A lot of people regard patience as a virtue. However, in terms of job opportunities, such kind of patience can become a costly error, especially when an interview has taken place. Instead of hoping to hear from the prospective employer by doing nothing, it is wise to send them a robust follow-up email after the interview.

This can help raise the chances of an applicant getting hired at that particular company.

More than one out of five recruitment managers are more than likely to remove candidates from the recruitment race if the latter do not send them a thank you note after the interview. In the same survey, 89% of recruitment professionals consider receiving an interview follow-up as completely acceptable.

Hence it proves that following up on a job interview through email is always a good thing to do.

Why is it necessary to send a follow up email after a job interview?

In the general sense, there are basically three elementary follow-up emails an applicant can send after a job interview. One email goes to the interviewer (or two) immediately after the interview, one follow-up email for job application if the applicant has not heard back in time and the last one to be in touch for the sake of networking.

In some instances, applicants are only required to send an initial note of thanks to the interviewer before they are replied to. However, there are times and instances where weeks can pass after the interview without a single response from a prospective employer.

Importance of a follow up after a job interview

Most career counseling professionals agree with the fact that a thank you note following a job interview can help companies find the right applicant for the job. If a company has spoken with competent applicants and is looking for an individual tie breaking point, then a stand-out email can help them make that key hiring decision to bring on board the one who went the extra mile.

While such a thing isn’t a compulsory requirement, it does help reinforce a candidate’s interest in a job opportunity.

Even though most candidates are afraid of coming across as either desperate or pushy, the benefits of sending a follow-up email include:

It helps makes applicants stand out

As mentioned earlier, a lot of applicants either overlook or forget to send a follow-up email. Sending one will help them stand out in the crowd.

It helps candidates show companies gratitude and respect

Employers conduct interviews with job applicants by taking a good chunk of time out from their daily routines. Sending them a thank you note lifts up their spirits and appreciates their efforts, as a measure of courtesy.

A follow-up email helps applicants get a chance to say a lot more other than the interview

If applicants forgot to tell the interviewers something important, they can always notify them via a courteous and brief email.

A job applicant’s writing skills are showcased via a follow up email

A thank-you note gives applicants the chance to showcase their required writing skills to put a wide array of ideas on display, through one brief note. The ability to communicate clearly and write concisely is key for almost any position. Hence, applicants must utilize each chance they have to showcase such a skill.

Tips for writing a follow up email after a job interview

Writing a follow-up email that is crisp, and that too after a job interview requires considerable attention, ample time, and a lot of courtesy (not to forget good manners too).

Job applicants should regard the follow-up email as a digital note of thanks to the interviewer. The interviewer’s role is usually thankless, given the fact they take time to share key information with applicants. This can help them make a captivating subject line with an exceptional email body.

Here are some tips that can help job applicants write a very good follow-up email:

Formulate a clear subject line

Creating a concise subject line is a must. Applicants should not overdo it as the email should have a clear purpose. Here are some effective interview follow-up subject lines:

• Thanking them for the interviewing opportunity, [the name of the recruitment manager/interviewer].
• A pleasure to learn more about the company [Company’s name is obviously a must-add].
• Thanking them for their time and wisdom on the interview day [the interviewer’s name].

No job applicant should forget to add the interviewer’s and/or organization’s name in the email’s subject line. Personalization is a proper communication trend in emails this year.

Start the email’s body  by expressing gratitude

The email’s first paragraph should let the interviewer be appreciated and let them know that the interview for the position the applicant applied for mattered a lot. Recipients should be addressed by name and their respective job titles.

The interview date can also be mentioned if the follow up email is being sent a bit late. A brief apology should be included as a measure of courtesy.

Explain how you can help the company achieve its goals

In the email’s second paragraph, job applicants can highlight their skills, experience as well as interests. They can explain how they can align them with the company’s objectives. Being brief yet specific is key in this area. It should be thought of as another chance for applicants to explain and promote themselves.

However, they must make sure they are not repeating anything (not even the points from the interview). They should mention the things they were unable to mention earlier.

Differentiate yourself from other candidates

Before they close their email, job applicants should remind the interviewees what sets them apart from other candidates at the interview. If they were not able to mention key points regarding their experience or skill set during the interview, This can be a good time to mention those points.

This can help interviewers ask more questions via email. Job applicants should let them know that they look forward to hearing from them soon.

End the email on a professional note

The email should be ended with a polite closing sentence or phrase, like sincerely, yours sincerely, best regards, and best, plus a professional email signature. Job applicants must ensure the signature contains their contact information, the email address and the phone number especially.

Conclusion

A strong resume in today’s labor market is simply not enough to help anyone get their dream job. They need to go beyond the box to impress their potential employer not only during the interview but after the interview too.

Sending an engaging follow-up email after the interview is a necessary tactic and something worth doing. It may seem like some formality but it can help job applicants be at the summit when it comes to their job applications. It only takes a few minutes to write such a worthwhile email.