What to Say in a Follow-Up Email After an Interview

A follow-up email after an interview is an essential part of the job-hunting process. Not only does it demonstrate your professionalism and keen interest in the position, but it also helps to keep you fresh in the minds of the hiring team. However, crafting the perfect follow-up email can be challenging. In this article, we will explore the key components of an effective follow-up email, providing examples and tips to help you navigate this important aspect of your job search journey.

The subject line should be clear and concise, making it easy for the recipient to identify the purpose of the email. A simple, yet effective subject line might include the position you interviewed for and a brief mention of the follow-up, such as "Marketing Manager Interview – Thank You and Follow-Up."

Address the recipient by name, showing that you took the time to remember their name and personalize the email. For instance, "Dear Mr. Smith" or "Dear Jane."

Begin your email by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the position. This sets a positive tone and highlights your interest in the role. For example, "Thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday to discuss the Marketing Manager position. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and learning more about the company."

Briefly reiterate your interest in the position, providing a specific reason why you believe you would be a good fit. This helps to reinforce your enthusiasm and commitment to the role. Example: "I am very excited about the opportunity to contribute to the company's growth and success, particularly given my background in digital marketing and analytics."

Take this opportunity to remind the interviewer of the key skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for the position. By doing so, you're subtly reinforcing your qualifications and making it easier for the interviewer to recall your strengths. Example: "As discussed during our conversation, my experience in creating and implementing successful marketing campaigns, along with my ability to lead a team, make me a strong candidate for this role."

If there were any concerns or questions raised during the interview, use your follow-up email to provide clarification or additional information. This demonstrates your attention to detail and willingness to address any potential issues. Example: "I understand that you had concerns about my experience with SEO. Since our interview, I have taken the initiative to research best practices in SEO and I am confident that I can quickly become proficient in this area."

If you have any additional materials or resources that could be beneficial in showcasing your skills or qualifications, include them in your follow-up email. This might include a portfolio of your work, certifications, or even a recommendation from a previous employer. Example: "I have attached my portfolio to provide further examples of my work in digital marketing. Additionally, my former supervisor has offered to provide a recommendation, should you require one."

As you conclude your email, thank the interviewer once more for the opportunity to interview and express your interest in moving forward in the hiring process. Example: "Once again, thank you for considering me for the Marketing Manager position. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to join your team and contribute to the company's success."

Provide your contact information, including your phone number and email address, so the recipient can easily get in touch with you. Example: "Please feel free to contact me at (555) 555-1234 or john.doe@email.com should you have any further questions or require additional information. I look forward to the possibility of working with you."

Choose a professional sign-off, such as "Sincerely," "Best regards," or "Kind regards," followed by your full name. Example: "Sincerely, John Doe."

Ideally, you should send your follow-up email within 24-48 hours after the interview. This helps to keep you fresh in the interviewer's mind while demonstrating your promptness and professionalism. If you interviewed with multiple people, it's a good idea to send individualized follow-up emails to each person.

Before hitting the send button, carefully proofread your email for any grammatical errors, typos, or formatting issues. A well-written, error-free follow-up email reflects positively on your attention to detail and professionalism.

A well-crafted follow-up email after an interview can significantly improve your chances of landing the job. By expressing gratitude, reiterating your interest in the position, highlighting your skills, and addressing any concerns, you are reinforcing your candidacy and demonstrating your commitment to the opportunity. Remember to personalize your email, proofread it carefully, and send it within an appropriate timeframe to make a lasting impression on the hiring team.