Follow-up After Interview Email Template: A Comprehensive Guide for Job Seekers

In the competitive job market, following up after an interview can significantly increase your chances of landing the position. A well-crafted follow-up email can reiterate your interest in the role, highlight your qualifications, and address any concerns or unanswered questions.

This article provides a comprehensive guide on creating a professional and memorable follow-up email. We’ll cover best practices, sample email templates, and expert advice to help you make a lasting impression and move forward in the hiring process.

Before diving into the email template, let’s explore some important factors to consider when composing your follow-up email.

Follow-up After Interview Email Template: 10 Key Points

Effective follow-up emails after interviews hinge on several crucial elements. Consider the following 10 points to craft a compelling message:

• Timely: Send within 24-48 hours of the interview.
• Personalized: Address the hiring manager by name.
• Subject Line: Keep it concise and attention-grabbing.
• Opening: Express gratitude and reiterate your interest in the role.
• Body: Highlight your relevant skills and experience.
• Questions: Address any unanswered questions or concerns.
• Call to Action: Request a follow-up or next steps.
• Closing: Thank the manager for their time and express enthusiasm.
• Proofread: Ensure your email is free of errors.
• Format: Use a professional and easy-to-read font and layout.

By incorporating these elements, you can create a follow-up email that effectively conveys your interest, professionalism, and enthusiasm for the position.

Timely: Send within 24-48 hours of the interview.

Timeliness is crucial in follow-up emails after interviews. Sending your email within 24-48 hours demonstrates your enthusiasm for the position and eagerness to continue the hiring process.

• Promptness shows interest: A prompt follow-up indicates that you are genuinely interested in the role and that you value the hiring manager’s time.
• Maintains momentum: Sending an email while the interview is still fresh in the hiring manager’s mind helps keep your application top-of-mind.
• Avoids being forgotten: The job market is competitive, and hiring managers may interview multiple candidates. A timely follow-up ensures that you don’t get lost in the shuffle.
• Demonstrates professionalism: Respecting the hiring manager’s time and following up promptly shows that you are professional and organized.

By sending your follow-up email within 24-48 hours of the interview, you increase your chances of making a positive impression and moving forward in the hiring process.

Personalized: Address the hiring manager by name.

Personalizing your follow-up email by addressing the hiring manager by name demonstrates that you were attentive during the interview and that you took the time to learn about the company and the position.

Here are some benefits of personalizing your email:

• Makes a connection: Using the hiring manager’s name establishes a personal connection and shows that you are not just sending a generic email.
• Shows respect: Addressing someone by their name is a sign of respect and professionalism.
• Increases chances of being read: A personalized email is more likely to be opened and read than a generic one.
• Builds rapport: Starting your email with the hiring manager’s name helps build rapport and sets a positive tone for the rest of the message.

To find the hiring manager’s name, you can refer to the job posting, the company’s website, or LinkedIn. If you cannot find the name, it is acceptable to use a more general salutation, such as “Dear Hiring Team” or “Dear [Company Name] Hiring Manager.”

By taking the time to personalize your follow-up email, you can make a lasting impression and increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.

Subject Line: Keep it concise and attention-grabbing.

The subject line of your follow-up email is crucial as it determines whether or not your email will be opened. Aim for a subject line that is both concise and attention-grabbing, giving the hiring manager a compelling reason to open your email.

• Keep it brief: Your subject line should be around 5-10 words long, just enough to convey the purpose of your email without overwhelming the reader.
• Use keywords: Include relevant keywords that the hiring manager is likely to be looking for, such as the position you applied for or the company name.
• Personalize it: If possible, include the hiring manager’s name or a reference to something specific that was discussed in the interview.
• Create a sense of urgency: Use action verbs and strong language to convey a sense of urgency and encourage the hiring manager to take action.

By crafting a concise and attention-grabbing subject line, you can increase the chances of your follow-up email being opened and read, giving you the opportunity to make a strong impression.

Opening: Express gratitude and reiterate your interest in the role.

The opening paragraph of your follow-up email is your chance to make a strong first impression and set the tone for the rest of the message. Begin by expressing your gratitude to the hiring manager for taking the time to interview you.

Here are some tips for crafting an effective opening paragraph:

• Start with a strong salutation: Use a professional salutation, such as “Dear Mr./Ms. [Hiring Manager’s Name].”
• Express your gratitude: Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration, and for the opportunity to learn more about the position and the company.
• Reiterate your interest: Briefly reiterate your interest in the position and explain why you are still enthusiastic about the opportunity.
• Use specific examples: If possible, mention something specific that you discussed during the interview that you found particularly interesting or relevant to your skills and experience.

