The Dos and Don’ts of Follow-Up Emails After an Interview

Sending a follow-up email after an interview is an important step in the job search process. It allows you to express gratitude, reiterate your interest in the position, and leave a positive impression on the interviewer. However, it’s essential to approach follow-up emails strategically to ensure they are professional, effective, and respectful. In this article, we will explore the dos and don’ts of follow-up emails after an interview.

The Dos:

1. Do send the email promptly: Send your follow-up email within 24 to 48 hours after the interview to show your enthusiasm and promptness. A timely follow-up demonstrates your professionalism and dedication.
2. Do express gratitude: Begin your email by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to interview and for the interviewer’s time and consideration. Thank them for their insights and any valuable information they shared during the interview.
3. Do mention key discussion points: Reference specific points from the interview that stood out to you. It shows that you were actively engaged during the conversation and reinforces your genuine interest in the role.
4. Do reiterate your interest: Reaffirm your interest in the position and the company. Emphasize how your skills and qualifications align with the job requirements and express your eagerness to contribute to the organization.
5. Do personalize the email: Tailor your follow-up email to the specific interviewer or interview panel. Personalization demonstrates your attention to detail and genuine interest in the individuals you met with.
6. Do address any concerns or additional information: If there were any concerns or questions that arose during the interview, address them in your follow-up email. Clarify any points that need further explanation or provide additional relevant information to strengthen your candidacy.
7. Do proofread and edit: Ensure that your follow-up email is free from grammatical errors, typos, and formatting issues. Proofread the email carefully or consider using a spell-check tool to make a professional impression.

The Don’ts:

1. Don’t be pushy or impatient: Avoid being overly pushy or demanding in your follow-up email. Remember to maintain professionalism and respect the interviewer’s time and decision-making process.
2. Don’t inquire about your chances of getting the job: While it’s natural to be curious about your candidacy, avoid directly asking about your chances of getting the job. Instead, focus on expressing your continued interest and reiterating your qualifications.
3. Don’t use overly casual or informal language: Maintain a professional tone in your follow-up email. Avoid using slang, abbreviations, or overly casual language. Keep the email respectful and appropriate for a professional setting.
4. Don’t send a generic email: Tailor your follow-up email to each interviewer and make it specific to the conversation you had during the interview. Avoid using generic templates or sending the same email to everyone you met.
5. Don’t forget to proofread the email: Typos or grammatical errors can undermine the professionalism of your follow-up email. Take the time to proofread it thoroughly and ensure it presents you in the best possible light.

A well-crafted follow-up email after an interview can make a positive impact on the hiring decision. By following the dos and avoiding the don’ts outlined in this article, you can create a professional and effective follow-up email. Express gratitude, reiterate your interest, and address any concerns or questions. Remember to personalize the email and proofread it carefully. By demonstrating professionalism and a continued interest in the position, you increase your chances of leaving a lasting impression and moving forward in the hiring process.