Extra efforts always count!!!
Whether you have participated in a walk-in interview or got an appointment, one thing that can’t be negotiated is your ‘next steps.’ Just think about how many aspirants would have applied for the same job and were present for the interview, and even if 50% of those are your competitors, it’s a huge number to fight with.
Hence, in such situations, putting in extra effort is no less than creating a ladder for yourself.
While during the interview, there are numerous factors to keep in mind, like body language, eye contact, tone, language, gestures, and much more. However, the real challenge rolls out when you step out of the room, clueless. While a mere effort can not turn the tables around, it can highlight your impression.
One of its ways is to write a thank you email, aka follow-up letter.
But how do you write a perfect follow-up email after an interview?
Well, if you too are juggling with such a question, worry not! You have stepped into the perfect job. Let’s start!
What is a Follow-Up Email?
A follow-up email, aka thank you email, is a personal email sent to the employer or HR recruiter the day after your interview. It is a way to express gratitude for providing them an employment opportunity.
Here’s how it can help:
1. Reflects Professionalism
A follow-up email after an interview is most likely to demonstrate your etiquette, commitment, and interest towards the company and commitment.
2. Reignites Interest
While there would be various aspirants that can compete you, your follow up email can make you stand out and can evoke company’s interest for your hiring.
3. Shows Appreciation
A thoughtful thank-you email conveys respect for the interviewer’s time and effort. While the value of skills is unmatchable, such thoughtful gestures also add unforgettable impact.
4. Clarifies Key Points
Follow up mail can be a excellent way to address something specific that you forgot to mention or any of your point of view. Just fit it naturally and make your work done.
5. Creates Space For Further Communication
It gives you an opportunity to remind the hiring manager of your qualifications and skills.
Now, when you know the importance of follow-up mail after an interview, let’s dive into the process of crafting an effective email that not only takes a follow-up but also indicates how specific and detail-oriented you are.
How To Write an Effective Follow-Up Mail After An Interview?
Before jumping into the guide, one should know that the follow-up letter must be clear, concise, well-structured and must leave a positive impression on the employers. Here are the steps:
1. Subject Line
Your subject line should be direct and professional. Some examples include:
- Thank You for the Opportunity—[Your Name]
- Following Up on My Interview for [Job Title]
- Great Meeting You—Thank You
- Excited About the Opportunity at [Company Name]
2. Personalized Greetings
Address the interviewer with his/her name to add a personalized touch. Even if you have given multiple interviews, do not miss or skip any. Addressing in a generic way can prove your mail as ineffective and something in which minimal efforts have been put on.
Use:
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
3. Express Gratitude
Simply, your ‘Goal 1’ should not change from expressing gratitude to your interviewer for providing a valuable opportunity to represent yourselves. Hence, start by sincerely thanking the interviewer for their time.
Thank you for giving me an opportunity to meet with you yesterday to discuss the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. Our conversation about [specific topic] made me extremely excited for this opportunity and the company’s mission.”
4. Reiterate Your Interest and Highlights Key Takeaways
Take this opportunity to remind the interviewer of something discussed earlier that makes you an excellent fit for the role.
Example:
I particularly enjoyed learning about how your team is tackling [specific challenge]. Having my background in [related skill or experience], I’m eager to contribute and help drive success in [relevant project or initiative].
5. Provide Additional Information or Clarifications
In case you wish to provide more details on the answer or further emphasize your competency, you can do so right now.
Example:
“Observing our conversation, I wanted to add that my experience with [specific project or skill has given me capabilities to handle [a particular responsibility]. I’m excited about the possibility of bringing this expertise to your team.”
6. Offer to Provide Further Information
End your email with a friendly offer to provide any further information and reflect your enthusiasm.
Example:
“I’m more than happy to provide any additional information that might help you in your consideration. Please feel free to contact me if you could use any assistance from my end. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.”
Thanks and regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email]
[Your LinkedIn Profile]
[Your Phone Number]
Mistakes To Avoid While Writing Your Interview Follow-Up Message
1/ Using an unprofessional email address: Make sure the email looks professional, such as firstname.lastname@email.com instead of cooldude99@email.com.
2/ Forgetting to customize: Avoid sending generic messages. Each email sent after the interview should be personalised.
3/ Not sending a follow-up email after an interview: Regardless of how the interview went, always send a follow-up letter. This shows good etiquette and that you are still interested.
4/ Attaching unneeded documents: Do not overload the recruiter with too many attachments unless they ask for them.
5/ Sounding desperate: When you write the message, be confident yet polite, not desperate or pleading.
6/ Copy-paste templates without personalisation: A template is a starting point, but after that, always add some details that show your authentic interest.
Sample Follow-Up Message After an Interview
Subject: Thank You for the Opportunity – [Your Name]
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I hope you’re having a great day! I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. It was a pleasure speaking with you and learning more about the exciting work your team is doing.
I especially appreciated our discussion about [specific topic] and how it aligns with my experience in [relevant skill]. Our conversation reinforced my enthusiasm for joining your team and contributing to [specific goal].
I’m excited about the potential opportunity to bring my expertise in [mention relevant skills] to [Company Name] and help drive success in [mention a key project or company objective].
Please let me know if there is anything else you need from me as you move forward in the decision-making process.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email]
[Your LinkedIn (if applicable)]
[Your Phone Number]
Conclusion
A thoughtfully written follow-up email after an interview can significantly impact your job-search efforts. It is a simple but powerful means of strengthening your candidacy and creating a lasting impression. The moment you walk out of an interview, don’t just sit back and wait!
Follow these job interview tips and do something proactive to keep the ball rolling!
A heartfelt and well-directed follow-up note could help you stand out among the rest and provide you with a higher chance of being offered the job that you’ve always dreamed of.
