Avoiding Mistakes in What to Say in a Job Interview Follow-up Email

By Cam Velasco

CEO & Co-Founder

Published: June 5, 2024

Crafting an effective follow-up email post-interview can significantly boost your chances of success in securing the job.
Smiling woman during an interview discussing what to say in a job interview follow-up email.

Knowing what to say in a job interview follow-up email can make all the difference in demonstrating your enthusiasm.

In today’s competitive job market, sending a well-crafted follow-up email isn’t just a courtesy—it’s a strategic move. 

Uniquely, candidates can enhance job prospects by sending thoughtful follow-up emails after interviews, often overlooked but impactful.

So, what exactly should you include in your follow-up email to avoid common pitfalls and leave a positive impression?

Overall, this blog discusses key elements of successful follow-up emails, including timing, tone, and content, to make your message memorable.

Indeed, understanding what to say in a job interview follow-up email empowers candidates to navigate this crucial hiring stage confidently.

What to Say in a Job Interview Follow-up Email After an Interview?

Man typing on a laptop researching what to say in a job interview follow-up email.

Following up after a job interview demonstrates professionalism and enthusiasm, keeping you on the hiring manager’s radar.

In essence, a well-crafted follow-up can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

Notably, a follow-up email can greatly influence hiring decisions, signaling your proactiveness and seriousness about the position.

Reinforce Your Interest in the Position

On the positive side, a follow-up email reaffirms your interest in the job and highlights your suitability for the role.

Highlighting specific aspects of the job or company that excite you can leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager.

For example, you could say:

“I am particularly excited about the opportunity to work on your upcoming project, as it aligns perfectly with my skills in project management and team collaboration.” 

Significantly, expressing attentiveness to details discussed during the interview demonstrates your genuine interest in the position.

Showcase Your Professionalism

Sending a follow-up email demonstrates professionalism, indicating respect for the interviewer’s time and genuine interest in the job.

Specifically, make sure your email is free of typos and grammatical errors. Use a professional tone and format.

A simple, “Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Position Title]. I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of joining [Company Name] and contributing to [specific project or team],” can go a long way.

Keep Yourself Top of Mind

Following up after a job interview demonstrates professionalism, enthusiasm, and ensures you remain top of mind for the hiring manager.

A follow-up email reminds the hiring manager of your candidacy, maintaining your presence in their thoughts.

Correspondingly, send the follow-up email within 24-48 hours post-interview, displaying eagerness while maintaining professionalism and avoiding desperation.

To clarify, after a week of no response, send a polite follow-up email to inquire about your application status.

Clarify Any Misunderstandings

A follow-up email provides an opportunity to clarify any points that may not have been fully addressed during the interview. 

To point out, seize the opportunity to address any missed questions or provide additional information you feel is pertinent.

You might say:

“I wanted to clarify my response to the question about my experience with project management software. I have extensive experience with tools like Asana and Trello, which I believe would be beneficial for the role.” 

In fact, this not only clarifies any misunderstandings but also shows your thoroughness.

Examples of Successful Follow-Up Emails

Here are some examples of effective follow-up emails:

  • Subject: Follow-Up on [Position Title] Interview
  • Body: Dear [Interviewer’s Name], I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to express my gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the [Position Title] on [Interview Date]. It was a pleasure to learn more about your company and the team. I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of joining [Company Name] and contributing to [specific project or team]. After our discussion, I remain confident in my ability to bring [mention a relevant skill or experience] to the role. I am eager to move forward and would appreciate any updates on the hiring timeline or any additional steps in the process. Please feel free to reach out if you require any further information from my end. Thank you once again for your time and consideration. Best regards, [Your Name]

Craft a follow-up email that highlights your interest and professionalism, increasing your chances of success in a competitive job market.

Crafting the Perfect Follow-Up Email

Two businesswomen in a meeting discussing what to say in a job interview follow-up email.

Crafting the perfect follow-up email after a job interview can significantly impact your chances of securing the position.

Hence, it’s essential to know what to say in a job interview follow-up email to leave a lasting impression.

