You have just completed an interview for your dream job. You feel confident and prepared during the interview, and you left feeling optimistic about your chances of getting the job.
However, a few days go by, and you haven't heard anything from the hiring manager. You begin to wonder if you should follow up with an email to express your continued interest and inquire about the status of your application. This is where the importance of sending a follow-up email after an interview comes into play.
Following up after an interview not only shows your interest in the position but also gives you an opportunity to reinforce the positive impression you made during the interview. In fact, 20% of employers are less likely to hire a candidate who does not follow up after an interview.
In this article, we will explore how to send a follow up email after an interview, the reasons why sending a follow-up email after an interview is essential, and discuss the different topics related to writing a professional and effective follow-up email.
By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to write a follow-up email that will impress the hiring manager and improve your chances of getting hired.
How appropriate is sending a follow-up email after a job interview?
After an interview, it is appropriate to send a follow-up email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and to reiterate your interest in the position; in fact, hiring managers encourage this.
Following up can show that you are proactive and enthusiastic about the opportunity. However, it is essential to follow the proper etiquette when sending a follow-up email.
Firstly, avoid being too pushy or aggressive in your email. You do not want to come across as desperate or annoying to the hiring manager.
Secondly, be polite and professional in your email, and make sure to proofread your message for any grammatical errors.
Lastly, avoid following up too frequently, as this can be interpreted as a lack of patience or respect for the hiring manager's time.
How long should you wait after an interview to follow up?
The ideal time frame to send a follow-up email after an interview is within a week after the interview. This shows that you are eager and interested in the position while also giving the hiring manager time to consider your application. However, it is also essential to consider the factors before sending a follow-up email.
If the interviewer gave you a specific timeline for a response, it is best to wait until that time has passed before following up.
You should also consider the industry and the company culture, as some organizations may take longer to make decisions than others.
Additionally, if you are dealing with multiple interviewers, it is best to wait until all of them have completed the interview process before sending a follow-up email.
How to write a follow up email after an interview
When writing a follow-up email after an interview, it is important to keep it short and to the point. Here are some elements to include in a follow-up email:
Express appreciation:
Start by expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the position.
Reiterate interest:
Reaffirm your interest in the position and mention something specific that you liked about the job or the company.
Recap qualifications:
Remind the hiring manager of your qualifications and how they align with the job requirements.
Follow-up question:
End the email by asking if there are any updates or next steps in the hiring process.
Here are some tips for writing a concise and effective follow-up email:
Keep it brief:
A follow-up email should be short and to the point, ideally no more than a few paragraphs.
Be professional:
Use a professional tone and avoid using slang or casual language.
Proofread:
Make sure to proofread your email for any errors in grammar or spelling.
Personalize the email:
Mention something specific from the interview to show that you were engaged and attentive during the interview.
Dos and Don'ts of writing a follow-up email:
Dos:
Keep it brief and to the point
Express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview
Show enthusiasm for the role and the company
Follow up within a week of the interview
Use a professional tone and language
Don'ts:
Come across as pushy or demanding
Use slang or casual language
Send multiple follow-up emails in a short period
Mention salary or benefits in your follow-up email
Make assumptions about the status of your application
Examples & Samples of follow-up emails after an interview
Here are some sample follow-up emails for different scenarios:
Follow-up email after a phone interview - Sample 2:
This sample follow-up email after a phone interview is brief, polite, and to the point. It expresses gratitude for the opportunity to speak with the hiring manager and expresses continued interest in the position.
The email also offers to provide additional information if needed and ends with a courteous sign-off. This type of follow-up email is suitable for a phone interview where a more immediate response is expected.
Follow-up email after an in-person interview - Sample 2:
The second sample follow-up email after an in-person interview is slightly longer but still concise and professional. It reiterates the candidate's interest in the position and the company and highlights how the candidate's skills and experience align with the role.
The email also offers to provide any additional information or answer any questions the hiring manager may have. This type of follow-up email is appropriate after an in-person interview where more time is expected for the hiring manager to make a decision.
What to do if no response after the interview?
It can be frustrating when you don't receive a response after an interview. Here are some strategies for following up after no response:
Send a follow-up email:
If you haven't received a response after a week or two, it's appropriate to send a polite follow-up email to inquire about the status of your application.
Make a phone call:
If you still haven't received a response after sending a follow-up email, consider making a phone call to the company's HR department to inquire about the status of your application.
Be persistent, but polite:
It's essential to follow up after an interview, but you don't want to come across as pushy or demanding. Be persistent, but always maintain a professional and polite tone.
When to decide to move on from the interview process:
Sometimes, companies might just have their own timeline for hiring new talents, as it's not uncommon to see the outcome of interviews where it could take weeks or even months to get feedback. If you haven't heard back from the company after two follow-ups, it's essential to move on and start applying for other opportunities.
What are the 4 things you should do after an interview without a response?
Here are four essential steps to take when you haven't gotten any feedback from an interview, even after you have sent follow-up emails.
Wait a bit longer:
It's important to give the interviewer enough time to review all candidates and make a decision. Consider waiting another week or two before taking further action.
Consider alternative communication methods:
If you've only been using email to follow up, consider reaching out to the interviewer via phone or LinkedIn. However, be cautious and avoid overstepping boundaries.
Network and research:
Use your time while waiting for a response to expand your network and research other potential job opportunities. Attend industry events, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and research other companies that may have open positions that align with your skills and experience.
Continue your job search:
Even if you think the interview went well, it's important to continue your job search and apply for other opportunities.
Wrapping it up
Sending a follow-up email after an interview can significantly increase your chances of landing the job. It not only shows your interest in the position but also provides an opportunity to reiterate your qualifications and thank the interviewer for their time.
However, it is important to follow proper etiquette and consider various factors before sending a follow-up email. Remember to be polite and professional in your communication, and avoid coming off as pushy or desperate.