You're eager to land that job you've been eyeing. It's a great match for your skills, and you're confident that you'd excel in it. You've sent out an impressive resume and cover letter, and you've aced the job interview. You leave feeling confident that you've made a great impression.
But what's next?
The elation of a job well done during the interview quickly fades as the anxiety of waiting for a response sets in. Should you sit back and hope for the best, or should you send a follow-up email? In a competitive job market, simply acing the interview isn't always enough. A well-crafted follow-up email can make you stand out from the competition. Let's explore some situations where sending a follow-up is appropriate, why it's essential, and how to do it effectively.
Thank-You Email After the Interview
The post-interview thank-you note is a time-honored tradition. While some interviewers may not see it as necessary, sending one is still a good idea, particularly if it helps showcase why you're perfect for the position.
How to Write it
Most thank-you notes after interviews tend to say the same thing: thank you for your time, thank you for the opportunity, and expressing interest in the job. To grab the interviewer's attention, you'll have to be more creative.
After your interview, jot down some notes while it's still fresh in your mind. Did you touch on any critical topics that the interviewer seemed particularly interested in? Was there anything they mentioned that made you excited about the company's prospects? Identify your key takeaway, jot them down, and reflect them in your thank-you note.
Your own thank-you email should not be templated. Show the hiring manager that you're willing to put in the effort to stand out.
It may seem contradictory, but expressing gratitude is not the primary objective of your thank-you note. Consider it another opportunity to showcase to the interviewer what you bring to the table beyond just good manners.
Interview Follow-Up Email to Check In After No Response
It's not unusual for companies to take longer than expected to make hiring decisions these days. If you've made a good impression so far and expected to hear back, a follow-up email to check on the hiring process can make you stand out. But there's a catch. Simply checking in isn't enough.
How to Write it
Hiring managers receive "just checking in" emails all the time. Many of them add little value to the process. When you tell a hiring manager that you're "just checking in," what they're likely hearing is "hurry up already!" or "I'm desperate!"
Saying "I still want this job" isn't enough. No one ever got ahead by jumping up and down, waving their arms, and shouting, "Ooh! Pick me! Pick me!" Like your thank-you note, your follow-up email needs to add something substantial to the conversation.
Remember those notes you took after your interview? They'll come in handy now. Use your notes to inform your email. Include pertinent information to your interview and the company you’re hoping to work for. Use any unanswered questions or comments you have noted to add depth to your follow-up email.
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