So, you've aced the interview, nailed the handshake (or perfected the virtual wave!), and now you're playing the waiting game. But hold on! Before you start refreshing your inbox every five minutes, there's one more crucial step to consider: the follow-up email.
Think of it as the encore after a brilliant performance. It's your chance to leave a lasting impression, reiterate your enthusiasm, and keep your name at the top of the hiring manager's mind.
Before you send that email, it’s essential to understand that it’s not just about saying "thanks."
A follow-up email allows you to:
A follow-up email is a powerful tool in your job-hunting arsenal. It shows you're not just another applicant – you're someone who's genuinely invested in the opportunity.
During interviews, it’s common to be asked, "Why do you want to work here?" Employers aren't simply looking for flattery; they want to see if you've done your research, understand their mission, and know how your career goals align with their needs.
They're assessing your fit, genuine interest, and potential for long-term contribution. Plan your answers, and do your due diligence on the company in advance!
Timing is everything when it comes to follow-up emails. You don't want to appear overly eager (or worse, desperate!), but you also don't want to let too much time pass and risk employers forgetting you. So, what's the sweet spot?
The golden rule is to send your follow-up email within 24-48 hours of your interview, demonstrating that you're prompt and enthusiastic without being overbearing.
Here's a quick timeline to keep in mind:
Remember, every situation is unique. If the hiring manager mentioned a specific timeframe for their decision, be sure to respect that.
When it comes to being asked tough interview questions, like "Can you sell me this pen?" most of the time, employers are looking for your problem-solving skills, your ability to understand a customer's needs, and your capacity to communicate value effectively.
Instead of reciting features about the pen, qualify the "customer" by asking about their writing habits and frustrations, and highlight how the pen's specific attributes solve those issues. Remember, it’s not actually about the pen!
Crafting the perfect follow-up email is an art form. After all, you want your email to highlight your professionalism, enthusiasm, and personality.
Here are ten tips to help you compose an email that hits all the right notes:
While the core principles of a good follow-up email remain consistent, it's essential to tailor your approach based on the specific stage of the interview process.
Here are some key stages of the interview process to keep in mind:
A phone screening is usually a quick initial assessment, so your follow-up email should be concise. Reiterate your interest in the role, highlight a key strength or two, and express your enthusiasm for the next step.
Subject: Following Up - [Your Name] - [Job Title]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today about the [Job Title] position. I enjoyed learning more about the role and [Company Name], and I'm very interested in pursuing this opportunity further.
As we discussed, my experience in [relevant skill] aligns well with the role's key requirements. I'm confident that I can make a significant contribution to your team.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to meeting with you in person to discuss this further.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
You've now had a more in-depth conversation, so your follow-up email can be more detailed. Refer to specific points discussed in the interview, reiterate your enthusiasm for the role, and address any questions or concerns you may have.
Subject: Thank You - [Your Name] - [Job Title] Interview
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Thank you so much for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position today. I enjoyed learning more about the role and the team, and I was particularly interested in [mention something specific discussed].
My previous experience in [relevant skill 1] and [relevant skill 2] makes me confident that I can successfully contribute to [Company Name]'s goals. I'm also eager to learn more about [mention a specific area or project].
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon regarding the next steps in the hiring process.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
At this stage, the company is seriously considering you for the role. Congratulations! Your follow-up email should express your strong interest in the position and reinforce why you're the ideal candidate.
Subject: Following Up - [Job Title] - [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position. I enjoyed meeting the team and learning more about the exciting projects at [Company Name].
After our conversations, I'm even more enthusiastic about this opportunity. I believe my skills and experience in [relevant areas] align perfectly with the role's needs, and I'm confident that I can drive impact and bring value to the team.
I'm particularly excited about the prospect of [mention a specific project or responsibility]. I'm eager to get started and contribute my skills to [Company Name].
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
By tailoring your follow-up email to the specific interview stage, you can demonstrate your understanding of the process and your genuine interest in the opportunity.
Proofread your cover letter. Nothing is worse than reading your email and realising you sent it with typos. Oops!
Assume your first email draft is perfect. Relying solely on spellcheck can lead to overlooked errors and a less-than-professional impression. Be sure to give your follow-up email a thorough review!
A weak or generic subject line can mean your carefully crafted follow-up email gets lost in the digital abyss, unread and unappreciated.
So, how do you write subject lines that cut through the noise, grab the hiring manager's attention, and encourage them to open your email?
