How To Follow Up After An Interview: Tips & Templates

It’s one of the trickiest parts of the job search — knowing the proper etiquette for following up after an interview.

Understanding how to effectively follow up can be a defining factor in landing the job you want or not.

So take some time to dive into how to do it right – from tips and best practices to templates and resources – so that you can make sure you leave a lasting impression on your interviewer.

Everything you need to know about how to follow up after an interview:

• Why bother with interview follow-up?
• Are interview “thank yous” outdated?
• When to follow up after an interview
• How to follow up after an interview
• Sample follow-up email
• Sample follow-up phone call script
• Sample handwritten thank-you note

Why bother with interview follow-up?

Choosing to follow up after an interview can demonstrate your interest in the role, display professionalism, reiterate your qualifications, address concerns, keep communication open, and set you apart from other candidates.

Demonstrate your interest

Following up after an interview shows your potential employer that you’re genuinely interested in the position and the company. It ensures that you stay at the top of their mind during the decision-making process.

Display professionalism

A well-crafted follow-up message underscores your professionalism. It gives a positive impression about your communication skills, work ethic, and manners.

Reiterate your qualifications

A follow-up can serve as a platform to reiterate your skills, qualifications, and experiences that make you an ideal candidate.

Address any concerns

If there were any areas of concern or confusion during the interview, the follow-up provides a chance to address them.

Differentiate yourself from other candidates

Not all job seekers follow up after an interview. Doing so can set you apart from other candidates who are vying for the same role.

Keep the lines of communication open

Even if you don’t get the job, a courteous follow-up keeps the lines of communication open for future opportunities.

Are interview “thank-yous” outdated?

After working with thousands of job candidates and hiring managers over the years, Mondo Staffing’s President, Stephanie Wernick Barker wanted to know how people felt about sending a ‘thank you’ note after an interview. Is it a waste of time? Is it outdated?

Here’s what people had to say:

When to follow up after an interview

The ideal timeline for following up after an interview is within 24 hours. Sending a thank you note or message allows the interviewer to recall your conversation and reiterate why you’d be a great fit for the role.

Be sure to make note of when they said you’d receive feedback from them. If it’s been a few days beyond that, feel free to follow up to ensure that you stay top of mind.

In some cases, you may need to follow up multiple times before you get a response. Be sure not to overstep any boundaries, but also be persistent enough to make sure you are heard.

How to follow up after an interview

Follow up after an interview by choosing your follow-up method, learning the structure of an interview follow-up message, and then using those tools to write an email or a handwritten note, or even make a follow-up phone call.

1. Choose your job interview follow-up method

• Interview follow-up email: Email is the most common method for following up after an interview. It’s quick, efficient, and provides a written record of your correspondence.
• Interview follow-up phone call: A phone call can be a good choice if you established a strong rapport with the interviewer and you feel a call would be welcome.
• Interview follow-up handwritten note: A handwritten note can help you stand out from other candidates. It can be seen as thoughtful and personal, showing that you took the time to write and send a physical letter.

2. Learn the structure of an interview follow-up message

• Salutation: Start by addressing the interviewer by their name. It creates a personal touch.
• Expression of Gratitude: Thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. Show appreciation for the opportunity to learn more about the role and the company.
• Reiteration of Interest: Communicate your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Make it clear that you are eager to contribute to their team.
• Summary of Discussion: Briefly summarize key points discussed during the interview. It aids in refreshing the interviewer’s memory of your conversation.
• Statement of Qualification: Reaffirm why you are the right candidate for the role. Highlight your skills, experiences, or ideas that align with the company’s needs.
• Addressing Concerns: If there were any areas of confusion during the interview, address them in your follow-up message. Provide additional information or clarification if necessary.
• Next Steps: Express your anticipation for the next steps in the hiring process.
• Closing: Conclude your message with a professional closing, your full name, and your contact information.

3. Write a follow-up after an interview

By following the structure outlined above and the interview follow-up examples below, you can craft a professional and effective follow-up message that helps you stand out to interviewers.

Sample follow-up email after interview

Subject: Thank You for the Interview – [Your Name]

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I want to express my gratitude for our conversation yesterday regarding the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I enjoyed our conversation, and I am very excited about the possibility of joining your team.

Our discussion about [specific duty or requirement mentioned in the interview] affirmed my belief that my skills and experiences align perfectly with the needs of your team. Should any questions or concerns arise, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Once again, thank you for the opportunity. I look forward to the next steps in the hiring process.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Contact Information]

Sample interview follow-up phone call script

Hi [Interviewer’s Name], this is [Your Name]. I hope you’re doing well today. I’m calling to thank you for the interview we had on [Date]. I genuinely enjoyed our conversation and learning more about the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I wanted to reiterate my interest in the role and express that I am excited about the potential opportunity to contribute to your team. If you have any other questions for me or require any further information, please feel free to let me know. Thank you once again for your time and consideration.

Sample handwritten thank-you note for interview follow-up

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I am writing to extend my sincere thanks for the interview on [Date] regarding the [Job Title] position. I appreciated our discussion about [specific point discussed during the interview], and I believe my background in [specific relevant experience or skill] would greatly benefit your team.

Thank you once again for considering me for this position. I am looking forward to the possibility of contributing to your team and am excited about the next steps in the hiring process.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Should you follow up after an interview?

It’s always beneficial to send a follow-up after an interview. A timely and well-crafted message can help differentiate you from other candidates and keep the lines of communication open. By using these templates and scripts, you can craft an effective follow-up that will be sure to impress your interviewer.

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