By starting your follow-up email with a strong opening paragraph, you can grab the hiring manager’s attention and make them more likely to read the rest of your message.

Example opening paragraph:

Dear Mr./Ms. [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well.

I am writing to follow up on my interview for the [Job Title] position on [Date]. I want to thank you again for taking the time to meet with me and share more about the role and the company.

I was very impressed with [Something specific you discussed during the interview], and I am confident that my skills and experience in [Relevant skills and experience] would be a valuable asset to your team.

Body: Highlight your relevant skills and experience.

The body of your follow-up email is your opportunity to highlight your relevant skills and experience and explain why you are the best candidate for the position.

Here are some tips for crafting an effective body paragraph:

• Quantify your accomplishments: When describing your skills and experience, use specific examples and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. This will help the hiring manager to see the impact of your work and understand your value.
• Tailor your message to the job description: Review the job description and identify the key skills and experience that the hiring manager is looking for. Then, highlight your skills and experience that match these requirements.
• Use keywords: Include relevant keywords throughout your email, but avoid keyword stuffing. Focus on using keywords that are natural and relevant to your skills and experience.
• Proofread carefully: Before sending your email, proofread it carefully for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation.

By highlighting your relevant skills and experience in the body of your follow-up email, you can make a strong case for your candidacy and increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.

Example body paragraph:

In my previous role as a [Your Previous Job Title] at [Your Previous Company], I was responsible for [Your Responsibilities]. During my time there, I successfully [Your Accomplishments].

I am confident that my skills and experience in [Your Skills and Experience] would be a valuable asset to your team. I am a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a strong work ethic and a passion for [Your Industry or Field].

Questions: Address any unanswered questions or concerns.

If you have any unanswered questions or concerns about the position or the company, you can use your follow-up email to address them. This shows the hiring manager that you are engaged and interested in the opportunity.

Here are some tips for crafting an effective question or concern paragraph:

• Be specific: Clearly state your question or concern, and provide specific details if necessary.
• Be professional: Maintain a professional and respectful tone, even if you are asking a difficult question.
• Be brief: Keep your question or concern concise and to the point.

By addressing any unanswered questions or concerns in your follow-up email, you can demonstrate your interest in the position and show the hiring manager that you are serious about the opportunity.

Example question or concern paragraph:

I am very interested in the [Job Title] position and the opportunity to work at [Company Name]. However, I do have one question about the role.

During the interview, you mentioned that the position would involve some travel. I am wondering if you could provide me with more information about the frequency and duration of the travel.

Call to Action: Request a follow-up or next steps.

The call to action is your opportunity to request a follow-up meeting or ask the hiring manager about the next steps in the hiring process. This shows the hiring manager that you are eager to move forward and that you are serious about the opportunity.

Here are some tips for crafting an effective call to action:

• Be specific: Clearly state what you are requesting, such as a follow-up meeting or a phone call.
• Be professional: Maintain a professional and respectful tone, even if you are asking for a specific outcome.
• Be brief: Keep your call to action concise and to the point.

By including a call to action in your follow-up email, you can increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process and landing the job.

Example call to action paragraph:

Thank you again for your time and consideration. I am very interested in the [Job Title] position and I am eager to learn more about the next steps in the hiring process.

Would you be available to schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss my application further?

Closing: Thank the manager for their time and express enthusiasm.

The closing paragraph of your follow-up email is your opportunity to thank the hiring manager for their time and express your enthusiasm for the position.

Here are some tips for crafting an effective closing paragraph:

• Reiterate your interest: Briefly reiterate your interest in the position and thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration.
• Express your enthusiasm: Let the hiring manager know that you are excited about the opportunity and that you are eager to learn more.
• Use a strong closing statement: End your email with a strong closing statement, such as “I am confident that I have the skills and experience necessary to be successful in this role” or “I am eager to contribute to the success of your team.”

By closing your follow-up email with a strong closing paragraph, you can leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager and increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.

Example closing paragraph:

Thank you again for your time and consideration. I am very excited about the opportunity to join the [Company Name] team and contribute to the success of your organization.

I am confident that my skills and experience in [Your Skills and Experience] would be a valuable asset to your team, and I am eager to learn more about the next steps in the hiring process.

Proofread: Ensure your email is free of errors.

