Writing a Follow Up Email after an Interview

Your job interview has gone smoothly, and you’ve sent a thank you email after the interview.

However, a week’s passed, and you haven’t heard back from the hiring manager.

It’s time to send a follow-up email.

Hiring Managers are busy people with a multitude of tasks to complete. Sometimes, hiring candidates might be lower on their priority list.

A well-crafted follow-up email serves multiple purposes: it shows gratitude, reiterates your interest, and keeps you on the hiring manager’s radar.

Plus, it demonstrates professionalism and strong communication skills. Let’s dive into the best way to craft an effective follow-up email.

The follow up email serves as a reminder to them, and also shows your interest in the role.

• Follow Up Email
• Keep In Contact Email

How To Write a Follow-up Email

A great follow-up email is concise, professional, and engaging. Here’s what you should include:

1. Subject Line Matters

The subject line should be clear and professional. Here are a few examples:

• Thank You for the Opportunity – [Your Name]
• Following Up on [Job Title] Interview
• Great Speaking with You – Next Steps?

Subject lines like these ensure your email gets opened and read.

2. Express Gratitude

Start your email by thanking the interviewer for their time. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way.

Example: “Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I sincerely appreciate the time you took to meet with me [yesterday/last week] to discuss the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. It was a pleasure learning more about the role and your team.”

3. Reinforce Your Interest

Remind them why you’re a great fit for the role. You can reference something specific from the interview to make your email more personal.

Example: “Our conversation about [specific topic] really solidified my enthusiasm for this opportunity. I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to [specific project, team, or goal].”

4. Ask About Next Steps

It’s okay to be direct but polite about the next steps. You want to express your interest without sounding pushy.

Example: “I wanted to follow up and see if there’s anything else you need from me at this stage. I’d love to know what the next steps in the process might be.”

5. Close Professionally

End with a polite closing that expresses your enthusiasm and appreciation.

Example: “I appreciate your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Best regards, [Your Name]”

How Long Should You Wait Before Following Up?

Timing is everything when it comes to following up. Here’s a general guideline:

• Immediately After the Interview: Send a thank-you email within 24 hours.
• If You Haven’t Heard Back: Wait about a week before sending a polite follow-up.
• After a Second Follow-up: If you still haven’t heard back after a second follow-up (another week later), it’s best to move on unless they’ve given you a timeline.

Sometimes, hiring processes take longer than expected. If a recruiter or hiring manager gave you a specific timeline, respect that before reaching out.

Follow Up Email After Interview – Example

Here’s an example of an interview Follow Up email:

You could take this email a step further too.

Here’s another tip – instead of just saying “I’m following up on the interview…”, start your email by mentioning the latest company or industry developments, along with your personal thoughts about it, and ask the line manager for theirs.

This shows you’re well-read and you have a strong interest in the firm.

Keep In Contact Email After Interview – Example

What if you didn’t make the cut?

After persistent follow up, you learn that you’ve been rejected.

How do you acknowledge rejection with grace?

Respond with an email to thank the interviewer, and maintain a good relationship.

Honestly, you’ll never know when you’ll cross paths again, especially if you’re in the same industry.

The last impression you leave is just as important as the first.

Leave a lingering, positive impression with your courteous email note, and you’ll stand a higher chance of making it through the interview process.

Additional Tips for Writing a Follow-up Email

• Personalize Your Email: Mention a specific topic or detail discussed in the interview to make your email stand out.
• Proofread Before Sending: A typo in your follow-up email can leave a bad impression, so double-check before hitting send.
• Stay Professional Yet Friendly: Balance professionalism with a warm and approachable tone.
• Use a Professional Email Signature: Include your full name, phone number, and LinkedIn profile link (if applicable) for easy reference.

What If You Don’t Get a Response?

If you’ve followed up twice and still haven’t received a response, don’t panic. Here’s what you can do:

• Be Patient: Sometimes hiring takes longer than expected. Internal delays, budget approvals, or additional interviews can slow down the process.
• Focus on Other Opportunities: Keep applying to other jobs while waiting to hear back.
• Politely Move On: If weeks have passed with no response, consider sending a final email expressing appreciation for the opportunity while indicating you’re continuing your job search.

Final Thoughts

Following up after an interview doesn’t have to be nerve-wracking. It’s a simple yet powerful way to reinforce your interest and professionalism. Just remember: keep it polite, concise, and appreciative.

And if you don’t get a response? Don’t take it personally—sometimes, companies have long hiring processes, and sometimes, it’s just not the right fit.

Stay positive, keep applying, and trust that the right opportunity is on its way!