The interview is over, you’ve thanked the interviewer, shaken hands, and left the building. But your work isn't done yet. What you do in the crucial hours and days following an interview can significantly impact the hiring decision. A well-crafted follow-up demonstrates your continued interest, professionalism, and attention to detail, helping you stand out in a competitive candidate pool and reinforce why you are the right fit for the job.
Why Follow Up Matters
Sending a follow-up message after an interview is more than just a courtesy; it's a strategic move. It keeps you top-of-mind for the hiring manager, especially when they are interviewing multiple candidates over several days. It provides an opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and the company, reinforcing key points discussed during the interview. Furthermore, a follow-up allows you to add anything you might have forgotten to mention or clarify a point that you feel wasn't fully addressed. It shows your commitment and professionalism, qualities highly valued by employers. In a tight job market, failing to send a thank you note or email is a missed opportunity that could cost you the job.
Choosing Your Follow-Up Method
Traditionally, a handwritten thank you note was the standard. While still appreciated, especially for more formal or traditional industries, email has become the most common and often preferred method due to its speed and efficiency. Consider the company culture and the interviewer's demeanor when deciding. If the company seems fast-paced and digitally focused, an email is likely best. If it's a more traditional organization, a handwritten note might leave a stronger impression, though it should still be supplemented with a quick email if a decision is expected quickly. Some situations might even warrant a brief phone call, but this is less common and should be used sparingly, perhaps to clarify a critical point or if you had a particularly rapport-filled interview.
Crafting the Perfect Follow-Up Email
Timing is crucial for email follow-ups. Aim to send it within 24 hours of the interview. This ensures you're still fresh in the interviewer's mind. The subject line should be clear and concise, such as "Thank You - [Your Name] - [Job Title]". Keep the email professional yet personal. Start by thanking the interviewer for their time and reiterating the position you interviewed for. Mention something specific you discussed during the interview that stood out to you or reinforced your interest. This shows you were paying attention and helps the interviewer remember you. Reiterate your key qualifications and express your enthusiasm for the role and company. Briefly mention how your skills and experience align with the specific needs or challenges they discussed. Proofread meticulously for any typos or grammatical errors, as these can detract from your professional image. End with a polite closing, like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your full name and contact information.
Handwritten Thank You Notes: Making an Impression
For a handwritten note, use professional stationery. Write clearly and legibly. The content should mirror that of an email: thank the interviewer, mention the position, reference a specific point from the conversation, reiterate your interest and fit, and close politely. While a handwritten note can make a warm, personal impression, the main drawback is speed. Mail delivery can take several days, which might be too slow if the hiring process is moving quickly. If you choose this route, it's often wise to *also* send a brief follow-up email shortly after the interview to ensure timely communication, stating that a formal thank you note is also on its way.
Key Elements to Include in Your Message
Regardless of the method, your follow-up message should ideally include several key components. Start with a sincere thank you. Reiterate your strong interest in the specific job and the company. Mention a specific point or two from your conversation to personalize the message – perhaps a project discussed, a challenge mentioned, or a cultural aspect you appreciated. Briefly remind them of why you are a strong candidate by connecting your skills or experience directly to the requirements of the role or the company's goals. If there was something you wish you had emphasized or a question you didn't answer as well as you could have, you can briefly and professionally address it. For example, "Reflecting on our conversation about X, I wanted to add that my experience with Y would be particularly relevant..." Avoid lengthy apologies or excuses. Conclude by expressing your anticipation of hearing from them soon and restating your contact information.
When and How Often to Follow Up?
The initial follow-up (email or handwritten note) should be sent within 24 hours. If you haven't heard back within the timeframe they gave you during the interview (e.g., "we'll be in touch next week"), a second, brief follow-up message is acceptable after that deadline has passed, usually about a week after your initial thank you. This second touchpoint should be concise, politely inquiring about the status of the hiring process and reiterating your continued interest. Avoid being overly persistent or sending multiple messages every few days, as this can come across as desperate or annoying. Pay attention to any instructions given during the interview regarding the timeline or preferred method of communication.
Common Follow-Up Mistakes to Avoid
Making mistakes in your follow-up can undermine an otherwise positive interview. The most common error is simply not sending any follow-up. Another major mistake is sending a generic, impersonal message that could be sent to anyone. Typos and grammatical errors are also significant turn-offs. Avoid being overly familiar or casual in your tone. Don't make demands about the hiring timeline or express frustration about not hearing back. Refrain from trying to renegotiate salary or benefits at this stage. Finally, ensure you are sending the message to the correct person and using the correct spelling of their name and title.
Going Above and Beyond (Optional)
In some cases, you might consider a slightly more creative follow-up, but use caution and ensure it aligns with the company culture. This could involve sending a relevant article related to your conversation, a link to your professional portfolio if applicable, or even a brief, professional presentation or idea related to a challenge discussed, *only if* it was explicitly or implicitly encouraged during the interview and feels genuinely additive. These methods carry higher risk and should only be attempted if you are confident they will be well-received and showcase your initiative and understanding of the role's challenges. Most often, a well-written, timely thank you note or email is perfectly sufficient and the safest bet.
Sending a thoughtful and timely follow-up message after your job interview is a vital step in the hiring process. It reinforces your interest, professionalism, and suitability for the role, helping you stand out from other candidates. By following these strategies, you can leave a lasting positive impression and increase your chances of receiving a job offer.