Spencer Lanoue
Writing a follow-up email after an interview can often feel like walking a tightrope. You want to express gratitude without sounding too eager, remind the employer of your strengths without appearing boastful, and ultimately, leave a lasting impression. This article aims to guide you through the process of crafting a follow-up email that strikes the right balance and keeps you at the forefront of the hiring manager's mind.
Why Following Up Matters
You might wonder if sending a follow-up email is really necessary. After all, you had a great interview, right? Well, a follow-up email serves several purposes. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity, reinforces your interest in the position, and gives you a chance to highlight any points you may have missed during the interview. In short, it keeps the conversation going and helps you stand out from the crowd.
Timing Is Everything
When it comes to sending a follow-up email, timing is crucial. You don't want to send it too soon and come off as desperate, nor do you want to wait too long and risk being forgotten. A good rule of thumb is to send your follow-up email within 24 to 48 hours after the interview. This way, the conversation is still fresh in both your mind and the interviewer's.
Crafting a Subject Line That Gets Noticed
Your subject line is your first impression, so make it count. A clear and concise subject line helps ensure your email gets opened. Here are a few examples:
- "Thank You for the Opportunity, [Interviewer's Name]"
- "Grateful for the Chance to Interview for [Position]"
- "Following Up on Our Interview for [Position]"
These subject lines are specific and polite, making it clear what your email is about.
The Opening: Start Strong
Start your email with a friendly yet professional greeting. Address the interviewer by name, as this adds a personal touch. If you interviewed with a panel, address the person who coordinated the interview or use a general greeting like "Dear [Company Name] Hiring Team."
Here's a sample opening:
Dear [Interviewer's Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the [Position] role at [Company Name].
Expressing Gratitude
The first paragraph should focus on thanking the interviewer for their time and effort. Acknowledge something specific from your conversation that you found particularly engaging or insightful. This shows that you were paying attention and are genuinely interested in the company.
Thank you for sharing insights about the exciting projects your team is working on. I'm particularly intrigued by [specific project or detail discussed], and it has only increased my enthusiasm for the opportunity to join your team.
Reinforcing Your Interest
After expressing gratitude, it's time to reiterate your interest in the role. This is your chance to remind them why you're a perfect fit for the position. Highlight your skills or experiences that align with the company's needs.
The more I learn about the role and [Company Name], the more I am convinced that my skills in [specific skill or experience] would be a great match for your team. I am eager to bring my experience in [related field or task] to [Company Name] and contribute to your ongoing success.
Addressing Unanswered Questions
If there were any questions you couldn't fully answer during the interview, now is the time to address them. You can also use this space to mention any relevant information you forgot to highlight.
Upon reflection, I realized I didn't fully address your question about [specific topic]. I wanted to elaborate that my experience with [related experience or skill] has equipped me with the ability to [specific task or achievement].
Closing With Grace
Wrap up your email by thanking the interviewer once again and expressing your willingness to provide any additional information they might need. Also, mention your eagerness to hear back.
Thank you once again for the opportunity to discuss my application. Please let me know if there's any further information I can provide. I look forward to the possibility of working together.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Proofreading: The Final Touch
Before you hit send, take a moment to proofread your email. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that the tone is professional yet friendly. A well-written email reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
Sample Email
Putting it all together, here's a sample follow-up email:
Subject: Thank You for the Opportunity, Jane
Dear Jane,
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the Marketing Specialist role at Bright Agency. Thank you for sharing insights about the exciting projects your team is working on. I'm particularly intrigued by the upcoming digital campaign, and it has only increased my enthusiasm for the opportunity to join your team.
The more I learn about the role and Bright Agency, the more I am convinced that my skills in digital marketing and project management would be a great match for your team. I am eager to bring my experience in managing successful campaigns to Bright Agency and contribute to your ongoing success.
Upon reflection, I realized I didn't fully address your question about analytics tools. I wanted to elaborate that my experience with Google Analytics has equipped me with the ability to track and optimize campaign performance effectively.
Thank you once again for the opportunity to discuss my application. Please let me know if there's any further information I can provide. I look forward to the possibility of working together.
Warm regards,
Alex Smith
Following Up After No Response
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might not hear back after your initial follow-up email. If this happens, don't worry! It's appropriate to send a second, more concise follow-up email about a week later. This email should gently remind the interviewer of your interest and inquire about any updates on the hiring process.
Here's an example of a second follow-up email:
Subject: Checking In: Marketing Specialist Position
Dear Jane,
I hope you're doing well. I wanted to follow up on my previous email regarding the Marketing Specialist position. I remain very interested in the opportunity to join Bright Agency and contribute to your team.
If there are any updates regarding my application, I would greatly appreciate your insight. Thank you once again for considering my application.
Best regards,
Alex Smith
When to Let It Go
While persistence can sometimes pay off, it's important to know when to let it go. If you haven't heard back after your second follow-up, it's best to move on. Keep your spirits high and continue your job search with enthusiasm. You never know when the right opportunity will come along.
How Spell Can Help
Writing follow-up emails, especially when you're not sure what to say, can be tricky. That's where Spell comes in. Spell can help you draft your follow-up emails quickly and efficiently, ensuring that your message is clear, concise, and professional. With its AI-powered editing tools, Spell can also help refine your email's tone and structure, making sure you stand out for all the right reasons.
Final Thoughts
Sending a follow-up email after an interview doesn't have to be a daunting task. With a little thought and effort, you can craft a message that keeps you top-of-mind for potential employers. And remember, if you ever find yourself stuck, Spell is here to help you write, edit, and format your emails effortlessly. Good luck!
