How to Write an Effective Follow-up Email After an Interview
The Importance of Following Up
Following up after a job interview is crucial to show your continued interest in the position and the company. It also gives you an opportunity to thank the interviewer for their time and reiterate your qualifications for the job.
Moreover, sending a follow-up email demonstrates your professionalism, attention to detail, and communication skills. It shows that you are proactive and serious about the opportunity.
A well-crafted follow-up email can also be a chance to address any concerns or questions that may have come up during the interview. It can give you a chance to clarify any misunderstandings and provide additional information that may have been overlooked.
In short, not following up after an interview can leave a negative impression on the employer and potentially cost you the job. On the other hand, sending a thoughtful and personalized follow-up email can help you stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of getting hired.
Timing Your Follow-up Email
Timing is crucial when it comes to sending a follow-up email after an interview. You want to strike the right balance between being prompt and giving the employer enough time to make a decision.
It’s generally recommended to send your follow-up email within 24-48 hours of the interview. This shows that you are enthusiastic and proactive about the position.
However, if the employer gave you a specific timeline for when they would make their decision, it’s best to wait until that time has passed before following up. Sending a follow-up email too soon can come across as pushy or impatient.
If you didn’t receive a timeline for the decision, it’s acceptable to follow up after a week or two. Keep in mind that the hiring process can take time, and the employer may be interviewing other candidates.
In any case, make sure to personalize your follow-up email and reference specific points from the interview. This shows that you paid attention during the interview and are genuinely interested in the position.
Crafting Your Follow-up Email
Crafting a well-written and personalized follow-up email is essential to leave a positive impression on the employer. Here are some tips for writing an effective follow-up email:
- Start with a professional greeting, such as “Dear [Interviewer’s Name].”
- Express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the position.
- Reference specific points from the interview to show that you were paying attention and are genuinely interested in the position.
- Reiterate your qualifications for the job and how they align with the company’s goals and values.
- Ask any additional questions you may have or address any concerns that came up during the interview.
- Close with a polite and professional statement, such as “Thank you for considering my application” or “I look forward to hearing from you soon.”
- Always proofread your email for any spelling or grammar errors.
Remember, your follow-up email should be concise, personalized, and professional. Avoid sounding too pushy or desperate, as this can leave a negative impression on the employer.
Tips for Writing an Effective Subject Line
The subject line of your follow-up email is just as important as the content of the email itself. A well-crafted subject line can increase the chances of your email being opened and read by the employer. Here are some tips for writing an effective subject line:
Keep it short and specific – Use a clear and concise subject line that accurately reflects the purpose of your email. Avoid using generic subject lines such as “Follow-up” or “Thank You.” Instead, use specific keywords that relate to the interview or the position.
Personalize it – Use the interviewer’s name or reference a specific detail from the interview to personalize the subject line. This can grab the employer’s attention and show that you are genuinely interested in the position.
Avoid using all caps or exclamation points – Using all caps or too many exclamation points can come across as unprofessional and pushy. Stick to a professional tone and use appropriate punctuation.
Make it actionable – Use actionable language in your subject line to convey a sense of urgency and importance. For example, “Following Up on [Position Name]” or “Additional Information on [Topic Discussed in Interview].”
Proofread it – Always proofread your subject line for spelling or grammar errors. A subject line with errors can give a negative impression and decrease the chances of your email being opened.
Remember, your subject line is the first thing the employer will see in their inbox. A well-crafted subject line can increase the chances of your follow-up email being read and taken seriously.
What to Do If You Don’t Hear Back
After sending a follow-up email, it’s natural to feel anxious about not receiving a response from the employer. Here’s what you can do if you don’t hear back after your follow-up email:
Wait for a reasonable amount of time – Give the employer enough time to review your application and make a decision. Depending on the company’s hiring process, this can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
Send a polite follow-up – If it’s been a week or two since your last follow-up email, it’s acceptable to send another polite email inquiring about the status of your application. Keep your tone professional and avoid sounding pushy or desperate.
Move on – If you still don’t hear back after a second follow-up email, it may be time to move on and continue your job search. Don’t take it personally if you don’t get the job – there may be many reasons why the employer chose another candidate.
Ask for feedback – If you do receive a response from the employer, but it’s a rejection, consider asking for feedback on your interview or application. This can help you improve your skills and increase your chances of success in future job interviews.
Remember, not hearing back from an employer after a follow-up email is common. Don’t let it discourage you from pursuing other job opportunities and continue to improve your skills and experience.
