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After a job interview, it's only natural to want an update on the hiring process, particularly if you feel it went well. However, there are several potential pitfalls to avoid when sending a follow-up email after the interview. If you come across as pushy, sloppy or too informal then you could damage your chances of landing the job.
Leave time for the dust to settle. There's a good chance your interviewer is speaking to other candidates, so there's little to be gained from contacting them on the day. Wait a few days before sending that all-important follow-up.
Regardless of the tone of your interview, keep your follow-up professional and courteous. This isn't the time for humorous self-deprecation. Be clear about the purpose of your message. Presumably you're simply looking for an update on the recruitment process, so get to the point and don't waste time and words on unnecessary small talk.
It's important to be disciplined when sending your follow-up email. Follow this guide for a simple, professional message that gives you the best chance of receiving a response.
There is no need to spend hours deliberating over a snappy subject line. The most effective approach that is likely to get your message opened quickly, is to respond to the most recent email between you and the interviewer or HR manager. If this isn't possible (e.g. if you've always communicated via a recruiter, rather than directly with the interviewer) simply include your name, the date and time of the interview.
As a guide, follow this format:
John Smith - Re: Interview on Tuesday at 4pm
If you're on first-name terms with the person you're contacting - you may have exchanged multiple emails and spoken face to face by this point, then it is fine to open your follow-up email by using their first name. If not, or if you're unsure, stick with their title and surname (i.e. Mr. / Ms. Jones).
Keep it simple. Presumably, the main reason you're emailing is for a progress update - the interviewer will know this before they've even opened your message. Be polite but direct:
Having made your point in the main body of your follow-up email, sign off by inviting your interviewer to ask any additional questions. Close with a simple "looking forward to hearing from you", then a "thank you" followed by your full name.
As obvious as it sounds, don't forget to read over your follow-up email before sending. Ensure it's well spaced, correctly punctuated and free of typos. Running it through a spellchecker should help.
Use our follow-up email template
Feel free to use this template for your own follow-up email:
Subject: John Smith – Re: Interview on Tuesday at 4pm
Hi <Julie / Ms. Jones>,
Thank you for your time <yesterday / date of interview>. It was great to speak to you about the <job title> role and I'm convinced that the position is a perfect fit for this stage in my career. I was hoping to get an update on the recruitment process, so any information that you can give me about the next steps would be greatly appreciated. Also, feel free to ask me any follow-up questions that may have come up since we last spoke.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
John Smith
Email may not be the best medium for following up, particularly if you haven't communicated with the interviewer via email before. Depending on the job you're applying for, some, or all of these alternatives may be more appropriate:
If you passed your first interview and are now onto the next stage, then read our article on 'What to expect in your second stage interview and how to prepare'. Alternatively, if you would like advice from one of our specialist recruitment consultants, please get in touch today.
