Mastering the Art of the Follow Up Email After Interview

Landing an interview is a significant achievement, but the journey to securing your dream job doesn’t end there. Crafting a compelling follow up email after interview is a crucial step in solidifying your impression and demonstrating your continued interest. This article delves into the importance of these emails and offers strategies to help you create impactful messages that resonate with hiring managers.

Why Your Follow Up Email Matters

The follow up email after interview serves multiple purposes. First, it’s a simple act of professional courtesy, thanking the interviewer for their time and consideration. It reinforces your politeness and respect, qualities that are always appreciated in the workplace.

Second, it’s an opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the company. You can subtly remind the interviewer of your key qualifications and highlight aspects of the conversation that particularly resonated with you. This allows you to personalize your message and showcase your genuine interest.

Finally, a well-crafted email reinforces your brand as a proactive and engaged candidate. It demonstrates initiative and attention to detail, qualities that set you apart from other applicants. Ignoring this crucial step can leave a negative impression, suggesting a lack of interest or professionalism.

Crafting a Memorable Follow Up Email

The key to a successful follow up email after interview lies in its content and delivery. Here are some essential elements to consider;

  • Timing is Key; Send your email within 24 hours of the interview. This demonstrates promptness and keeps you fresh in the interviewer’s mind.

  • Personalized Subject Line; Avoid generic subject lines like “Thank You.” Instead, opt for something more specific, such as “Thank You – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Interview.”

  • Express Gratitude; Begin by thanking the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to learn more about the role and the company. Be sincere and specific.

  • Reinforce Your Interest; Briefly reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and how your skills and experience align with the company’s needs. Refer to specific points discussed during the interview to show you were engaged.

  • Highlight Key Qualifications; Subtly remind the interviewer of your most relevant qualifications and how they can contribute to the company’s success.

  • Address Concerns (If Any); If you sensed any hesitation or concerns during the interview, use the follow up email after interview as an opportunity to address them concisely.

  • Proofread Meticulously; Ensure your email is free of grammatical errors and typos. A polished email reflects your attention to detail and professionalism. Utilize a grammar check tool to guarantee accuracy.

  • Maintain a Professional Tone; Use a formal greeting and closing, and avoid overly casual language.

  • Keep It Concise; Aim for a brief and to-the-point email, ideally no more than a few paragraphs.

  • End with a Call to Action; Express your eagerness to hear from them soon and reiterate your availability for further discussion.

Examples of Effective Follow Up Email Strategies

Here are a couple of scenarios and corresponding email snippets;

Scenario 1; You discussed a specific project during the interview.

  • “It was a pleasure speaking with you yesterday about the Marketing Manager position. I was particularly excited to hear about the upcoming rebranding project and believe my experience in leading similar initiatives would be a valuable asset to your team.”

Scenario 2; You want to address a concern about your lack of experience in a specific area.

  • “Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the Project Coordinator role. While I may not have direct experience with [specific software], I am a quick learner and eager to develop my skills in this area. My experience in [related skill] has equipped me with the adaptability and problem-solving abilities necessary to excel in this role.”

The Final Word on Follow Up Emails

The art of the follow up email after interview is a skill worth mastering. By crafting thoughtful, personalized messages, you can significantly increase your chances of landing your dream job. Remember to express gratitude, reinforce your interest, and highlight your key qualifications. And always, always grammar check your email before sending! It’s the final touch that demonstrates your commitment to excellence.