Finished your job interview? Send a follow-up email to stand out.

If you’re looking to stand out from the competition as a job candidate, writing a follow-up email to thank your interviewer within 24 hours of the interview is a must. Did you know that 91% of employers like receiving follow-up thank you emails, but 57% of candidates don’t send them? Following up is more important now than ever in the competitive job market and it can keep you at the forefront of the hiring manager’s mind.

What to include in a follow-up email

What is a follow-up email and why is sending one so important? A follow-up email after an interview should do the following: first, it should show gratitude to the individual who interviewed you. Second, reiterate your interest in the position or tell them why you’re a good fit. Last, be sure offer more documents or details about your experience! Tackle these three elements in your follow-up email to ensure that you’re among the top candidates. 

For an example of what your follow-up email should look like, take a look at this template you can customize. 

Dear [Interviewer Name],

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about the [Position Name] on [Date of Interview].

After learning more about the role, I am positive that my passion and work ethic will be a valuable asset to [Company Name] in the [Industry] department. I have multiple years of experience in [Industry] through my work with [Previous Company Name], which I believe will help me excel at an firm such as yours.

If you require any additional documentation of my credentials, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

Sincerely, 

[Your Name]

How to write your subject line

Another important part of a follow-up email is the subject line. Recruiters and hiring managers receive hundreds if not thousands of emails a day, so making sure your subject line is not only clear but concise may increase your chances of getting noticed. Below are some examples of subject lines you can use for your job interview follow-up.

  • Thanks for your time today, [Interviewer Name]
  • Great speaking with you today
  • Follow-up regarding [Position Name] interview
  • [Company Name] [Position Name] interview follow-up

Do’s and Don’ts: the key successful follow-up email

Before you hit send, make sure to brush up your email skills with these do’s and don’ts of writing a successful follow-up email.

  • Do make sure to say anything not mentioned in the interview.
  • Don’t brag about yourself or your achievements out of context.
  • Do keep your email as brief as possible so it’s more likely to be read.
  • Don’t press the admissions team to give you a decision quickly.
  • Do have a positive tone and attitude to show your best self. 

Now that you know how to write a successful follow-up email, check out this infographic from AngelList detailing the importance of writing thank-you notes. [Infographic Link]

Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

By Mitali Shukla