Follow-Up Email After A Job Interview | (10 Samples Inside!)

Job seekers heave a sigh of relief once they complete a job interview. After all, this is perhaps the hardest part of getting a new job. However, understanding a few things you can do after your job interview can improve your success rates during a job hunt. One of those things is the act of sending a follow-up email post-interview.

A follow-up email essentially allows you to stay in touch with the hiring manager and also gives you the chance to entrench your name in their minds further. Although this is an important tact, many people ignore it while others don’t even know about it. In this guide, we shall take you through the concept of a follow-up email after a job interview and provide you with relevant samples you can learn from.

 

Tips For Drafting A Follow-Up Email After A Job Interview

When you’re contemplating how to draft a follow-up email, understand that it’s important to make a good impression. The hiring manager probably receives many emails daily. Therefore, it’s crucial to leverage some tips to stand out among others. Below are some of the hacks you should understand.

 

— When To Follow Up

The purpose of following up with an email is to establish that you have a deep-seated interest in the job. Therefore, it’s important to reach out within 24 hours of the job interview. Fortunately, surveys show that employers love to receive follow-up emails. A great way to do this is to send a thank-you note, also known as a thank-you email.

The best way to follow up after a job interview is via email. Phone calls, in this case, don’t serve the purpose, and a good number of recruiters generally prefer emails.

 

— Crafting The Perfect Email Subject Line

It’s important to put some thoughts into your email subject line. In fact, people often decide on whether to open an email or not based on the email’s subject. Therefore, it’s crucial to make the subject line notable. Preferably, include the job title in the email subject line. For instance, you can name it “Following Up On The Shift Manager Role.”

 

— Choosing The Right Tone Of Voice

What tone is appropriate for a follow-up email? The best approach to this is to be formal, acknowledge how the interview went, and politely mention that you are waiting to hear from the company. Politeness without appearing desperate is a crucial skill you need to send adequate follow-up emails.

It’s also important to show that you’re patient with the hiring process and happy to wait even longer if they have yet to decide. Essentially, you require a polite tone that’s devoid of desperation. After all, you can always send a second follow-up if necessary.

— Introduction

Your introduction should speak to your interview, the role you’re applying for, and how much you enjoyed the interview. You should mention a key subject you enjoyed discussing in your interview and how deeply it resonates with you.

 

— Body Text

The body of your email is where you mention the job position and connect it to your skillset and how you consider yourself valuable to the company. This is also where you note that you’ve yet to hear from the company and are happy to provide any further credentials or assistance required for the hiring process.

 

— Signature

Following your conclusion of the email, ensure you sign off accordingly. Your signature should preferably include your full name, email address, and phone number. Remember that the goal of a follow-up email is to ensure you further rank high in the minds of the recruiters. 

Go over your email for spell check when you’re done with all this. You need to be on your A-game, whether this is a thank-you letter or a proper follow-up email.

 

Phone Follow-Up VS. Email Follow-Up

You might be curious about the best way to follow up after a job interview. Should you put a call through or simply email the hiring manager. This is a valid concern, especially if you’re concerned about the option that will have a reaching effect.

Although you might consider a phone call more interactive, the best way to do a follow-up is through an email. Phone calls can be intrusive, especially if you’re making the calls to ask why you haven’t heard back from the company. Understand that you want to make your follow-up as receptive as possible. You also don’t want to waste your interviewer’s time. Therefore, it’s preferable not to get off on the wrong foot with the hiring manager.

Also, some people simply do not like phone calls. If the recipient of your follow-up happens to fall in this category, you might tick them off wrongly. This is why emails stand out as the preferred way to follow up after a job interview. It’s also the perfect way to indicate your acceptance of a job offer. The email culture generally serves many purposes in today’s world.

Asides from the fact that emails are professional, they also provide you an opportunity to create a lasting impact. Reading your email will likely help the recruiter to remember details about you. This is because you not only talk about why you’re emailing but also provide an email subject line and sign the email with your details accordingly.

Additionally, imagine how clumsy it would be if every candidate for a job had to call the recruiter for follow-up purposes. On the flip side, emails are more organized and make it convenient for the recruiter to read each candidate’s text carefully.

Furthermore, emails allow you to be precise without rushing through what you have to say. If you’re on a phone call, you might hasten through your follow-up for fear of wasting your potential employer’s time. This does more harm than good, as the recruiter might not catch the important things you need to pass through.

Emails, on the other hand, are clear and can be revisited. You can touch on all important aspects of a follow-up email without compromising your message. Therefore, we would advise that you consider email follow-ups. This is the most suitable option for most companies with a working structure. To get started, get your hiring manager’s name and email address.

 

10 Job Interview Follow-Up Email Samples

There are different follow-up email concepts based on the timing, purpose, and the number of emails you’ve sent. After writing a follow-up email, always ensure you proofread. This guide section will show you different follow-up email templates you can consider when you intend to check in on your application status, especially after your first interview.

