should i send a follow up email after an interview

3 min read 15-04-2025

should i send a follow up email after an interview

Meta Description: Did you just ace your job interview? Learn whether you should send a follow-up email and discover expert tips for crafting a perfect thank-you note that boosts your chances of getting hired. We cover what to include, what to avoid, and examples to help you land your dream job! (158 characters)

The Importance of a Post-Interview Follow-Up

Sending a follow-up email after a job interview is more than just a polite gesture; it's a strategic move that can significantly boost your chances of landing the job. In today's competitive job market, standing out from other candidates is crucial. A well-crafted follow-up email shows initiative, reinforces your interest, and provides an opportunity to reiterate your key qualifications. This simple act can make a lasting impression on the hiring manager.

Why Sending a Follow-Up Matters

Reinforces Your Interest: A follow-up email demonstrates your enthusiasm and genuine interest in the position. It subtly communicates that you're not just applying for any job, but specifically this one.
Provides a Chance to Reiterate Key Qualifications: The interview might have been fast-paced. A follow-up allows you to highlight one or two key skills or experiences that particularly align with the job description.
Shows Professionalism and Initiative: Following up shows you're organized, proactive, and detail-oriented—all qualities employers value.
Keeps You Top-of-Mind: With multiple candidates in the running, a follow-up email ensures your application doesn't get lost in the shuffle.

What to Include in Your Follow-Up Email

Your follow-up email shouldn't be a simple "thank you." It should be a concise, professional message that adds value and leaves a positive impression.

Essential Elements of a Winning Follow-Up Email:

Personalized Greeting: Address the interviewer by their name (double-check spelling!). A generic "To Whom It May Concern" is a major turn-off.
Express Gratitude: Begin by expressing your sincere appreciation for their time and the opportunity to interview.
Reiterate Enthusiasm: Briefly reiterate your interest in the position and your excitement about the opportunity to contribute to their team.
Highlight Key Skills/Experience: Briefly mention 1-2 key skills or experiences discussed during the interview that directly relate to the job requirements. Don't repeat everything; focus on the highlights.
Add Value (Optional): If relevant, you could briefly mention a news article, industry trend, or resource that relates to the company or the position. This demonstrates your continued engagement.
Professional Closing: End with a professional closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name and contact information.
Proofread Carefully: Errors in grammar or spelling can make a negative impression. Proofread your email multiple times before sending.

What to Avoid in Your Follow-Up Email

While a follow-up email is beneficial, there are some common mistakes to avoid:

Being Too Long: Keep it concise—aim for under 200 words. Hiring managers are busy; respect their time.
Being Too Casual: Maintain a professional tone. Avoid slang, emojis, or excessive exclamation points.
Repeating Information Already Provided: Don't simply rehash your resume or cover letter. Focus on new information and insights.
Coming Across as Desperate: Express your enthusiasm, but avoid sounding overly eager or demanding.
Forgetting to Proofread: Typos and grammatical errors can undermine your credibility.

Example Follow-Up Email

Subject: Following Up - [Your Name] - [Job Title] Interview

Dear [Interviewer Name],

Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me yesterday about the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I enjoyed learning more about [Specific aspect of the role or company that resonated with you], and I believe my experience in [Specific skill] aligns well with the requirements you outlined. My project management experience at [Previous Company], as we discussed, resulted in a 15% increase in team efficiency.

I'm very enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute my skills to [Company Name], and I’m eager to hear about the next steps in the hiring process. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Your LinkedIn Profile URL (Optional)]

When to Send Your Follow-Up Email

The ideal time to send a follow-up email is within 24-48 hours of your interview. This shows you’re prompt and organized. Don't wait too long, as your application might be forgotten.

Should you send a follow up email after a phone interview?

Yes! The same principles apply to phone interviews. A concise and professional follow-up email is just as important, even if the interaction was less formal.

Conclusion: The Power of a Well-Crafted Follow-Up

A well-crafted follow-up email is a powerful tool in your job search arsenal. By following these tips, you can create a professional and impactful message that leaves a lasting impression and significantly increases your chances of landing your dream job. Remember, it's a final chance to show your interest and professionalism – don't underestimate its power!