How to Finish Off Your Interview Strong With a Follow-Up Email 

With any task you do, it is often said to “finish strong.” When it comes to the interview process you should keep that same mindset. You’ve perfected your resume, you’ve done your research on the company, and you’ve made sure your skills align with the requirements; Finish off strong with a follow-up email.

Did you know that 57 percent of candidates do not send follow-up emails after an interview, even though 91 percent of employers prefer to receive them? Be a part of the percentage that stands out and leaves a lasting impression on your recruiter, by sending over a thank-you email. 

Here are a few tips to utilize when sending a follow-up email. 

When Should you Follow-Up?

Follow up with your recruiter within 24 hours of your interview thanking them for their time. Once you send this, you can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Why Write a Follow-Up Email?

This step should not be overlooked when it comes to the interview process. Recruiters often pay close attention to see which candidates will send over an email thanking them for their time. 

Believe it or not, sending a follow-up email could be the deciding factor when it comes to the next stage in the interview process. Sending a thank-you email helps you stand out from the pool of applicants because it shows your communication skills. Communication skills are key when it comes to any workspace. 

5 Steps to Write a Follow-Up Email

1. Greeting

Keep it professional by starting the email with a formal greeting. 

2. Express gratitude

Thank the recruiter for the opportunity to speak with you.

3. Reiterate your interest in the position

After reminding the recruiter of the position you applied for, advise them on how your skills align with the company’s goals.

4. Mention that you can provide additional information

Reassure them that you are prepared by mentioning that if the recruiter needs further information, such as documentation, they will not hesitate to ask.

5. Sign off with a signature

Following the same format from the greeting, sign off professionally. 

7 Tips for A Successful Follow-Up Email

When formatting your thank-you email, include these tips to ensure a response from your recruiter. 

1. Your subject line is an important element of your email. Make sure the subject line is clear and concise. After all, it is the first thing the recruiter will see. 
2. At the beginning of your body paragraph restate your name, the position you interviewed for, and the time of the interview. 
3. Keep the email concise. 
4. Be sure to thank the recruiter for their time. This may seem like a lot of repetition when it comes to thanking them but you want to show respect and gratitude for speaking with you. 
5. Set a positive tone and attitude throughout the email.
6. Add in anything you weren’t able to mention in the interview.
7. Proofread your email before sending it off

Follow-up Email Example After Interview 

Take all the format rules and tips to keep in mind and put them together. Here is an example of what your follow-up email should resemble. 

Subject line: Thank you for your time today 

Dear Ms. Lopez,

Thank you for taking the time to interview me this afternoon. I enjoyed learning more about the requirements needed for the social media influencer position.  

After discussing the importance of social media platforms and algorithms, I am positive that my skills and experience will align greatly with achieving the company’s goal of reaching one million followers. 

Please let me know if there is more information required of me to send over.

Best regards,

[Your Name] [Email] [Phone Number]

For more of the best tips on how to format your email, check out the infographic below.