A well-structured follow-up email demonstrates professionalism, reinforces your interest in the role, and keeps you top of mind.

To explain, break down key follow-up email components, offer templates, and share examples for crafting compelling post-interview messages.

Subject Line

The subject line is the first thing the recipient sees, so it should be clear. Avoid being too vague. 

In general, a straightforward subject line ensures your email gets opened and read promptly.

  • Example: Follow-Up on [Position Title] Interview
  • Example: Thank You for the Interview – [Your Name]
Professional Salutation

Begin your email with a professional salutation. Use the interviewer’s first name if on familiar terms; otherwise, use their title and last name.

  • Example: Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name]
  • Example: Hi [First Name]
Body of the Email

Generally speaking, in the body, express gratitude, reiterate interest, and highlight specific discussion points that excited you during the interview.

Here is a template you can use:

  • Template: Dear [Interviewer’s Name], Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Position Title] on [Interview Date]. I enjoyed learning more about [Company Name] and the team. I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of joining [Company Name] and contributing to [specific project or team]. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me. Thank you once again for your time and consideration. Best regards, [Your Name]
Polite Closing

Conclude with a polite closing, inviting any follow-up questions, and expressing eagerness to hear back from the interviewer.

  • Example: Looking forward to hearing from you,
  • Example: Best regards,

Craft a follow-up email that enhances your chance of landing the job by following these guidelines and using these templates.

Remember, knowing what to say in a job interview follow-up email can make all the difference in a competitive market.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Two professionals discussing what to say in a job interview follow-up email by a window.

When crafting a follow-up email post-job interview, it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes that could jeopardize your job prospects.

Understanding what to say in a job interview follow-up email is essential, but knowing what not to say is important. 

Avoiding these errors will ensure your follow-up email leaves a positive impression on the hiring manager and strengthens your candidacy.

Being Too Pushy

Being overly assertive or demanding can be off-putting to hiring managers. It’s crucial to strike a balance and maintain professionalism.

Occasionally, waiting a few days before sending your follow-up email demonstrates patience and consideration for the interviewer’s schedule.

Instead of demanding a response, politely inquire about the next steps in the hiring process. For example, you could write:

“I am eager to learn about the next steps in the hiring process. Please let me know if there is any additional information you need from me.” 

By all means, this approach shows your interest without being overbearing.

Using an Informal Tone

Overall, maintain a professional tone in your follow-up email, regardless of the interview’s informality, to avoid appearing unprofessional.

Failing to Proofread

Carefully proofread your follow-up email to avoid typos and grammatical errors, which can detract from your professionalism.

Surely, a polished email showcases your communication skills and attention to detail, essential qualities valued by employers, reflecting your professionalism.

Making Demands

In particular, avoid making demands or giving ultimatums in your follow-up email to maintain professionalism and avoid appearing impatient.

Statements like “If I don’t hear back by the end of the week, I will withdraw my application” are unnecessary and harmful. 

Instead, express your enthusiasm for the role and your willingness to provide any additional information. 

For instance, you might write, “I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of joining [Company Name] and contributing to [specific project or team]. 

To sum up, this courteous and professional approach invites further communication if needed, leaving a positive impression on the recipient.

Avoiding these errors and applying the provided advice can ensure your follow-up email boosts your chances of securing the job.

Understanding what to say in a job interview follow-up email is crucial for maintaining a positive impression with the recruiter.

Making Your Follow-Up Count

Smartphone screen with an email notification.

Follow-up emails after interviews are crucial, reinforcing interest, demonstrating professionalism, and keeping you memorable to employers.

To conclude, by avoiding common mistakes and choosing the right method, you can leave a lasting impression.

Timing is crucial for follow-up emails. Sending within 24 to 48 hours demonstrates promptness and eagerness without seeming desperate.

After a week with no response, it’s acceptable to send a polite follow-up email to inquire about your application status.

Remember, knowing what to say in a job interview follow-up email is essential, but exploring other methods can enhance your success.

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Cam Velasco

CEO & Co-Founder

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