You’ve crossed all rounds of interviews and are now waiting for the final result! But instead of just waiting for the HR to get back to you, take proactive steps to follow up. Following up after an interview can make a huge difference in your application. It shows that you are genuinely interested in the position, keeps you top of mind with the hiring team, and allows you to reinforce your qualifications.
In this blog, we’ll cover why you should follow up after the interview, why it’s important, and the difference it can make to your profile. Additionally, we’ll dive into the best methods for following up with sample examples.
Why is Following Up Important After Interview?
Following up after the interview is one of the best things you can do, as it helps you stand out from other candidates. Here’s how a follow-up can help you:
Shows Interest and Enthusiasm
When you follow up with HR or your interviewer, it shows that you’re genuinely interested in the job role. A well-timed follow-up highlights the excitement employers want to see in you.
Highlights Professionalism
Sending a polite follow-up email shows that you are professional and pay attention to details. Being professional and organized are traits that employers look for.
Provides Clarification
Sometimes you might miss communicating key details during the interview. A follow-up gives you the chance to address any additional information or clarify any points.
Keeps You Fresh in Their Minds
The hiring team often interviews many candidates for the same position. A formal reminder after the interview can help ensure you stay at the top of their list.
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When Should You Follow Up?
While following up is important, you cannot keep pushing the interviewer now and then. Therefore, timing is crucial when following up after an interview. Here’s a general guideline:
Within 24 Hours: Send a short thank-you email the day after your interview. Express your appreciation for the opportunity and briefly restate why you’re interested in the role.
1 Week Later: If you haven’t heard back and weren’t given a specific timeline, it’s appropriate to send a formal follow-up email one week after your interview.
After the Agreed Timeframe: If the interviewer mentioned, “We’ll reach out by the end of the week,” and you haven’t heard back, it’s advisable to follow up a few days after that date.
How to Follow Up After an Interview?
There are three main steps to effectively following up after an interview:
Send a Thank-You Email Immediately: Always send a thank-you note within 24 hours of your interview. This expresses gratitude and shows your enthusiasm for the role and company. Keep it short, concise, and free of errors.
Be Patient but Proactive: Don’t rush. Be patient and wait until a week or the agreed timeframe has passed. If you don’t hear back, then send a simple follow-up email to HR to know the status of your job interview.
Showcase Your Value: In your follow-up email, take the opportunity to reinforce why you’re the best candidate. Highlight a key skill or experience relevant to the job role.
Read More: Answering the Interview Question “Why Do You Want to Work in Our Company”
Sample Follow-Up Email
Example 1: Follow-up Email After the Interview (Sent Within 24 Hours)
Subject: Follow-Up: [Job Title] Interview on [Date]
Dear [Interviewer’s/Hiring Manager/HR’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to connect with me yesterday to discuss the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the position and your team.
I am excited about the potential to contribute my [specific skill or experience] to help achieve [specific goal or project discussed]. Please feel free to reach out if you need any further information from me.
Thanks again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Follow-Up After No Response (Sent 1 Week After the Interview)
Subject: Follow-Up: [Job Title] Interview on [Date]
Dear [Interviewer’s/Hiring Manager/HR’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I’m following up regarding my interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] on [Date]. I remain very interested in the opportunity to contribute to your team.
I would greatly appreciate any updates you can share regarding the next steps in the hiring process. Please let me know if there’s anything more you need from me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Follow-Up After a Specified Timeframe Passed
Subject: Follow-Up: [Job Title] Interview on [Date]
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I hope you are doing well. You mentioned that I would hear back regarding the [Job Title] position by [specific timeframe], so I wanted to check in and see if there have been any updates on my interview results.
I’m still very enthusiastic about the role and confident that my [key skill or experience] would make a strong contribution to your team. Please feel free to reach out if you require additional information from me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
What to Avoid in Your Follow-Up?
Being Too Pushy: Respect the hiring team’s time. Don’t come across as desperate or impatient by sending multiple follow-ups in a short period.
Being Vague: Be clear and direct about your intentions, but keep it brief.
Neglecting Professionalism: Your tone should remain polite and professional, even if you’re anxious about the results.
Conclusion
You might think that following up after an interview isn’t that important, but it’s a smart move that can have a significant impact on your application. It enhances your chances of landing the job. By being thoughtful with your timing, expressing appreciation, and highlighting your value, you leave a positive impression that can set you apart from other candidates.
Following up is an important step that can make all the difference in your interview process. Good luck!
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