Follow-Up Emails: Land the Job After Your Interview (Guest blog)

If you’re getting ready to loosen your tie and unbutton your button-down after a long day of job interviews, believe it or not, your work is far from over. To land your dream job and finish your interview strong, send a short and sweet message after you leave your workspace or log off.

While some people forget to take this step after their interview is over, it can set you apart from other candidates. Not only will you have a positive reputation from sending a thank you note this is also an opportunity to show the interviewer how excited you are about the opportunity at hand. First impressions are everything, so make the right one by sending a memorable follow-up email.

When to Follow Up

Sending a thank-you note to your interviewer the same day of the interview will show how eager and professional you are. Doing this will express your interest and appreciation for the interviewer’s time. Prioritize emailing the thank you note within the 24-hour time frame of the interview to impress and ensure that you gave it your best effort.

How to Write a Follow-Up Email

It’s completely normal to feel intimidated by sending a follow-up email to an interviewer. You might even feel nervous or unsure about what to say. However, it doesn’t have to be trying or difficult. To help you overcome these stresses and build a well-written note, here are some essential tips to make sure you cover your bases:

Step 1: Include a formal greeting to the hiring manager. For example, “Dear [hiring manager],”. 
Step 2: State how much you appreciated their time and share your interest in the position. For example, “Thank you very much for taking the time to speak with me about the role.”
Step 3: Express that you will be an asset to the company. Mention how well your skill set aligns with the position that you are applying for. For instance, “After learning more about this role, I am confident that my skill set and experience would be of value to your company.”
Step 4: Provide additional information if they need it. Say something like, “if you would like me to provide you with additional information or credentials, please do not hesitate.”
Step 5: Sign your email with a professional signature. You could say, “Thank you for considering me and I look forward to hearing from you soon.”

Follow-Up Email Tips

When it comes to writing the perfect follow-up email, there are lots of ways to impress with communication. Regardless of the job that you are applying for or the stage of interview rounds you may be in, keep these things in mind when writing your follow-up message. Here are a few helpful tips on how to nail your post-interview moves.

1. Specify your name, the position that you are applying for, and the date and time of the interview. This will help your interviewer remember you and your conversation.
2. Be short and sweet. Believe it or not, you can accomplish a lot while being concise.
3. Be respectful and appreciative of your interviewer’s time.
4. Follow up within 24 hours of the interview to show your professionalism.
5. Show how enthusiastic and excited you are about the opportunity.
6. Check for grammar and spelling mistakes.
7. Express credentials, information, or anything else that you may not have mentioned during your interview.

We all know how nerve wracking it can be during the interview and job search process. Luckily, you can put your best foot forward and increase your chances of earning your dream job. For templates and more information on how to write the perfect interview email, check out the infographic below.