Job interviews can be a nerve-wracking experience, and the waiting game afterward can feel even more challenging. If you’ve aced your interview but haven’t heard back, don’t worry—following up is a professional way to show your interest and determination. But how do you follow up after an interview without seeming impatient or desperate?
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of following up, explain when and how to do it, and provide examples that you can adapt for your own use. This strategy will ensure that your communication is both polite and effective, making a lasting impression on the hiring team.ü
Why Should You Follow Up?
- Show Your Continued Interest: A follow-up email demonstrates that you are still excited about the position and eager to join the company.
- Highlight Your Professionalism: It reflects your organizational skills and initiative—qualities that employers appreciate.
- Prompt the Employer: If the hiring team is still making their decision or dealing with other candidates, your follow-up could bring you to the top of their mind and potentially move things forward.
- Clarify Any Uncertainties: If you haven’t received feedback or clarity on the next steps, following up can help fill that gap.
When Should You Follow Up?
While following up is essential, timing is equally important. Here’s when to reach out:
- Wait 5-7 Days After the Interview: Employers may need time to consider all candidates. If they haven’t reached out within a week of the interview, it’s acceptable to follow up.
- Be Mindful of Deadlines: If the employer has mentioned a specific date by which you’ll hear back, wait until that date passes before sending your follow-up email.
- If You’ve Had Multiple Interviews: If you’ve gone through several rounds of interviews, it’s appropriate to follow up after each stage to express your interest and ask for an update.
How to Write a Follow-Up Email After an Interview
The key to an effective follow-up email is to keep it polite, concise, and professional. Here’s a general outline:
- Subject Line: Make it clear and relevant.
- Example: “Follow-Up on [Job Title] Interview – [Your Name]”
- Salutation: Address the person who interviewed you (use “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]” or “Dear [Interviewer’s Name]”).
- Express Gratitude: Thank them for the opportunity to interview.
- Example: “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me last week to discuss the [Job Title] position.”
- Restate Your Interest: Reaffirm your enthusiasm for the role.
- Example: “After our conversation, I remain excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and bring my skills to [Company Name].”
- Ask for an Update: Politely inquire about the status of your application.
- Example: “I’m following up to see if there is any update on the hiring decision or the next steps in the process.”
- Offer Additional Information: If needed, briefly offer any further materials or information they may require.
- Example: “Please let me know if you need any additional information from my side to assist with your decision.”
- Close Professionally: End with a polite closing.
- Example: “I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you again for the opportunity. Best regards, [Your Name].”
Follow-Up Email Examples
Example 1: General Follow-Up After Interview
Subject: Follow-Up on Marketing Specialist Interview – John Doe
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the Marketing Specialist position at [Company Name] last week. It was a pleasure to learn more about the team and the exciting projects underway.
After our conversation, I remain very enthusiastic about the position and the possibility of contributing to the team. I wanted to kindly inquire if there are any updates on the hiring decision or the next steps in the process.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any further information from me. I look forward to hearing from you and hope to be able to join your team soon.
Best regards,
John Doe
Example 2: Follow-Up After a Second Interview
Subject: Follow-Up on Second Interview for Senior Developer Role – Jane Smith
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for the opportunity to meet again during my second interview for the Senior Developer position last Thursday. I appreciated the chance to dive deeper into the technical aspects of the role and the exciting work [Company Name] is doing.
I’m still very interested in the position and eager to contribute my skills to the team. I was hoping to inquire if there have been any updates or decisions made regarding the next steps. I’d be thrilled to continue the process and take the next step.
Please let me know if you need any additional information from my side.
Best regards,
Jane Smith
Example 3: Follow-Up When You Were Promised Feedback
Subject: Follow-Up on Interview for Data Analyst Position – Alex Johnson
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope all is well with you. I wanted to follow up regarding the interview we had last week for the Data Analyst position. During our conversation, you mentioned I would hear back within a week, and I wanted to check in to see if there have been any updates or next steps in the process.
I am still very excited about the opportunity to join the team at [Company Name] and contribute my expertise in data analysis.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
Alex Johnson
Things to Avoid in a Follow-Up Email
- Don’t be too pushy: Avoid sending follow-ups too frequently. Once a week is enough.
- Don’t sound desperate: Keep the tone polite, professional, and confident, not needy.
- Avoid vague language: Be specific about the role and the interview you are referring to.
- Don’t forget to proofread: Ensure your email is free from spelling and grammatical errors.
Conclusion
Following up after an interview is a crucial step in demonstrating your interest and professionalism. By crafting a well-written and thoughtful follow-up email, you can stay top of mind for the hiring team and potentially secure your dream job. Whether you’re preparing for an interview or post-interview, make sure to use tools like the International English Test (IET) to assess and improve your English proficiency, ensuring you’re confident and ready for every stage of the hiring process.
Remember, a timely, courteous follow-up can make a lasting impression and can be the nudge that gets you closer to your goal. Good luck!
I am Nilay, an experienced English Language Assessment Director at the International English Test, where I have been working full-time since February 2020. I specialize in helping people worldwide validate their English proficiency through comprehensive assessments and certifications.
Before joining the International English Test, I worked as a self-employed English Language Assessment Consultant from January 2015 to December 2019. During this time, I assisted companies and individuals in improving their language skills, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals.
I hold a degree in Engineering and have also studied at Shafston International College in Australia. My educational background has equipped me with the tools to make a meaningful impact in the field of English language learning. Additionally, I enjoy sharing my expertise through articles that explore effective teaching methods and language assessment strategies, contributing to the International English Test and the broader assessment community.
