What to Say in an Email After an Interview: Top Tips and Samples
Following up after a job interview can be nerve-wracking, but it’s a crucial step in the hiring process. Knowing what to say in an email after an interview can make a big difference in leaving a positive impression. A well-crafted follow-up email shows your enthusiasm for the position and demonstrates professionalism.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential tips and provide examples to help you write the perfect follow-up email. Let’s dive in and ensure you stand out in the best way possible!
Why Follow Up After an Interview?
Following up after an interview is more than just a polite gesture; it plays a significant role in the hiring process. Here are some key reasons why you should send a follow-up email:
Reinforcing Your Interest in the Position: Sending a follow-up email reaffirms your enthusiasm for the role and the company. It shows that you are genuinely interested in the opportunity and eager to join the team.
Demonstrating Professionalism and Good Manners: A prompt follow-up email reflects well on your professional etiquette. It indicates that you understand business protocols and respect the interviewer’s time and effort.
Providing an Opportunity to Clarify or Add Information: Sometimes, you may think of additional points or realize you need to clarify something after the interview. A follow-up email allows you to address these points and ensure your application is as strong as possible.
Standing Out from Other Candidates: Many candidates forget or neglect to send a follow-up email. By taking this extra step, you can differentiate yourself and leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager.
Timing of the Follow-Up Email
Timing is crucial when it comes to sending a follow-up email after an interview. Here are some guidelines to help you get the timing right:
Send It Promptly: Ideally, you should send your follow-up email within 24 hours of the interview. This shows promptness and keeps you fresh in the interviewer’s mind. Waiting too long might make you seem uninterested or forgetful.
Balance Enthusiasm and Patience: While it’s important to send the email quickly, make sure to balance enthusiasm with patience. Avoid sending the email immediately after leaving the interview, as it may come across as overly eager. Taking a few hours to compose a thoughtful message can be more effective.
Consider the Time of Day: If possible, send your email during business hours, preferably mid-morning or early afternoon. This timing increases the likelihood that the interviewer will see and read your email promptly.
Follow-Up After No Response: If you haven’t received a response after your initial follow-up email, it’s appropriate to send a polite reminder after about a week. Keep this second email concise and professional, reiterating your interest in the position and inquiring about the status of your application.
Structure of a Follow-Up Email
Crafting a well-structured follow-up email is essential to making a positive impression. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements to include:
1. Subject Line
Your subject line should be clear and concise, indicating the purpose of your email. Here are some examples:
- “Thank You for the Interview – [Your Name]”
- “Follow-Up on Our Interview – [Your Name]”
- “Appreciate Your Time – [Your Name]”
2. Opening Greeting
Start your email with a polite and professional greeting. Address the interviewer by their title and last name, unless they have indicated a preference for a first name basis. For example:
- “Dear Mr. Smith,”
- “Hello Ms. Johnson,”
3. Expressing Gratitude
Begin your email by thanking the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to discuss the position. This shows appreciation and sets a positive tone. For example:
- “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday.”
- “I appreciate the opportunity to discuss the [Job Title] position with you.”
4. Reiterating Interest in the Position
Clearly express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Reiterate why you are excited about the opportunity and how it aligns with your career goals. For example:
- “I am very excited about the possibility of joining [Company Name] and contributing to your team.”
- “The [Job Title] position aligns perfectly with my skills and career aspirations, and I am eager to bring my expertise to your team.”
5. Mentioning Key Points from the Interview
Highlight key points from the interview that were particularly meaningful or that you feel are important to reinforce. This shows that you were engaged and attentive during the discussion. For example:
- “I enjoyed learning more about the innovative projects your team is working on, particularly the new [specific project or initiative].”
- “Our discussion about the company’s approach to [specific aspect] further confirmed my interest in this role.”
6. Offering Additional Information or Clarification
If there were any points you didn’t fully address during the interview, or if you have additional information that could strengthen your candidacy, include it here. For example:
- “After reflecting on our conversation, I wanted to provide additional details about my experience with [specific skill or project].”
- “I realized I didn’t mention my proficiency in [relevant software/tool], which I believe would be beneficial for this role.”