Think of your subject line as a headline. It needs to be short, snappy, and engaging. Avoid vague, cliché phrases like "quick question," which offer no real incentive to open the email.
Instead, be specific and include key information that will pique the recipient's interest. To provide context and clarify why you're emailing, mention your name, the job title, or the interview date.
To further boost your open rates, try creating a sense of intrigue. You can tease the content of your email by hinting at something interesting or valuable within, such as a relevant question or a specific point of discussion from the interview.
Adding a personal touch by using the hiring manager's name can also go a long way in establishing a connection and increasing the likelihood of your email being opened.
Sending an email cover letter? Begin with a clear subject line, then address the hiring manager by name if possible. Briefly highlight tailored skills and experiences, keeping it concise. Finish with a strong call to action, expressing enthusiasm and suggesting a discussion. This approach ensures your email stands out, demonstrating genuine interest and suitability.
Looking for some inspiration to help craft a compelling follow-up email? Here are seven follow-up email examples to get you started:
Subject: Thank You - [Your Name] - [Job Title] Interview
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today about the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I truly enjoyed learning more about the role and the company's exciting work in [Industry/Area].
Our conversation further solidified my enthusiasm for this opportunity. I was particularly interested in [mention something specific discussed]. My experience in [relevant skill] and my passion for [relevant area] make me confident that I can make a significant contribution to your team.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon regarding the next steps in the hiring process.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Subject: Following Up - [Job Title] Interview
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
It was a pleasure meeting you yesterday to discuss the [Job Title] position. I was particularly impressed by [mention something specific about the company or role].
Our conversation reinforced my strong interest in this opportunity. I believe my skills and experience in [relevant areas] align perfectly with the role's requirements, and I'm confident that I can bring valuable insights to your team.
I'm eager to learn more about [ask a relevant question].
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I'm very excited about this opportunity and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Subject: Following Up - [Job Title] Interview
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position. I enjoyed learning more about the role and [Company Name].
During our conversation, you mentioned [mention a concern raised]. I want to assure you that [address the concern and provide further clarification].
I'm confident that I can be a valuable asset to your team. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss this further.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Subject: Following Up - [Your Name] - [Job Title]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Thank you for the insightful conversation about the [Job Title] position. I was particularly excited to learn about [mention something specific].
Reflecting on our discussion, I wanted to highlight my experience in [mention a key skill or achievement relevant to the role]. In my previous role at [Previous Company], I successfully [provide a brief example]. I'm confident that I can leverage this experience to contribute to [Company Name]'s success.
Thank you again for your time. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Subject: Checking In - [Job Title] Application
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I'm writing to follow up on my interview for the [Job Title] position on [Date of Interview]. I remain very interested in the opportunity and would appreciate any updates on the hiring timeline.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Subject: Re: [Job Title] Application
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I'm following up on my previous email regarding the [Job Title] position. I understand hiring decisions can take time, but I wanted to reiterate my strong interest in this opportunity.
Please let me know if there are any updates or if you require any further information from me.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Subject: [Job Title] Application - [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I'm following up on my application for the [Job Title] position. I understand you may have filled it or decided to proceed with other candidates.
Thank you for taking the time to interview me. I enjoyed learning more about [Company Name]. I wish you all the best in your search for a qualified candidate.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
If you’re ever asked the “fun facts about me” question during an interview, don't just list quirky hobbies. Instead, weave a brief, engaging narrative that reveals a transferable skill or character trait relevant to the role.
For example, "A fun fact is, I once organised a Dublin charity bake sale that raised double our target. It taught me the power of community engagement and the importance of meticulous planning, both vital in this role."
We've already touched on this, but it's worth reiterating: timing is crucial! Generally, aim to send your initial follow-up email within 24-48 hours of your interview.
If you haven't heard back after 2 weeks, sending a brief check-in email is perfectly acceptable. Keep it short and sweet, reiterating your interest and asking for an update.
If you still haven't heard anything after two weeks, consider moving on. However, you could always send one final follow-up email, expressing your continued interest and politely inquiring about the status of your application.
While a follow-up email can be a powerful tool, there are also some common pitfalls to avoid.
Remember to maintain a professional and considerate tone when sending a follow-up email.
Avoid demanding language or overly casual phrasing, and resist the urge to send multiple emails!
Instead of just focusing on your needs, highlight how you can contribute to the company's success.
Lastly, ensure you proofread your email carefully; even minor errors can undermine your professional image.
Good luck. You’ve got this!