Best Practices For Follow-Up Emails Post-Interview

You nailed the interview, but the silence that follows feels louder than your post-interview anxiety playlist on full blast. Wondering if you’re stuck in professional limbo is as fun as a root canal without the anesthesia.

In this post, we promise actionable steps you can take to craft follow-up emails that not only remind your interviewers of your shining presence but could tilt the balance in your favor.

Quick Takeaways:

• Send your follow-up email within 24-48 hours post-interview to show enthusiasm without seeming overeager.
• Craft your email to express gratitude, reinforce your fit for the role, and include a call-to-action, tailored to the conversation and vibe of the interview.
• Avoid being too informal, sending your follow-up too soon or too late, and ensure to proofread to avoid simple mistakes.

Why Should You Send a Follow-Up Email?

Sending a follow-up email after an interview might seem like a small step, but it packs a mighty punch in maintaining your visibility among a sea of candidates. It’s your chance to remind the interviewer of your enthusiasm for the role, showcase your professionalism, and keep the lines of communication open. Think of it as the cherry on top of your interview performance—something that could tilt the scales in your favor.

A well-crafted follow-up does more than just say “thanks for your time.” It’s an opportunity to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the position, addressing any concerns that might have arisen during the interview and reinforcing your unique value proposition. Sending this email isn’t about being pushy; it’s about being proactive. It shows you’re serious, eager, and ready to contribute.

When is the Right Time to Send Your Follow-Up Email?

Timing your follow-up email can feel like trying to hit a moving target, but there’s a sweet spot that signals you’re both enthusiastic and respectful of the interviewer’s time. A good rule of thumb is to send your follow-up within 24 to 48 hours post-interview. This timeframe ensures you’re still fresh in the interviewer’s mind while giving them enough space to process their thoughts on your meeting.

Waiting too long to send your follow-up might signal disinterest, and rushing to send it moments after could seem overeager. Striking the right balance shows you value the opportunity and are considerate of the hiring process.

What Should You Include in Your Follow-Up Email?

Crafting the perfect follow-up email is an art. It’s about blending gratitude, reaffirmation of your interest, and subtly reminding the interviewer of your conversation highlights. Here’s what your email should entail:

• Express Gratitude : Begin with a sincere thank you for the interviewer’s time and consideration. A touch of personalization—reflecting on a specific moment or topic discussed during the interview—can make your message more memorable.

• Reinforce Your Fit for the Role : Here’s your chance to briefly remind them why you’re the right candidate. Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, or a unique perspective you bring to the table. It’s not about rehashing your entire resume but reinforcing your suitability for the role based on your conversation.

• Subtle Reminder of Your Interview Conversation : Connect your discussion points to how you envision your future at the company. Mentioning a key challenge the company is facing and how you’re uniquely positioned to solve it can help cement your value proposition.

• End with a Call-to-Action : Close your email on an actionable note. Express your eagerness to hear back regarding the next steps. It’s a gentle nudge that you’re looking forward to a decision, without coming across as demanding.

Unique Tip : Many candidates miss the opportunity to add value in their follow-up. Include a brief paragraph or bullet points on fresh ideas or insights related to your interview discussion. For example, after discussing a project the company is undertaking, provide a relevant case study or a piece of research that could inform their approach. This demonstrates initiative and your commitment to contributing from the get-go.

Remember, your follow-up email should be concise, tailored, and reflective of your genuine interest in the position and the company. It’s not just about standing out; it’s about staying on their radar in the most positive and professional way possible.

How Can You Personalize Each Follow-Up Email?

Crafting a follow-up email after an interview that resonates with the hiring manager demands a pinch of personalization and a dash of research. Let’s dive into how to make your follow-up email more than just another item in their inbox.

Reflect on the Interview Vibe: Was the interview formal or did it have a casual feel? Match your email’s tone to the interview. If you shared a light moment or a particular challenge during the interview, reference it briefly to jog their memory.

Research the Company Culture: Companies often pride themselves on their unique culture. A tech startup might appreciate a more relaxed, quirky email, whereas a law firm might expect formality. Browse through their website, social media, and any recent news articles to get a sense of their vibe.

Industry Standards: Different industries have different norms. Creative fields might appreciate a follow-up that shows off your personality or even your portfolio once more. In contrast, finance or consultancy might value brevity and professionalism.

Mention a Missed Point: Here’s a trick not everyone talks about. If there was something important about your qualifications or experience that you forgot to mention during the interview, your follow-up email is a fantastic place to weave it in. This shows attention to detail and genuine interest in the position.

Example:

Imagine you’ve just interviewed at a graphic design firm where the conversation veered into a mutual appreciation of minimalist art. Your follow-up email could start with a brief mention of that discussion before segueing into how you believe your design philosophy aligns with their ongoing projects. This approach makes your email memorable and showcases your fit for the company culture.

Mistakes to Avoid in Your Follow-Up Emails

Your follow-up email is an extension of your job application, and it’s crucial to strike the right note. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Being Too Informal: Even if the interview felt like a chat between old friends, remember to maintain a professional tone in your email. Using slang or emojis can come across as unprofessional.

• Timing Is Everything: Wait at least 24 hours but no longer than 48 hours to send your follow-up. Sending it too soon might seem pushy, while waiting too long could imply lack of interest.

• Overly Persistent: Following up is good; badgering is not. Limit yourself to a single follow-up email if you haven’t received a response. If you’ve been explicitly told about a decision timeline, respect it before reaching out.

• Forgetting to Proofread: Simple mistakes can leave a sour taste. Double-check your email for typos, grammar errors, and ensure you’ve got the correct names and titles. Tools like Grammarly can be a lifesaver here.

Remember, your follow-up email should reflect your enthusiasm for the role while respecting the hiring manager’s time and inbox. Personalization, timed right, can set you apart from other candidates. By avoiding common mistakes and tailoring your message, you’ll keep your application in the limelight for all the right reasons.