Spencer Lanoue
Landing an interview is exciting. It means you've caught the interest of a potential employer, and now you're one step closer to landing that job. But, there's a crucial step that many overlook: the follow-up email. This isn't just a polite gesture; it's your chance to reinforce your interest, remind the interviewer of your strengths, and keep your name fresh in their mind. Let's dig into how you can write a follow-up email that leaves a lasting impression.
Timing: When to Hit Send
First things first, let's talk timing. You don't want to send your follow-up too soon and appear over-eager, nor too late and risk being forgotten. A good rule of thumb is to send your follow-up email within 24 to 48 hours after your interview. This shows your enthusiasm while giving the interviewer a little breathing room to process your conversation.
Of course, if your interview was on a Friday, waiting until Monday is perfectly acceptable. The key is to strike while the iron is hot, but not scalding. You'll find that a well-timed email can keep you top-of-mind without coming across as pushy.
Subject Line: Get Their Attention
The subject line of your follow-up email is like the headline of a news story. It's got to grab attention. Keep it professional yet engaging. Here are a few examples:
- "Thank You for the Opportunity, [Interviewer's Name]"
- "Great Meeting You, [Interviewer's Name]"
- "Following Up on Our Conversation"
Avoid vague or overly creative subject lines. Clarity is your best friend here. You want the recipient to know exactly who you are and what the email is about at a glance. Remember, the goal is to make it easy for them to connect the dots back to your interview.
Personalization: Make It Personal
Nobody wants to feel like they're receiving a generic email that's been sent to a dozen other employers. Personalize your message by referencing specific parts of your interview. Mentioning a shared interest, a joke, or even a topic you discussed can make your email feel more genuine.
For example, you might say:
"I really enjoyed our conversation about the upcoming product launch. Your insights on market trends were incredibly enlightening."
Personal touches show that you were engaged during the interview and that you're genuinely interested in the company and the role. It also helps the interviewer remember you as an individual rather than just another candidate.
Express Gratitude: A Simple Thank You Goes a Long Way
The heart of your follow-up email should be a sincere expression of gratitude. Thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to learn more about the position. A little appreciation can go a long way in establishing a positive rapport.
Here's a simple way to put this into words:
"Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me. I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the exciting work being done at [Company Name]."
Gratitude is a powerful tool, and when used correctly, it can convey your professionalism and positive attitude. Traits every employer values.
Reiterate Your Interest: Keep the Flame Alive
It's crucial to reiterate your interest in the role and the company. This is your chance to remind the interviewer why you're a great fit for the position and how excited you are about the possibility of joining their team.
You might say something like:
"After our discussion, I'm even more enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. I am particularly drawn to [specific aspect of the company or role], and I'm eager to bring my skills in [relevant skills] to your team."
This not only showcases your enthusiasm but also reinforces your understanding of the company and how you see yourself fitting in.
Highlight Key Points: Remind Them of Your Strengths
Interviews can be a blur, so it's helpful to remind the interviewer of your key strengths and experiences that make you an ideal candidate. This isn't the time to rehash your entire resume, but rather to underscore the highlights.
Consider including a sentence like:
"As we discussed, my experience in [relevant experience] and my skills in [related skills] would allow me to make a meaningful impact at [Company Name]."
By succinctly summarizing your qualifications, you make it easier for the interviewer to recall why you stood out among other candidates.
End With a Call to Action: Keep the Conversation Going
Wrap up your email with a confident yet polite call to action. This might be as simple as expressing your hope to hear back soon or asking if there are any further steps you should take.
Here's an example:
"I look forward to the possibility of working together and contributing to the team. Please let me know if there are any next steps I should prepare for."
A call to action not only shows your eagerness to move forward but also opens the door for further communication, which can be crucial in a competitive job market.
Proofread Before Sending: Don't Let Typos Ruin It
Nothing can undermine a well-crafted follow-up email like a glaring typo or grammatical error. Before hitting send, take a moment to read through your email carefully. You might even consider reading it out loud or asking a friend to give it a once-over. A fresh pair of eyes can catch mistakes you might have missed.
Tools like Spell can be incredibly helpful here. With Spell, you can not only proofread your email but also get suggestions for improving clarity and tone, ensuring your message is polished and professional.
Sample Follow-Up Email: Putting It All Together
To help you visualize what a strong follow-up email looks like, here's a sample you can use as a template:
Subject: Thank You for the Opportunity, [Interviewer's Name]
Hi [Interviewer's Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to express my gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. It was a pleasure to learn more about the innovative work being done at your company and to discuss how I might contribute to your team.
I was particularly intrigued by [specific topic discussed], and I am enthusiastic about the chance to bring my skills in [relevant skills] to [Company Name]. I believe my experience in [related experience] aligns well with your team's goals, and I am excited about the possibility of working together.
Thank you once again for your time and consideration. Please let me know if there are any next steps I should prepare for. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn Profile]
[Your Contact Information]
This example is a solid foundation you can adapt to fit your own style and the specifics of your interview. Remember, personalization and sincerity are key.
Final Thoughts
Writing a follow-up email after an interview doesn't have to be daunting. With the right timing, personalization, and a touch of gratitude, you can craft a message that reinforces your candidacy and keeps you top-of-mind for that dream job. And if you need a little help polishing your email, Spell can streamline the process, ensuring your communication is as professional and impactful as possible.