 

— Sample #1

Subject Line: Follow-Up On Interview Status For (Job Role)

 

Hi [Interviewer’s Name],

Thank you for your time yesterday at the interview for the [Job Role] at [Company Name]. I had a great time discussing the intricacies of the job role and further understanding the requirements.

I especially enjoyed speaking extensively about [A key topic discussed during the interview] and wanted to show that my previous experience at [Former Company Name] speaks to this and shows that I’m a great fit for this position.

Following the interview, I have also learned even more about the role, precisely how best my skill sets and experience can be put to maximum use in this role. I hope to bring value to your company and contribute to achieving the company goals. 

I am available to answer additional questions you might have concerning this role. I look forward to hearing from you.

[Your Name]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

 

— Sample #2

Subject Line: Thank you for your time, [Interviewer Name]

 

Hi [Name],

It was a great pleasure interviewing for the [Job Position] at your company. I am glad to have met the team and shared my experience with the role. I am checking in concerning the status of my interview. 

Following the information you shared with me after the phone interview, I am confident I am a great fit for the role and would contribute significantly to your company working in this role.

Should my job application be considered for the job position, kindly let me know. Thank you for your time.

Kind regards

[Your Name]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

 

— Sample #3

Subject Line: Follow-Up On The [Job Position]

 

I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you today concerning the [Job Position]. I am happy to have shared my experience in [Notable Area] gained at [Previous Company Name] and how it fits perfectly for the role I am applying for at your company.

I hope that you found the interview as productive as I did. I am sending this email to check in on my interview status and confirm whether my candidacy shall be moved forward. If that’s the case, kindly let me know. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

 

— Sample #4

Subject Line: Follow-Up On [Job Position] on [Date]

 

Hi [Name],

As my second interview for the [Job Title] position, I am glad to have further discussed my skills, experience, and interest in this role.

I particularly enjoyed the discussion on the [Project], where we spoke extensively about the [Insert relevant project details]. I wanted to send some project samples and would love it if you check them out concerning the discussion we had earlier.

Our last chat further bolstered my interest in the position, and it would be my ultimate pleasure if I’m considered for the role. Kindly let me know what you think, and I hope to speak with you soon.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

 

— Sample #5

Subject Line: Checking in RE: [Job Position]

 

Dear [Name],

I hope this email meets you well. I am checking in concerning the [Job Title] role that I interviewed for earlier on [Date]. I had a great time speaking with the team about the role’s specifics and sharing my experience accordingly.

I look forward to an update concerning my candidacy status. It will be a pleasure if I’m considered for this role. Kindly let me know if you require any other documents or credentials from me during the decision-making process.

Thank you for your time.

[Your Name]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

 

— Sample 6

This sixth sample concerns when you’ve sent an earlier follow-up email but still yet to hear from the company. On the other hand, it might be that the company has rejected your application. In that case, you might want to send a staying-in-touch email.

 

Subject Line: Staying In Touch

 

Dear Mr/Miss/Mrs [Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I’m reaching out once again to thank you for your time through the application process. I have had a great time and particularly enjoyed the career advice you shared with me. I found it inspirational and would love to hear more from you sometime. I am interested in how you developed your skills and leveraged them to scale up in the industry.

I understand you have a busy schedule. However, I’d appreciate it if you could keep my resume in mind if anything changes in the near future. Kindly let me know if this is something that works for you.

Thank you for your consideration.

[Your Name]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

 

— Sample #7

Subject Line: Thank You For A Great Interview!

 

Dear [Name],

I am happy to have been interviewed for your company’s [Job Title] position. Thank you for explaining the specifics of the job position and explaining the career projection.

Joining [Company Name] excites me, and I am particularly interested in our conversation about the company’s upcoming project on [Little important details]. I’m enthusiastic and confident I have numerous ideas to share on maximizing this job position to help the company achieve its goals.

I believe I’m a great fit for this role, following our conversation. My interest, experience, and skill set make me a great candidate who resonates with the company’s values. Should you need further information or my work samples, kindly let me know, and I’ll provide it at once.

Thank you for your time.

[Your Name]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

 

— Sample #8

Occasionally, you might need to send a long interview follow-up email. This happens when you need to discuss your skills and experience further to show the recruiters why you should be hired. The follow-up email can serve as a second cover letter in such an instance.

 

Subject Line: Follow-Up On [Job Title] Role At [Company Name]

Hi [Name],

My interview with you yesterday was notable for many reasons. It served as a point of contact to gain fresh insights into the company’s expectations for the role. It’s clear that your company focuses on [List essential company values]. I believe I embody these values as well, making me a great candidate for this role.

I was especially fascinated by our discussion on the company’s need for a candidate with foresight and the right values to deal with clients. I understand this challenge, as I faced it during my previous job, where I learned effective ways to overcome it. I am familiar with most of the issues discussed, from [Key issue] to [Another key issue]. Putting clients’ needs first and ensuring nothing compromises quality has always been a great way to handle these challenges.

In my past relationships with clients, I have focused on [Mention a few important things]. With my experience and understanding of your needs, I believe I can deliver precisely what you require. I strongly hope I’m considered for this role. It would be a pleasure.

