How to Write a Successful Interview Follow-Up Email

Did you know that more than half of job candidates skip sending a follow-up email? Yet, it’s a recruiter’s favorite indicator of professionalism. This guide shows you how to make your email unforgettable.

Allison Dunn

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Resume? Check! Follow–up questions? Check! Follow-up email?

Did you know that 57 percent of candidates don’t send a follow-up email to thank their recruiter after interviews, but 91 percent of employers prefer to receive them? Put your best foot forward by leaving a positive impression for your recruiter by sending a thank-you email after your interview.

Here are a few ways to send a successful follow-up email to your recruiter.

Why Write a Follow-Up Email?​

Nailing an interview is an important step, but it’s not the only step. Many recruiters pay close attention to see which candidates write a thank-you email after an interview. This could ultimately be what sets you apart from the rest of the candidate pool. There are plenty of reasons to write a follow-up email, such as:

  • It showcases that you know the importance of communication
  • Leaves a lasting impression on your recruiter 
  • Shows how excited you are about the position you applied for
  • Share some new information about yourself that you might’ve left out at the interview. This can Include your interest and goals. 
  • Allows you to show thanks and gratitude for their time
  • It could be the determining factor if you will get another interview or move on in the next steps

How to Be Sure Your Email Is a Success?​

Here are seven tips for success when sending a follow-up email.

  1. Send over your follow-up email within 24 hours of the interview.
  2. Start by choosing the right subject line. The subject line should be straightforward. For example, great speaking with you today is clear, concise, and conveys what this email is in regards to. 
  3. Be sure to include in the email your name, the position you are applying for, and the date or time of the interview. This reminds the recruiter of your exact candidacy. 
  4. Show respect and reiterate your gratitude for this opportunity and their time. 
  5. Have a positive tone and attitude 
  6. Add in anything you forgot to mention during the interview. 
  7. Carefully proofread the email before sending it off. This is for your potential employer so you want to be sure to give it a final edit.

What Should You Include?​

To continue the success of your follow-up email, there are essential components you will want to include. Open with a formal greeting that includes the hiring manager’s name. As mentioned earlier, express your gratitude for their time and interviewing you. Also, remind them of your name and when the interview was conducted. Let them know how your skills align with achieving the company’s goals. As you finish off the paragraph, include an email signature and thank them again.

Template for Post-Interview Follow-Up Email​

Subject line: Great speaking with you today

Dear Ms. Margaret Anne,

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me this afternoon about the social media coordinator position. It was great to learn how similar our backgrounds and experience were. 

I especially enjoyed discussing the applications you all use to regulate your post on your social media accounts. I’ve always loved finding new ways to work smarter and not harder, and those applications align greatly with that.

I’m positive my skill set and experience from my previous position will be valuable in achieving the company’s goal of having a more inviting social media presence. 

Looking forward to hearing from you,

River Long
River.Long@email.com
636-636-6363

Conclusion

Don’t just stop at the interview, stand out and send off that follow-up email. For more templates to guide you step-by-step on how to form your email, check out the infographic below.

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When should I send my follow-up email after an interview?

Send your follow-up email within 24 hours of your interview. This ensures you stay fresh in the recruiter’s mind and demonstrates your promptness and enthusiasm for the role.

Your email should include a professional greeting, a thank-you note expressing gratitude for the opportunity, a reference to specific details from the interview, how your skills align with the role, and a polite closing with your contact information.

Keep your email concise and focused—around 3-4 short paragraphs. Recruiters are busy, so a brief yet personalized email is more likely to be read and appreciated.

Use the follow-up email to bring up anything relevant you may have forgotten. Mention the new information briefly, and tie it back to how it makes you a stronger candidate for the position.

Yes, if you haven’t heard back within a week or the timeline discussed in the interview, you can send a polite follow-up email to check on the status of your application. Restate your interest in the role and ask if there are any updates regarding the next steps.

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Allison Dunn

Allison Dunn spent 25 years as an owner and executive of several businesses, including an engineering firm, manufacturing company, and architectural firm. In 2013, Allison founded Idaho’s top-ranked business coaching company, Deliberate Directions.

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