Follow-Up Email After An Interview: 5 Examples & Tips

Christina J Colclough

By Christina Colclough

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follow up email after interview

Background experience and skill set aside, it’s also important to showcase your sincerity during and after the interview. 

There is no guarantee sending a follow-up email after the interview can help you secure that job position. However, this professionalism will leave a strong impression on the hiring manager and might introduce you to other more promising opportunities.

My team has compiled a list of helpful, effective email-writing tips for such occasions based on our research; keep scrolling to learn more.

5 Examples Of Follow Up Email After An Interview

Whether it is a phone or on-site interview, you should always thank the HR team for fitting you into their busy schedule. Remember to include more specific details about the company’s missions and values in your email if there is a second interview. 

Even when you accept better offers elsewhere, it’s crucial to inform the HR team about your decision. Ignoring their offer could be considered unprofessional.

handshaking at the end of a job interview

1. After Your Video or Phone Interview

Phone or video interviews are increasingly common, especially for companies that hire remote or online workers. 

Still, that is not an excuse to wait around until you get a second call. Take the matter into your own hands by sending a follow-up email to remind them of your strong interest in the job position. 

Below is a sample: 

Dear Amelia,

Thank you for the talk today. I have learned a lot about the requirements and expectations for the [position], which I believe aligns well with my skills and interests. I would appreciate the opportunity to be a part of your team. 

Thank you again for your time, and I would love to hear from you soon. 

Sincerely,

Marcus A

[email protected]

111-111-1111

2. After Your Interview On-Site

If you were invited to an in-person/on-site interview, it’s important to express your gratitude to the HR manager. Thank them for rearranging their busy schedule and spending a lot of time getting to know you. In your closing, do not forget to remind him how you will be the best fit for the position, showcasing your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Here’s a sample:

Dear Amelia,

Thank you for taking the time to meet me in person; it was a great pleasure to learn more about your company and the people I might be teaming up with. I firmly believe my experience and skills could contribute to the business and help [the name of the store/company] soar beyond its goals.

I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Marcus A

[email protected]

111-111-1111

3. After Your Second Interview

Choosing between many promising candidates can be challenging, which explains why some recruiters might invite you to another interview. 

After this second meeting, you must have gathered much more information about the company’s history, values, and expectations for the role. I suggest using these additional insights to write a better, more detailed note, showing them you have truly paid attention.

Sample:

Dear Amelia,

I hope this email finds you well.

I am writing to reiterate my strong interest in the [position] at [company]. I had the pleasure of interviewing with your team and was further amazed by the company’s culture, values, and commitment to [company’s mission or focus]. I was particularly intrigued by [an aspect you find interesting].

I am eager to discuss how my qualifications and experience align with the specific requirements of this [position]. Please let me know if you have any questions or require further information.

Sincerely,

Marcus A

[email protected]

111-111-1111

4. Accepting The Offer

If your performance and skill set are impressive, the hiring manager might send you the job offer right after the interview. Do you find yourself on board? Then, the rest will be simple.

Sample:

Dear Amelia, 

I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for offering me the [position] at [company]. I am excited to accept this opportunity and join your team.

Our conversation during the interview confirmed my strong interest in the role, and I believe I will be a valuable asset to your company. I am eager to start this new chapter in my career and contribute to [company]’s continued success. 

Please inform me when I can receive the official paperwork and starting date. 

Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity. I look forward to working with you soon.

Sincerely,

Marcus A

[email protected]

111-111-1111

5. Declining The Offer

Suppose you have second thoughts about the company or land a much better position elsewhere. 

It’s quite common to ignore their job offer and not write back; however, that might hurt your future opportunities with the company. Also, from an ethical perspective, it would be unprofessional and inconsiderate to leave both the HR team and other candidates hanging for too long.

Sample:

Dear Amelia, 

Thank you for offering me the [position]  at [company]. During the interview process, I was very impressed with the company’s missions and values.

However, after careful consideration, I have decided to decline this offer. It was not an easy decision for me; I am grateful for your understanding.

I wish you and [company] all the best in your future endeavors. Thank you again for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Marcus A

[email protected]

111-111-1111

5 Golden Tips to Write An Interview Follow-Up Email

1. Be Concise and Straightforward

Most recruiters and managers are busy, which explains why they did not send you immediate follow-up responses after the interview.

