
Before even jumping to how to craft an irresistible follow-up email, it is important to understand why you even put this much effort into it.
Well, if you think that you follow-up out of courtesy, think again. It’s more than that—it is your golden ticket to stand out in the crowded job market.
Can you even believe that 80% of the recruiters say that a follow-up email after an interview is what actually has helped them make a final hiring decision? So, skipping this step means you are missing out on something big.
Here’s how following up impacts your candidacy:
Show you are all in
Sending a thoughtful follow-up email shows that you are not just hunting for a job but are really excited to get it. Restating your enthusiasm reminds the recruiter why you are a perfect fit for that particular job post.
Prove you are a pro
Let’s be real; landing your dream job isn’t about just acing the interview. It’s about wearing that professional cap throughout the hiring process, including how you follow-up.
A well-written follow-up email shows that you understand the work ethic and appreciate the time and effort the recruiter invested in interviewing you. This speaks volumes about your professionalism and exceptional communication skills, which give you an edge over other candidates.
Make you stand out [for all the right reasons]
A follow-up email after an interview is like a backstage pass to shine brightly once more.
It gives you the chance to recap the key points from an interview where your skillset perfectly matched the JD. This actually reinforces your candidacy by reminding the hiring manager of your capabilities and the value you bring to their team.
Clear up misunderstandings
There might have been some points in the interview that felt a little off or incomplete. This is where a follow-up email does its magic—another golden chance to clarify stuff or elaborate on points you wish you’d explained better.
Format of the Perfect Interview Follow-up Email
Your follow-up email should be as impressive as your interview. Here are all the secret ingredients to craft a perfect one:
👉 Subject line: State the purpose of your email briefly and clearly.
Example: Following Up on [Mention the Job Role] Interview!
👉 Greeting: Address the recipient in a formal way.
Example: Dear [Mention the Interviewer’s Name],
👉 Opening paragraph: Express gratitude for being shortlisted for the interview and also mention the day/date it was held.
Example: I hope you are doing great. Thank you for the time to interview me for the post of [Mention the Position Title] held on [Mention the Day/Date].
👉 Body paragraph: Recap something from your interview that actually stood out. Reaffirm your interest in the position and highlight the skills that best align with the job description.
Example: I enjoyed knowing more about [mention the specific topic discussed]. It made me more eager to contribute to [mention team goals]. I’m confident that my skill set aligns well with the job requirements.
👉 Closing paragraph: Politely ask about your application status and show that you are eager to contribute.
Example: I’d love to hear about the next steps of my hiring process. Please let me know if there is anything I can assist you with.
👉 Sign-off: Conclude your email professionally.
Example: Thank you once again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Email]
[Contact Number]
3 Templates to Follow-up After an Interview
Looking for perfect interview follow-up email templates? We’ve got you covered.
But before you hit send, make sure you tweak them to match your unique style and needs. So, here you go:
Template 1: A quick thank you
Subject line: Thank You for Your Time, [Mention Name]
Hey, [Mention Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to interview me [Yesterday/the day before yesterday] for the post of [Mention Job Role]. I totally enjoyed knowing more about the company and the amazing job that you guys are doing in [Mention the Department].
The company’s approach to [Mention the Mission or Values] resonated with me, and I’m excited to be a part of that vision.
If you need any additional information from me or have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
[Email ID]
[Contact Number]
Template 2: Follow up with additional info
Subject line: Nice Talking to You [Yesterday] Regarding [Job Role]!
Hey, [Interviewer’s Name],
It was a pleasure talking to you [Yesterday] about the [Mention Position] at [ Company Name]. I’m super excited about the possibility of working with you and contributing to [Mention Specific Goal].
As we discussed, I am sending you [My Samples, etc.], and I believe that my skills best align with the [Team Goals].
If you need further information or have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best Regards,
[Name]
[Email Address]
[Contact Number]
Template 3: To check on your application status
Subject line: Following up on [Job Role]!
Hey, [Name of the Interviewer],
I hope you are having a great day.
It was great talking to you on [Mention the Date] about the [Mention Open Position] at your company. I am excited about the possibility of being a part of your team.
I just wanted to check in on my application status or if there’s anything you need from my side to help move the hiring process forward.
Please feel free to reach out if you need more information.
Thank you again.
Best Regards,
[Name]
[Email]
[Phone Number]
Pro tip 💡: Compliment your follow-up email with a sleek design because a good design can leave a lasting impression. So, why go basic when you can shine? Check out our free HTML email templates and up your follow-up game.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Follow-up Email
Here, we have handpicked the major don’ts of a follow-up email after an interview:
Following up too soon
Sending an email right after your interview can sound unprofessional. Send your first follow-up at least 24 hours after an interview, and if you don’t hear back after that, wait for a week at least before you hit send a second email.
Being too generic
This is yet another common mistake that many of you might make. A generic message doesn’t show your genuine interest in the company. So, add some personal touch, like mentioning something specific from the interview to show how engaged and invested you are in getting this job opportunity. Personalization is the secret sauce that makes you stand out.
Writing too much
Remember that “less is more” when writing your email copy. Nobody wants to read an essay, so stick to the key points if you don’t want to overwhelm your reader.
Overly frequent follow-ups
Sending a follow-up email after no response shows your enthusiasm for that particular job, but bombarding them makes you seem desperate. Limit yourself to one or two polite follow-ups to keep your communication professional.
Skipping proofreading
Typos and grammatical errors in your email leave a bad impression. Always take some time to proofread your copy to ensure that you are presenting your best self.
Conclusion
So, you’ve got the full scoop on nailing that follow-up email after an interview. It’s time to put it into action.
Remember, it’s not about what you say but how you say it.
Now, go ahead and just make your mark.
