The interview is complete, and you’ve done your best to highlight your skills and qualifications. But your job search is not done yet. How to follow up after an interview professionally is one of the most important parts of the entire hiring process, as it shows your interest in the job and helps the interviewer keep you at the top of his or her mind. Understanding how to follow up after an interview professionally can greatly increase your odds of landing the job. In this guide, we’ll cover the do’s and don’ts on how to follow up after an interview professionally to make sure you are leaving a good impression and conveying that you are still interested in the position.
Why Following Up After an Interview Is Crucial
It’s only natural to wonder, just how to follow up after an interview professionally to put your best foot forward and thrive post-interview. It also offers an opportunity to say thank-you, which demonstrates that you value the interviewer’s time and consideration. An effective follow-up email can help you stand out from the rest of the candidates and display your professionalism and meticulousness.
Here’s Why Following Up Is Crucial:
- Demonstrates professionalism: Following up after an interview shows you are taking the process seriously and respect the interviewer’s time.
- Reinforces interest: This allows you to reiterate excitement for the role and company, which could put you ahead of the pack.
- Chance to clarify something: If you forgot to say something or want to clarify, your follow-up is a great opportunity to do this.
- Keeps you in the interviewer’s mind: Sending a follow-up email reminds the interviewer of your name and makes you stand out from other candidates.
How to Follow Up After an Interview Professionally: Best Practices
Here are some key professional interview follow-up tips:
Send the Follow-Up Email Within 24 Hours
The best time to send a follow-up email is within 24 hours following your interview. How to follow up after an interview professionally includes sending a prompt, polite, and well-crafted message. Sending it too soon can seem overeager, while doing it too late may make you seem uninterested.
Express Gratitude
Thank the interviewer for their time and for the opportunity to interview for the position. How to follow up after an interview professionally includes expressing gratitude, which reminds the interviewer of your interest in the role.
Example:
“Thank you once more for taking the time to meet with me yesterday. I truly appreciated the opportunity to speak to you about the [Job Title] role and enjoyed learning about the exciting work your team is doing at [Company Name].”
Reaffirm Your Interest
In a follow-up, remind them of your interest in the position and why you think you’re a great fit. How to follow up after an interview professionally means making sure the interviewer remembers why you’re a strong candidate.
Example:
“I am still very excited about the prospect of contributing to [specific aspect of the role or company] and working alongside you and the team.”
Tackle Any Questions You Didn’t Answer
If there are questions or points you didn’t get a chance to touch on in the interview, how to follow up after an interview professionally means addressing them. A brief explanation of a relevant topic can improve your chances of moving forward.
Example:
“I also wanted to provide more context for my experience with [specific project, skill, etc.] that we touched on. I believe this experience translates directly to [this responsibility] at [Company Name].”
Keep It Short and Professional
How to follow up after an interview professionally includes making your email concise. Do not restate or over-explain anything you already discussed in the interview. Be courteous, professional, and respectful of the interviewer’s time.
Proofread Before Sending
Ensure your email is free of grammatical or spelling mistakes. How to follow up after an interview professionally means presenting yourself as detail-oriented and professional.
Example of a Follow-Up Email After an Interview
Subject: Thank You – [Your Name] [Job Title] Interview
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you once again for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] yesterday. I genuinely appreciated our discussion and learning more about your team and the exciting projects at [Company Name].
I strongly believe my experience with [relevant experience or skill] would allow me to bring value to this role. I remain very eager for the opportunity to join your team and contribute to [specific aspect of the job].
Please let me know if you need any additional information from me. I look forward to your response on how to proceed.
Again, thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
The Biggest Mistakes to Avoid When Following Up
- Being Overbearingly Enthusiastic: One polite email is enough. Bombarding the interviewer with multiple messages can be off-putting.
- Making It Too Long: A good follow-up email is concise and to the point.
- Failure to Personalize: Tailor your follow-up to each interview and mention at least one specific detail discussed.
- Neglecting to Proofread: Double-check your email before sending it to avoid looking careless.
FAQs About How to Follow Up After an Interview Professionally
When should I follow up after an interview?
Follow up within 24 hours to show promptness and interest.
What if the interviewer said they would get back to me in a week?
Even if there’s a timeline, it’s still essential to follow up within 24 hours to thank them and express continued interest.
Should I follow up with a phone call instead of an email?
Emails are preferred, but a phone call can be appropriate in some cases. Keep it brief and professional.
What should I include in a thank-you note?
Express gratitude, reaffirm interest in the role, and address any points you didn’t get to discuss during the interview.
Is following up after a week too late?
While it’s best to follow up within 24 hours, reaching out after a week is still acceptable if you haven’t heard back.
Conclusion
How to follow up after an interview professionally is crucial for making a lasting impression. A follow-up email expresses gratitude, underscores enthusiasm, and keeps your name in front of the interviewer. By implementing these strategies, you can increase your chances of progressing in the hiring process.
Call to Action
Have you followed up after an interview recently? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below, and let’s navigate the job search process together!