7. Closing and Signature
End your email with a professional closing, expressing your willingness to provide further information or answer any additional questions. Thank the interviewer once again and sign off with your full name. For example:
- “Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of working together. Best regards, [Your Full Name]”
- “I appreciate the opportunity to interview for this role and am excited about the potential to join your team. Sincerely, [Your Full Name]”
Sample Follow-Up Emails
Having well-crafted follow-up emails tailored to different scenarios can help you effectively communicate with potential employers. Here are some detailed examples to guide you.
1. General Follow-Up Email
This email is a standard follow-up to express gratitude and reiterate your interest in the position.
Subject Line: Thank You for the Interview – [Your Name]
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday to discuss the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I enjoyed learning more about your team and the exciting projects you’re working on.
I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of joining [Company Name] and contributing to your team. The role aligns perfectly with my skills and career aspirations, and I am eager to bring my expertise in [your field or specific skill] to your team.
Our discussion about [specific aspect of the job or company] further confirmed my interest in this role. I appreciated hearing about [specific project or company initiative] and believe my background in [relevant experience] would allow me to make a significant contribution.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of working together.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
2. Follow-Up Email with Additional Information
Use this email to provide extra details or clarify points discussed during the interview.
Subject Line: Additional Information Following Our Interview – [Your Name]
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I wanted to thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] on [interview date]. I enjoyed our conversation and learning more about the exciting work your team is doing.
After reflecting on our discussion, I wanted to provide some additional details about my experience with [specific skill or project]. At my previous job at [Previous Company], I [describe an accomplishment or project relevant to the role], which I believe would be highly beneficial for [Company Name].
Additionally, I realized I didn’t fully elaborate on my proficiency with [relevant software/tool]. I have [number] years of experience using it and have implemented it successfully in various projects, improving efficiency by [specific percentage or result].
I remain very enthusiastic about the opportunity to join your team and contribute to [specific aspect of the role or company]. Please feel free to reach out if you need any more information.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
3. Follow-Up Email After No Response
If you haven’t received a response after your initial follow-up, this email can serve as a polite reminder.
Subject Line: Following Up on My Interview – [Your Name]
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to follow up on our interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], which took place on [interview date]. I wanted to reiterate my strong interest in the role and enthusiasm for the opportunity to join your team.
I understand that you are likely very busy, but I wanted to inquire if there have been any updates regarding the hiring process or if you need any additional information from me.
I am very excited about the prospect of contributing to [Company Name] and am eager to bring my skills in [specific skill] to your team. Thank you again for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
Tips for Writing an Effective Follow-Up Email
Writing an effective follow-up email can significantly impact your chances of securing a job offer. Here are some essential tips to ensure your follow-up email leaves a positive impression:
1. Keep It Concise and to the Point
Your follow-up email should be brief and direct. Avoid long-winded explanations or unnecessary details. Aim to keep your email within a few short paragraphs that clearly convey your message. This shows respect for the interviewer’s time and ensures your key points are easily understood.
2. Use a Professional Tone
Maintain a professional and courteous tone throughout your email. Even if you had a friendly rapport with the interviewer, it’s important to keep your communication formal. Avoid using slang, emojis, or overly casual language. A professional tone demonstrates your seriousness about the position and respect for the company.
3. Proofread for Errors
Typos and grammatical errors can leave a negative impression. Before sending your email, carefully proofread it to ensure it is free of mistakes. Consider using a tool like Grammarly or asking a friend to review your email for any errors you might have missed. A well-written email reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
4. Customize Each Email for the Specific Interview and Interviewer
Avoid using a generic template for all your follow-up emails. Personalize each email by referencing specific points from your interview and addressing the interviewer by name. Mentioning details from your conversation shows that you were engaged and attentive during the interview, and it helps to strengthen your connection with the interviewer.
5. Express Genuine Gratitude
Start your email by thanking the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to interview for the position. Genuine gratitude sets a positive tone and shows that you value the opportunity. This simple gesture can leave a lasting impression and demonstrate your appreciation.
6. Reiterate Your Interest in the Position
Clearly express your continued enthusiasm for the role and the company. Reiterate why you are excited about the opportunity and how it aligns with your career goals. This reaffirms your interest and helps to keep you top of mind as a candidate.
By following these tips, you can create an effective follow-up email that reinforces your interest in the position, highlights your qualifications, and leaves a lasting impression on the interviewer.
