After a job interview, it is important that you follow up and thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. Along with your appreciation, your thank you email or call is a great opportunity for you to:
- show to the interviewer you enthusiasm for the role;
- highlight your qualifications that are relevant to the job description;
- mention any other important details that didn’t come up in the interview.
When you are selected for an interview, it means that you are a serious contender for the job – this is why it is very important that you follow up after every job interview.
By following up, you are showing to the interviewer that you are a strong candidate for the job. You will reinforce them that you are qualified and should be given serious consideration.
What are the necessary steps to following up after an interview?
If you can, try and collect business cards from anyone you meet during the interview – this way you have contact details on hand.
Check the interviewers’ job titles, contact details and correct spelling of their names on LinkedIn. If for some reason you can’t find this, head over to the company website they may be on there. Alternatively, call the company - a receptionist should be able to access the company directory and pass over the details.
What to Include in Your Follow-Up Email or Letter:
Promote yourself. Use the follow up email to reiterate your interest in the company and the job you are interviewing for.
Your qualifications. Highlight your relevant skills that are specific to the requirements of the job.
Did you forget anything? This is a good time to bring up anything you wish you had mentioned but didn’t.
Contact information. Use this time to include your contact details. This is a great way to make it easier for the interviewer to get back in touch.
Some helpful tips:
Don’t take too long. Send your thank you email within 24 hours of the interview – the sooner the better.
Proofread. Make sure you proof check your email before you send it to them. A grammatical error or typo will not do you any favours. Be mindful of spelling names correctly.
Examples. Review other examples of follow up emails if you are unsure of what to write.
Below is an example of what a follow up email should look like:
Subject: Thank you – Executive Assistant Position
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me regarding the Executive Assistant job. The position seems like a strong match for my abilities and skills, and I believe I would be an asset to your company.
In addition to my enthusiasm, I will bring to the role strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to diary manage efficiently and quickly.
If you have any questions, or would like any further information regarding my candidacy, please do not hesitate to ask.
I really appreciate you taking the time to consider my application and to interview me. I am very interested in working for you and I look forward to hearing from you regarding the position.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Phone
Follow-Up Phone Call Tips
It may be easier to just send a quick follow up email, however a phone call can help your candidacy for the job. What’s more, if the job you are interviewing for requires a lot of phone time, by calling to say thank you, it shows that you are confident and have great communication skills – which are essential for the position.
If you are a little unsure or nervous, make a note of everything you want to say on the call i.e qualifications, enthusiasm to work there, anything you forgot to ask in the interview and contact details. Start the call by saying your name (full name), the position you applied for and when you met.
If you have any questions, do feel free to get in touch - we would love to help.
