How to Write a Follow-Up Email After an Interview

I once saw a candidate at Google, brilliant technically, tank their chances because their follow-up was a generic, bland rehash of the interview. Don't let that be you. A well-crafted follow up email after interview can be the deciding factor. It's your last chance to make a strong impression, reinforce your fit, and address any lingering concerns.

Why a Follow-Up Email Matters After an Interview

Think of the follow up email after interview as the closing argument in your job-seeking trial. It's not just about being polite; it's a strategic opportunity to:

1. Reinforce Your Interest: Explicitly state your continued enthusiasm for the role and the company. Don't assume they know.
2. Reiterate Your Value: Briefly remind the interviewer of your key skills and experiences that align with the job requirements.
3. Address Concerns: If you sensed any hesitation during the interview, use the follow-up to proactively address those points.
4. Showcase Your Personality: Let your personality shine through (within professional boundaries, of course). A genuine and engaging email can leave a lasting positive impression.
5. Provide Additional Information: If you forgot to mention something important during the interview, the follow-up is your chance to add it.

Crafting the Perfect Subject Line

The subject line is your email's first impression. It needs to be clear, concise, and compelling enough to make the interviewer want to open your email. Avoid generic phrases like "Thank You" or "Following Up." Instead, try something more specific and personalized.

For example, instead of "Thank You for Your Time," consider:

"Follow Up: [Your Name] - [Job Title] Interview - [Specific Topic Discussed]"

Here’s a real-world example. I interviewed a candidate, let’s call her Sarah, for a Senior Engineer role at Facebook. Her subject line was: "Sarah J. - Senior Engineer Interview - Passionate about Scalable Systems". This immediately caught my eye because it referenced the role and, more importantly, hinted at a specific area we discussed (scalable systems) which was a key requirement for the position. It showed she was paying attention and tailoring her communication.

Quick Reality Check

Quick Reality Check: Only 7% of job seekers send a thank you email after an interview. That means by simply sending a thoughtful thank you email interview, you are already ahead of 93% of the competition.

Key Elements of a Strong Follow-Up Email

A good follow up email after interview isn't just about saying "thank you." It's about strategically reinforcing your candidacy. Here’s what to include:

• Personalized Greeting: Use the interviewer's name and title. A generic "To Whom It May Concern" is a major turn-off.
• Express Gratitude: Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration. Be specific about what you appreciated about the conversation.
• Reiterate Interest: Clearly state your continued enthusiasm for the role and the company.
• Highlight Key Qualifications: Briefly remind the interviewer of your most relevant skills and experiences. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.
• Address Concerns (If Applicable): If you sensed any reservations during the interview, use the follow-up to proactively address them.
• Call to Action: End with a clear call to action, such as expressing your eagerness to move forward in the process.
• Proofread Carefully: Ensure your email is free of grammatical errors and typos. Nothing undermines your credibility faster than a poorly written email.

What Most Candidates Get Wrong

I've seen countless follow-up emails, and the most common mistakes are:

• Being Too Generic: A generic email that could be sent to any company shows a lack of genuine interest.
• Repeating the Interview: Don't simply rehash everything you said during the interview. Focus on highlighting key points and adding new value.
• Being Too Pushy: Avoid being overly aggressive or demanding about the next steps. Be professional and respectful of the interviewer's time.
• Ignoring the Company Culture: Tailor your email to the company's culture. A formal email might be appropriate for a traditional company, while a more casual email might be better for a startup.
• Forgetting to Proofread: As I mentioned earlier, typos and grammatical errors are a major turn-off. Double-check your email before sending it.

One counterintuitive insight: sometimes, *not* sending a follow-up immediately is the right move. If the interviewer explicitly told you they'd be in touch within a specific timeframe, hounding them the next day can appear impatient. Trust the process, but don't hesitate to send a post interview email if you haven't heard back within the agreed-upon timeframe.

Don't leave your interview success to chance. Write that compelling follow up email after interview today. First, think about the specific points you want to reiterate and practice this with Raya to refine your message and tone before you hit send. practice this with Raya