How to write a follow-up email
Horray! It is finally over - you aced the interview, and you are feeling good as you head out the door (or close the Zoom window). But, just as you can breathe again - the next thought creeps into your head.
Should I send a follow-up email?
Then, the next few thoughts might cross your mind:
Will it really help my chances?
What if they thought I was awful?
Will they think I'm a suck-up?
To us, these thoughts have one little thing in common: anxiety.
The job application process is scary. One mistake can feel like the difference between advancing to the next stage or being placed firmly in the no pile.
Sending a follow-up email, though? That is not so scary – when done right.
A professional follow-up email is one of the best – and only – things you should do after the interview. Seeing your name in their inbox along with a polite and enthusiastic email might invite the recruiter to contact you with a follow-up question at just the right time.
But with this in mind, remember that follow-up emails are the norm for many professional roles – which means you still need to stand out from other applicants.
Today, we will walk you through exactly what a follow-up email should include, how to format it, and when to send it.
One of the most important things you can do after the interview is to be available.
Being available via all channels of communication you provided is imperative to your success – don't worry, we are not saying you need to sit by your phone night and day waiting for it to ring. If the phone rings and you miss it – that is okay! You can call back.
The problem starts when you take a few days to return the call or a follow-up email lands in your junk box, and you miss it. Silence can be loud, and a recruiter with lots of stellar applicants may take it as your disinterest in the position.
This point also throws back to ensuring your resume, cover letter, and any other application documents are up to date. Hiring a professional resume writer can help you with this – they will take care of writing the content and formatting the document so you can spend time on those little details.
Sending through an email after your interview also helps you bypass the chance of missing any communication attempts the recruiter takes by getting in first and ensuring their stored contact details for you are correct discreetly (human error is a thing).
When you are writing your follow-up email, there are a few things to keep in mind; like the fact that the recruiter has already interviewed you and is making a decision based on what they have seen so far. Remember that you do not need to reiterate all your strengths – your application is there to do that for you. You simply want to express gratitude and show professionalism, as this will help keep your name on their radar for future roles (this is especially useful if they recruit for several companies in your chosen industry).
These points outline what a good follow-up email includes and how to format it correctly.
The subject line
Make sure your subject line is concise and to the point. Some examples include: Following up regarding the <JOB TITLE> role, Thank you for your time, Thank you for the interview.
Open with a thank you
Start your email with a hello (by name!) and a thank you, make sure to mention the job title and let them know you enjoyed the interview.
Express your enthusiasm and let them know what you took away from the interview
In your second paragraph, talk about why you are interested in working for the company (note the company by name), what project you are most excited about, and why your experience is relevant.
Invite the interviewer to follow up
Your closing paragraph should let your recruiter know you are eager to keep talking and are happy to answer any questions (or address any concerns) by providing more information or professional work examples.
Include your contact information
Finish your email with a thank you, a goodbye, and up to date contact information. Including your contact information confirms that the recruiter has the right information and invites them to give you an informal call
Here is an example of an email that puts these points into practice:
Good afternoon <NAME>
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to thank you and the selection panel for interviewing me this morning for the <INSERT POSITION> role. It was great to meet with you and learn more about the position and team.
I’m very excited about the opportunity – especially the prospect of being involved with <XYZ>. I think my background in <INDUSTRY> and my interest in <XYZ> make this opportunity a great fit for both of us.
Thank you again for your time today. This interview really reiterated to me just how eager I am to work with the <COMPANY> team. Please let me know if I can provide you with any further information or samples of my work.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Kind regards,
<AMAZING CANDIDATE> (your name!).
0444 444 444
This email template can be shortened or lengthened depending on your needs. Just make sure to hit our dot points, double-check your spelling (especially with names!) and send your follow-up email within 24 hours of the interview.
Of course, every situation is different, so use your discretion when writing and sending a follow-up email.
Next week, we will dive into a few other email templates including ones to help you stay in touch with recruiters and check in on the progress of your application.
If you are currently on the hunt for a new role, the team at Clothier Careers can help. We offer resume services, career coaching, and more. Reach out to us here or email us for a no-obligation consult here: info@clothiercareers.com