Thank you for your time.

[Your name]

[Email address]

[Phone number]

 

— Sample #9

Subject Line: Follow-Up Email To Keep In Touch

 

Hi [Name],

Thank you once again for the chat concerning the [Job Title] role. The possibility of starting with the company excites me deeply. I completely align with your company’s values, particularly the focus on [Mention a key value statement of the company].

I am checking in to confirm my candidacy status and keep in touch with you. Beyond my interview, I enjoyed our conversation on career projection and how you developed your skills to become an expert in the field. I look forward to hearing more from you and hope to stay in touch as time passes.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Your Name]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

 

— Sample #10

Subject Line: Checking In Concerning The [Job Title] Role

 

Hi [Name],

I interviewed yesterday for the [Job Title] role at your company and am glad to have met you and the team. I enjoyed the conversation concerning the prospect of the company and the trajectory you’re looking to take over the next few years.

Following our conversation alongside my experience, I am confident that I am a great fit for this role. According to your roadmap, I possess the values you require to drive growth and progress. It would be a pleasure to be offered this position.

Should you require any additional information from me, kindly let me know. Thank you for your time.

Best Regards,

[Your Name]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

 

The Bottom Line

Getting a job sometimes goes beyond your interview process. Understanding hacks such as follow-up emails can make all the difference. If you’ve just applied for a job, it’s important to send an email to follow up with the hiring manager or recruiter. This further establishes your presence in their minds. You can conveniently find out more about your recruiter from LinkedIn.

Know that the importance of follow-up emails is for the recruiter to remember you. Therefore, keep it precise and hit on key items that prompt the remembrance of your interview quickly. You can also build up on some of your interview questions. Besides improving your chances at a job, sending such emails also shows that you understand great work culture. This is an added advantage to your status as an ideal candidate.

In this guide, we have shown you the tips you can leverage to send great follow-up emails. We have also provided you with samples you can learn from.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should you wait after an interview to follow up?

The essence of following up after an interview is to further get the recruiter to notice you. As such, your first follow-up email should come within 24 hours of the interview. This first email doesn’t have to be too serious. It can just be a “thank you” note indicating that you had a great time at the interview. It should also highlight key things you learned from the interview and how you believe you’re a great candidate.

Following that, you should also mention that you look forward to hearing from the company. However, if the company doesn’t get back to you after a while, you can send a second email to check in on the status of your candidacy. At this point, the company will likely let you know if they are proceeding with your application or otherwise. 

When sending a follow-up email, pay attention to how the recipient will view the text of the mail. Ensure you keep it precise, highlight important things, and mention that they can always reach out if further information is required. Be polite, curious, but preferably not desperate.

 

How can I follow up on an interview that I’ve already been declined?

If a company has rejected your application, you can still send a follow-up email. You should understand that follow-up emails are not only designed to check your interview status. You can also leverage them to get closer to one of the recruiters or hiring managers. 

In a case where you’ve been rejected, you can write an email highlighting some of the key things you learned from the recruiter. Then, mention that you’d like to gain more insights about these things over a cup of coffee, maybe. Show concern about the recipient’s busy schedule and politely request for some time, subject to their convenience. 

Such a follow-up email can provide you with many things. Besides offering you a potential relationship and learning opportunities with the recruiter, it can also be all you need to know why you weren’t selected. This allows you to understand what you can do better next time to stand out among other candidates.

 

What are the best questions to ask in a follow-up email?

A follow-up email needs to serve its purpose. Therefore, you must put some thought into the questions you ask. Since you’re keeping the email brief and precise, you don’t want to waste time without asking the important questions.

First, you need to establish that you truly were engrossed in your interview and learned much. It’s important to be specific about some details to indicate your concentration. Following that, you should ask questions concerning the status of your candidacy. After all, you’re sending a follow-up email to ascertain whether your application is proceeding or otherwise.

Another subtle question you need to raise is whether the recruiter requires any further information from you to help with the decision-making process. This shows concern and also establishes that you’re willing to defend all you’ve said and, in fact, submit yourself completely to the hiring process. With these questions carefully placed in your follow-up email, you’re good to go.

 

How do you thank someone for meeting with you for an interview?

This will be answered in two ways: thanking someone during an interview for receiving an invitation to the job interview and thanking someone in a follow-up email for the same purpose. Concerning the former, you simply need to thank the team politely. Gestures of this nature need to be precise. You can simply say, “I want to thank you all for considering me for this interview.” This can come right before you introduce yourself to the panel.

To thank your recruiter in a follow-up email, you simply need to start the email with the text accordingly. Following the ‘Hi [Name],’ proceed to thank the recruiter for the interview and mention how well you enjoyed the chat. 

These gestures might appear inconsequential. However, they are basic formalities that all job seekers should incorporate into their culture during their job search. Recruiters note these basic things and might use them in assessing the quality of candidates. Do not forget that proper etiquette plays a significant role in today’s work culture.