Let’s suppose your goal was to get a job at Google, and you worked hard for it. You also cleared the screening test and nailed the interview. But it’s been a week and you haven’t gotten any email. Anxiety seems to creep up, and you don’t know what to do. You then read on LinkedIn about follow-up emails. You fire up your laptop and search for how to write one, as you don’t want to blow up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Well, don’t worry, as we’ve got you covered. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about writing a follow-up email, so you don’t wait for your dreams to happen; you make them happen.
Understanding Why You Should Send Follow-up Emails?
Securing a job today has become extremely competitive; just doing well in your interview is not enough to stand out. You have to leave a good impression through every action, whether it’s the way you greet the employer or writing an email to show you are grateful for the opportunity.
While everyone is anxious about giving an interview and preparing well for it, they don’t know what to do after an interview. One of the important things to learn is how to write follow-up emails. They not only show gratitude, but also reinstate your interest in the role and reinforce why you are a great fit for the role.
A study shows that 91% of hiring managers want to receive a simple follow-up thank you, but fewer than 43% candidates send those messages. This means that sending a well-crafted email would already put you ahead of half the competition. Just like professional CV services NZ help you land an interview, a follow-up email boosts your chances of convincing employers to hire you.
The Best Time to Send a Follow-Up Email
A follow-up email should ideally be sent 24 or 48 hours after your interview. This shows your enthusiasm while you also remember the conversation you had with the interviewer. If your interview was on Friday, then aim to send your email on the next working day, which would be Monday.
KEY COMPONENTS OF WRITING A STRONG FOLLOW-UP EMAIL
Now that you know its importance, your next question must be “How to send a follow-up email after an interview?” So, we have already prepared the answer.
The points below will guide you on how to create one for yourself:
Subject Line
You want the person who receives the email to open it without any misunderstanding, so keep it direct and simple.
Example:
- “Thank You for the Interview” – [ Your Name]
- “I Appreciate Your Time and Consideration”
- “Follow-up on [Job Title] Interview” – [Your Name]
Greetings
If you are confused about what to say in a follow-up interview email, simply start by addressing the interviewer by their name and greeting them.
Example:
“Dear Sarah” or “Dear John”
Choose the same greeting style, considering the tone and environment when you were at the interview desk. If it was quite formal, use a professional tone, and if it was friendly and relaxed, you can opt for a warmer wish.
Express Gratitude
Make sure that your email starts off by thanking them for the opportunity and their time. Mention the role you have been interviewed for and help them recall the conversation you had with them by talking about something specific. Keep your tone positive and don’t sound frustrated or impatient.
Example:
“I really appreciate you taking the time to talk with me yesterday regarding the position of Marketing Executive at ABC Ltd. I truly valued the chance to find out more about the team and the fascinating path your business is on.”
Reaffirm Your Interest in The Role
Clearly express your continued interest in the role and how that position aligns with your goals and skills. This reinforces your eagerness and reminds the interviewer why you are the right fit for the job without needing to refer to your resume or interview answers.
Highlight Key Strengths and Clarify Points
This email provides you with a chance to gently remind them why you are a great fit for the organisation you are applying to.
You can repeat a particular skill that is your expertise or a moment from the interview that is memorable. You can also ask any questions after the interview that you forgot to ask or wished you had answered differently.
Next Steps or Availability
Ensure to politely express that you’re looking forward to hearing back and that you’re happy to provide any further information.
Professional Closing
End on a positive and polite note. Use professional sign-offs, which are followed by your name and contact information.
Examples:
- “Best Regards”
- “Best Wishes”
- “Sincerely”
Follow this with your name and phone number.
Sample of Follow-up Email
A great follow-up email is as effective as seeking professional services from resume writing NZ. It makes a significant impact on your career. Below we have shared a follow-up email after an interview example to help you create one for yourself:
Subject: Thank You for the Interview – Wayne
Hi Janice,
Thank you for speaking with me yesterday about the Project Manager role at [Company Name]. I really enjoyed our conversation and learning about your team’s collaborative approach and future initiatives.
Our discussion must have shown you my interest in the position. The emphasis on cross-functional teamwork and innovation aligns perfectly with my background in managing complex logistics projects.
The sustainability campaign made me quite excited as it reflects my passion for having meaningful, impact-driven work.
If you need any more help, please let me know. I am eagerly awaiting your response.
Best wishes,
Wayne
07500 812982
Tips for Writing a Memorable Follow-up
- Keep it Short & Concise: Hiring managers are busy going through a number of emails, so you should not add more than 3 to 4 paragraphs in your email.
- Avoid Generic Messages: Personalise your email based on your conversation. Don’t ask follow-up interview questions you looked up online. Mention specific topics discussed or people that stood out in the company culture.
- Proofread Carefully: Typos and grammatical errors can give a negative impression; always proofread before you click ‘Send’.
- Don’t Sound Desperate: Express interest and portray confidence, don’t sound insistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I follow up twice following the interview?
Yes, but wait a while before sending a second email. You should send a follow-up email after waiting for a week
Is it unprofessional not to send a follow-up email?
It is not unprofessional, but it can be considered a missed opportunity to make a lasting impression and stand out.
How long should the follow-up email be?
It should be a maximum of around 150 words, polite, concise, and focused on appreciation.
CONCLUSION
A well-written follow-up email is your second chance to make a lasting impression even after the interview, so make sure you use it properly. It helps to showcase your enthusiasm, communication skills, and subtly reinforces your qualifications. In a world of recruitment, where small details matter, this simple act can set you apart from a lot of people. Remember, recruiters are not looking for just skills but a complete package of character, professionalism, and your sincerity with work.