How to follow up after an interview: with examples

Following up after an interview can give you a significant advantage in the hiring process. It not only reminds the interviewer or hiring manager of your profile but also showcases your enthusiasm for the role. This small step can put you ahead of other candidates by demonstrating your interest and communication skills.

What Following Up Reflects:

1. Interest and Enthusiasm: It shows that you are genuinely interested in the position.
2. Great Communication Skills: It highlights your ability to follow through and communicate effectively.
3. Curiosity and Proactivity: It gives you a chance to ask additional questions or comment on the interview discussion.

Important Note: Don't hesitate, thinking it will come off as too pushy or overly excited. It's always better to follow up than to stay silent. In fact, 34.3% of employers report that thank-you follow-up notes are very or moderately important.

When to Follow Up:

• Immediate Follow-Up: Send a thank-you note the day after the interview to express your appreciation and enthusiasm for the conversation.
• Strategic Follow-Up: Ask about the timeline for the rest of the interview process at the end of your interview. This gives you an idea of when to follow up again. Generally, follow up within one day to a week after the given timeline.

What to Write:

Your follow-up email should be personalized, addressing the interviewer by name and referencing specific topics from the interview. Here’s a simple structure to follow:

1. Greeting: Address the interviewer by name.
2. Express Gratitude: Thank them for the opportunity and their time.
3. Mention Specifics: Refer to something specific discussed during the interview.
4. Ask Questions: If you have any, this is a good place to ask.
5. Show Enthusiasm: Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.
6. Closing: Close on a positive note, expressing hope to hear from them soon.

Example Thank you note:

Subject: Thank You for the Interview

Dear [Interviewer's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to discuss the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] yesterday. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation, particularly the part about [specific topic discussed]. It reinforced my excitement about the role and the potential to contribute to your team.

I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of working with [Company Name] and am confident that my skills in [relevant skills] would be a great match for your needs. Additionally, I had a follow-up question about [something you didn’t ask during the interview].

Thank you once again for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to [Company Name] and am excited about the next steps. Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Example Follow-Up Email:

Subject: Thank You for the Interview

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am writing to express my gratitude for the opportunity to interview with you on [Date] for the position (job title). I am contacting you again in the hope of receiving an update on the status of my application.
I am eager to learn more about the projects your team is currently working on, particularly the (ongoing project or goal). This has further enhanced my enthusiasm for joining your team. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information to assist you in making your hiring decision. 
I am highly interested in the position and look forward to hearing about the next steps. 

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Best regards,