Before sending your follow-up email, it is important to proofread it carefully for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. Errors can make you appear unprofessional and can damage your chances of getting the job.

Here are some tips for proofreading your email:

• Read your email aloud: This can help you to identify any awkward phrasing or errors that you might otherwise miss.
• Use a grammar checker: There are many free online grammar checkers available that can help you to identify and correct errors in your writing.
• Ask a friend or colleague to review your email: A fresh pair of eyes can often spot errors that you might have missed.

By taking the time to proofread your follow-up email carefully, you can ensure that it is error-free and that you make a positive impression on the hiring manager.

Here are some common errors to watch for when proofreading your email:

• Typos: Make sure to check for typos, especially in your subject line and salutation.
• Grammar errors: Check for grammar errors, such as subject-verb agreement and pronoun usage.
• Spelling errors: Use a dictionary or spell checker to check for spelling errors.
• Punctuation errors: Make sure to use commas, periods, and other punctuation marks correctly.

Format: Use a professional and easy-to-read font and layout.

The format of your follow-up email is just as important as the content. Use a professional and easy-to-read font and layout to make your email visually appealing and easy to scan.

• Use a professional font: Choose a font that is easy to read and professional, such as Arial, Helvetica, or Times New Roman.
• Use a consistent font size: Use a consistent font size throughout your email, such as 12pt or 14pt.
• Use white space: Use white space to break up your text and make it more readable. Avoid using large blocks of text.
• Use bullet points and numbered lists: Use bullet points and numbered lists to make your email easier to scan and read.

By using a professional and easy-to-read font and layout, you can make sure that your follow-up email makes a positive impression on the hiring manager.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about follow-up emails after interviews:

Question 1: When should I send a follow-up email after an interview?
Answer: It is best to send a follow-up email within 24-48 hours after the interview while the interview is still fresh in the hiring manager’s mind.

Question 2: What should I include in my follow-up email?
Answer: Your follow-up email should include a salutation, an expression of gratitude, a reiteration of your interest in the position, a highlight of your relevant skills and experience, a call to action, and a closing statement.

Question 3: How long should my follow-up email be?
Answer: Your follow-up email should be concise and to the point. Aim for around 3-4 paragraphs, or no more than 500 words.

Question 4: What should my subject line be?
Answer: Your subject line should be concise and attention-grabbing, giving the hiring manager a compelling reason to open your email. For example: “Thank you for the interview for the [Job Title] position.”

Question 5: Should I attach my resume or portfolio to my follow-up email?
Answer: It is not necessary to attach your resume or portfolio to your follow-up email unless specifically requested by the hiring manager.

Question 6: What should I do if I don’t hear back from the hiring manager after sending a follow-up email?
Answer: If you don’t hear back from the hiring manager after sending a follow-up email, you can try reaching out again after a week or two. You can also try calling the hiring manager or sending a message via LinkedIn.

Question 7: What should I do if I don’t get the job?
Answer: If you don’t get the job, you can send a thank-you email to the hiring manager for their time and consideration. You can also ask for feedback on your interview performance.

By following these tips, you can write a professional and effective follow-up email after an interview that will increase your chances of getting the job.

In addition to the FAQ above, here are some additional tips for sending a successful follow-up email after an interview:

Tips

Here are some additional tips for sending a successful follow-up email after an interview:

Tip 1: Be timely. Send your follow-up email within 24-48 hours after the interview while the interview is still fresh in the hiring manager’s mind.

Tip 2: Be specific. In your follow-up email, be specific about the position you interviewed for and the company you applied to. This will help the hiring manager to easily recall your interview.

Tip 3: Be professional. Use a professional tone and language in your follow-up email. Avoid using slang or abbreviations.

Tip 4: Proofread carefully. Before sending your follow-up email, proofread it carefully for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. Errors can make you appear unprofessional and can damage your chances of getting the job.

By following these tips, you can write a professional and effective follow-up email after an interview that will increase your chances of getting the job.

Remember, the follow-up email is an important part of the job search process. By sending a well-written and timely follow-up email, you can make a lasting impression on the hiring manager and increase your chances of landing the job.

Conclusion

A well-crafted follow-up email after an interview can significantly increase your chances of getting the job. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can write a professional and effective email that will leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager.

Remember to keep your email concise and to the point, and to proofread it carefully before sending it. And don’t forget to be patient—it may take some time for the hiring manager to respond.

Good luck with your job search, and best of luck with your follow-up emails!