Landing an interview is a significant accomplishment, but the journey doesn’t end there. Sending a follow up email after interview is a crucial part of the process, a chance to solidify your impression and reiterate your interest in the role. But how do you craft the perfect message that strikes the right balance between enthusiasm and professionalism? Let’s delve into the art of the follow up.

Why Send a Follow Up Email After Interview?

Think of a follow up email after interview as a handshake, a parting gift. It does several important things. First, it expresses your gratitude for the interviewer’s time and consideration. Second, it reminds them of your conversation, highlighting key points and showcasing your understanding of the role and the company. Finally, it demonstrates your professionalism and enthusiasm, setting you apart from other candidates.

Imagine you are the interviewer. You’ve spent hours talking to multiple candidates. A well-crafted follow-up could be the deciding factor that tips the scales in your favor. It shows you’re proactive, detail-oriented, and genuinely interested in the opportunity.

Timing is Everything

So, when should you send your follow up email after interview? Ideally, aim to send it within 24 hours of your interview. This demonstrates promptness and keeps you fresh in the interviewer’s mind. Sending it too soon might seem overly eager, while waiting too long could make you appear disinterested.

If you interviewed with multiple people, consider sending individual emails tailored to each person. This shows you were attentive during the conversations and value each person’s perspective.

What to Include in Your Email

Now, let’s get to the meat of the matter what should you actually write? Here’s a breakdown of the essential elements —

  • Subject Line — Keep it concise and professional. A simple “Thank You for the Interview” or “Following Up Regarding [Job Title] Interview” works perfectly.

  • Greeting — Address the interviewer by name, if you know it. A formal “Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]” is generally appropriate, unless you were explicitly invited to use a more casual greeting.

  • Gratitude — Begin by expressing your sincere thanks for the opportunity to interview. Acknowledge the time they invested in meeting with you. For example, “Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me yesterday about the [Job Title] position.”

  • Reinforce Your Interest — Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Highlight what particularly excites you about the opportunity. “After learning more about [Company Name]’s commitment to [Company Value] and the challenges of the [Job Title] role, I am even more excited about the possibility of joining your team.”

  • Highlight Key Qualifications — Briefly recap one or two key qualifications or experiences that align with the job requirements. Connect your skills to the company’s needs. “Our discussion about [Specific Project or Skill] further solidified my belief that my experience in [Relevant Area] would be a valuable asset to your team.”

  • Add a Personal Touch — If you discussed something outside of the job description, such as a shared interest or a relevant industry trend, briefly mention it. This demonstrates that you were engaged in the conversation and helps build rapport. “I enjoyed hearing about your experiences with [Shared Interest]. It’s clear that [Company Name] fosters a culture of [Positive Attribute].”

  • Address Any Concerns (If Necessary) — If you feel you didn’t adequately address a particular question during the interview, use the follow-up email to clarify. Frame it positively and focus on your strengths. “Upon further reflection, I wanted to add that my experience in [Relevant Area] has also equipped me with [Specific Skill], which I believe would be beneficial in addressing [Specific Challenge].”

  • Call to Action — End with a clear call to action, expressing your availability and eagerness to move forward in the hiring process. “I am very interested in this opportunity and available to discuss this further at your convenience. Please let me know if you require any additional information from my end.”

  • Closing — Use a professional closing, such as “Sincerely,” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name.

  • Proofread — Before sending, meticulously proofread your email for any typos or grammatical errors. Ask a friend or colleague to review it as well. Small errors can undermine your credibility.

What to Avoid in Your Email

Equally important is what not to include in your follow-up. Avoid these common pitfalls —

  • Desperation — Don’t come across as needy or demanding. Maintain a confident and respectful tone.

  • Excessive Length — Keep your email concise and to the point. Interviewers are busy people.

  • Repetitive Information — Don’t simply rehash everything you said in the interview. Focus on key takeaways and add value.

  • Asking About Salary Too Soon — It’s generally best to avoid discussing salary or benefits in your follow-up email, unless the interviewer specifically brings it up.

  • Informal Language — Avoid slang, abbreviations, or overly casual language.

The Importance of Individuality

While templates can be helpful as a starting point, it’s crucial to personalize your follow up email after interview. Tailor your message to the specific conversation you had with each interviewer. Generic emails lack sincerity and can come across as insincere.

Think about the specific questions they asked, the topics you discussed, and the key takeaways from the conversation. Use this information to craft a unique and compelling message that showcases your understanding of the role and your genuine interest in the opportunity.

Final Thoughts

Crafting the perfect follow up email after interview is an art that requires attention to detail, thoughtful communication, and a genuine expression of interest. By following these guidelines, you can create a memorable message that reinforces your qualifications, strengthens your connection with the interviewer, and increases your chances of landing the job. Remember, it’s not just about saying thank you; it’s about showcasing your value and solidifying your position as the ideal candidate.