Shorter, on-point messages will be highly appreciated since they are more readable and easier to reply to; therefore, your messages must be clear and straightforward. Assess your objectives carefully and outline what you want to express in the email body before starting to write.

2. Be Yourself

Some people tend to lose their personal voices when trying to write a perfect email. 

Do not repeat such mistakes; stay as true to yourself as possible to communicate clearly your strengths, personal goals, and expectations for the position. This strategy also ensures:

  • You will feel empowered and accepted in the workplace for being your true self
  • The team members you reach out to will help build an open, comfortable working environment
  • Your communication style and the company’s culture are mutual fits.

3. Keep in Touch With Your Point of Contact

In most cases, every applicant has their main “contact point” through the interview process. This “contact” person will schedule the meetings and update you about your interview results.

So, what if you want to reach out to your interviewer (or other higher-up figures) and not just your point of contact? 

In that case, unless their addresses or emails were directly given to you during the interview, the best choice is to confirm with your contact point. Ask them for your interviewer’s email address/contact information or whether they can forward your follow-up email to that person. That way, your outreach will not cross the company’s boundaries. 

4. Be Considerate of Their Schedule and Timeline

Remember to respect the timeline of your point of contact. For instance, did this person tell you they will be busy for the next three weeks? Then, I suggest waiting the entire three weeks (plus 1-2 days in case of unwanted delays) before reaching out. 

If you still want to follow up before the designated timeline, only do so when another company sends you a job offer. In that case, it’s necessary to reach out as soon as possible to inform your point of contact whether you will accept that second offer or still prioritize their company. That way, both you and the company can proceed with other opportunities.

5. Other Extra Notes

  • Did you forget to elaborate or mention something important in the interview? Take this chance to include them in your email.
  • It would be best to send the note as early as possible (within 12 to 24 hours after the interview).
  • Begin the mail with the name of your interviewer/point of contact. If you have already addressed each other by first name during the meeting, you may continue to do so in your email. Otherwise, stick to their full name.
  • Send a personalized, separate email to every interviewer you meet.
  • Proofread and give your email one last edit before hitting send. 
  • Keep in touch even when you do not land the position. Networking has become increasingly important these days! 

No Response? Write A Second Follow-Up Email After 2 Weeks

Business man stressed in office

Have you still heard nothing from the company after two weeks? Write a second follow-up email after a no-response interview while keeping these tips in mind:

  • Keep it brief and to the point. As mentioned, the hiring manager is likely busy. I understand your impatience, but keep your email short and easy to read. 
  • Reiterate your interest in the position. Let the hiring manager know you are still interested in the job and have not changed your mind.
  • Highlight your qualifications. Remind the hiring manager of your skills and experience that make you a good fit for the position.
  • Ask for an update. Inquire about the next steps in the hiring process. 

Have a look at the following sample of a follow-up email after an interview with no response

Dear Amelia, 

I’m writing to follow up on my previous email regarding my interview for the [position] at [company] on [date of interview]. I’m still very interested in this opportunity and would appreciate an update on the hiring process.

I was particularly intrigued by [Specific aspects that you find interesting] during our conversation. With years of experience in  [Industry or field] and a proven track record of [Accomplishments], I am confident my skills and experience would bring valuable contributions to your team.

I am eager to learn more about the next steps and how my qualifications can align with the specific needs of the [position]. Please write to me if you have any questions or require further information.

Thank you again for your consideration. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Marcus A

[email protected]

111-111-1111

Is It Rude Not To Follow Up After An Interview? 

Yes, this is a common oversight among many job seekers I’ve worked with at The Future World of Work. A lack of post-interview response can unintentionally show the hiring manager you may be unprofessional or not interested in the position. Writing to them within 12-24 hours is highly recommended to reaffirm your unwavering interest and thank the hiring manager for their time.

See more interview tips:

For Interview Question:

Conclusion

To ask for an update after the interview while showcasing your professionalism and interest in the position, always keep our above tips in mind. 

And even when offered a better chance or job position elsewhere, it is not recommended to cut ties with the company with your lack of response. Make sure you write a follow-up note to inform them of your decision!


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Christina J Colclough

Christina J. Colclough

Dr Christina J. Colclough is an expert on The Future World of Work and the politics of digital technology advocating globally for the importance of the workers’ voice. She has extensive regional and global labour movement experience, is a sought-after keynote speaker, coach, and strategist advising progressive governments and worker organisations.

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