How To Craft an Impactful Follow-Up Email After a Job Interview
Sending a well-crafted follow-up email after an interview can be nearly as important as the interview itself. It’s a key opportunity to reinforce your qualifications, show enthusiasm for the role, and keep yourself top of mind with the hiring team. An effective follow-up email can also demonstrate that:
- You take initiative.
- You have strong written communication skills.
- You build positive relationships, even amid uncertainty.
While following up might feel daunting, having a thoughtful approach can help make your message clear and impactful. Below, we break down the essentials of writing a follow-up email and share a sample to guide you.
Why You Should Send a Follow-Up Email After an Interview
Following up after an interview is often a smart move, although timing is key. A well-timed email can:
- Reinforce your interest in the role.
- Strengthen your connection with the interviewer.
- Show a glimpse of your professional character.
Steps to Writing a Follow-Up Email
Your follow-up email should focus on reinforcing why you’re the right fit for the job. To make the process easier, consider drafting a basic template that you can personalize for each interview.
Start with personalization: Reflect on any connections made during the interview. Did you and the interviewer discuss common interests or experiences? Referencing these can demonstrate that you were engaged and are eager to build relationships.
Include what you missed: If there were points you didn’t get to make during the interview, or new developments in your experience since, this is the place to mention them. For example, you could share an updated portfolio or link to a project that highlights your skills.
Writing an Effective Subject Line
Your subject line is your first impression, so make it count. Aim for clarity and directness, such as “Thank You for Today’s Interview” or “Following Up on My Application.” If appropriate, you can add a question to encourage engagement, like “Any Additional Information Needed?” Just keep it simple to avoid getting lost in the inbox.
Your follow-up email should be concise—two or three paragraphs that can be read quickly while still making an impact. As always, double-check for typos or errors before hitting send.
Sample Follow-Up Email
Here’s an example of what a follow-up email might look like for an insurance agent position:
________________________________________
Subject: Thank You for Today’s Interview
Hi [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I really enjoyed our discussion about [specific aspect of the role], and it reminded me of a recent project I completed that directly relates to [relevant skill or experience discussed].
I’ve attached a link to my portfolio where you can see more details about the project. I also included the article we mentioned during our conversation—I hope you find it useful!
Thank you again for the opportunity to interview. Please let me know if any additional information is needed.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
________________________________________
MyPath’s Top Tips for Follow-Up Emails
Show gratitude: Always thank your interviewer for their time—it’s a simple yet powerful way to make your email more personal and courteous.
Highlight your strengths: Briefly remind the interviewer why you’re a strong candidate by touching on one or two key points from your conversation.
Maintain professionalism: Even if the job doesn’t work out, a gracious email can help keep the door open for future opportunities and expand your professional network.