How to Follow Up After a Job Interview

How to Ace That Job Interview Follow-Up

You nailed the interview! Handshake done, you feel great. But don't stop there. Following up is crucial. It's what separates the winners from the… well, the rest. A good follow-up shows you're enthusiastic, professional, and really want the job.

Why Bother Following Up?

It's not just polite; it's smart. Seriously. Here's why:

• Shows you care: That follow-up email screams, "I'm interested!"
• Keeps you in their mind: Lots of people interview. Your follow-up is a helpful reminder.
• Highlights your skills: Subtly remind them of your awesome abilities.
• Shows you're professional: Employers love attention to detail. This shows it.
• Clarifies anything: Had a question pop up later? Ask it then!

When to Follow Up

Timing is everything. Aim for 24-48 hours after the interview. That shows initiative. Too soon? Might seem pushy. Too late? You might get forgotten. Always check if the recruiter gave you specific instructions.

The Email Approach: Your Secret Weapon

Email's the easiest and best way to follow up. Here's how to write a killer email:

1. Subject Line: Keep it short, professional, and to the point. Examples: "Following Up - [Your Name] - [Job Title]", "Thank You - [Your Name] - [Job Title]"
2. Greeting: "Dear [Interviewer Name]" works perfectly.
3. Say Thanks!: Thank them for their time. Mention something specific you liked about the chat.
4. Reiterate Your Interest: Briefly say you're still excited and a great fit. Mention something discussed that shows your skills.
5. Add Something Extra: Maybe a relevant article? A new skill you learned? Show them you're on top of things.
6. Professional Closing: "Sincerely" or "Best Regards" is perfect. Add your contact info.
7. Proofread! Typos are a big no-no. Seriously, check it twice!

Example Email: See it in Action

Dear [Interviewer Name],

Thanks again for chatting yesterday about the Marketing Manager role. I loved learning about [Company Name]'s work on [specific project] and how my [skill] experience could help.

I'm really excited about this! My skills and experience are a perfect match. As we talked about, my work at [Previous Company] gave me tons of experience in [skill 1] and [skill 2].

I also read this interesting article on [topic] that shows [Company Name]'s commitment to [value]. Here's the link: [link]

Thanks again! I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Your LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)]

Beyond Email: Other Options

Email is usually best, but sometimes other options work too:

• Handwritten Note: A nice touch, especially in some fields. Shows extra effort.
• LinkedIn Connection: Connect, but personalize your message!
• Phone Call: Use only if necessary or requested.

What Not To Do

• Don't be pushy: Too many emails or calls looks desperate.
• Don't demand updates: They'll contact you when they have news.
• Don't send generic emails: Personalize it! Make it specific to this interview.
• Don't add irrelevant stuff: Keep it focused on the job and company.
• Don't forget to proofread!: Seriously, this is important.

No Response? Don't Panic

No word back after a week or two? A quick, polite follow-up email or call is fine. But be prepared – sometimes you just don't get the job. Learn from it and keep applying!

Conclusion: Make it Happen!

Following up is key! Use these tips, be professional, and be persistent. This extra effort shows you're serious, and that increases your chances. Good luck!

Need More Help?

Want more job search advice? Check out these resources:

• [Link to relevant career advice website/blog]
• [Link to relevant job board/networking site]
• [Link to relevant career development resource]