Follow-Up Email After Interview: Guide, Tips & Examples

By Eric Ciechanowski | Career Expert

Last Updated: February 14, 2024

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Sending a follow-up email after an interview shows interest in the role. Whether a thank you note or an inquiry on the hiring process, writing a personalized message will make an impression and display commitment.

Below, you’ll learn how to write a follow-up email and find examples to help you get started.

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Why You Should Send a Follow-Up Email After an Interview

A follow-up thank you email after an interview helps build rapport by reminding the recruiter who you are, what you discussed and why you’re the ideal candidate. Additionally, it’s an opportunity to ask any questions you may have or even elaborate on a topic you discussed during the interview.

If you are still waiting to hear back after a few weeks, sending a follow-up email will remind the hiring manager you’re interested in the role. You can make an impression by reviewing your qualifications and describing your commitment to the company while other candidates wait for a response.

When to Send Follow-Up Email After Interview

Hiring managers interview candidates frequently. Wait 24 hours before sending that all-important thank-you note. You should also inquire about the status of your job application at least two weeks after your interview.

How to Write a Follow-Up Email After an Interview

Follow these steps to learn what to say in your follow-up email after an interview.

1Write a simple subject line

Your email subject line should be professional and straightforward. Stick to the tried and true format of name and the date and time of the interview. It should look like this:

“Ann Brown – Re: Interview on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m.”

2Make a connection

First and foremost, state your intent. Be clear about why you’re sending this message, whether to express your gratitude or ask for an update on the hiring process. Use your introduction to establish a connection as well. Begin with a comment that helps the interviewer remember your conversation in a positive light.

3Sell yourself all over again

Now is the time to reinforce your value to the company and interest in the role. Use the body of the email to highlight your resume skills and demonstrate that you’re the ideal candidate for the position. If you left the interview feeling like you could’ve said more, this is the perfect place to elaborate on any discussed topic. If needed, use a second paragraph to ask questions.

4Sign-off

Conclude your email by inviting the interviewer to ask you any additional questions and letting them know you look forward to hearing from them. Remember to say thank you and include your full name.

Sample Follow-Up Emails After Interview

Here are a few follow up emails after interview examples you can use during the hiring process.

Short and sweet follow-up email after interview

This short version of a follow-up email is appropriate after a phone interview or brief in-person first interaction.

Subject: Ann Brown – Re: Phone Interview Tuesday at 2 p.m.

Dear Ms. Smith,

I’m grateful for the opportunity to speak with you about the project manager role. It was a pleasure to meet you and learn more about InnovateTech Solution’s exciting initiatives.

After our conversation, I’m even more enthusiastic about contributing to your team. I’m confident that my skills and experiences align well with the position’s requirements, and I’m eager to bring my Scrum expertise and customer focus to InnovateTech Solution.

Thank you once again for considering my application. Please do not hesitate to let me know if you need any additional materials or information from my end. I look forward to moving to the next stage in the hiring process and contributing to the success of InnovateTech Solution.

Best regards,

Ann Brown

231-654-987

annbrown@email.com

Follow up email after a lengthy interview

After an in-person, in-depth interview, your follow-up email should mention specific elements of your conversation.

Subject: Ann Brown – Re: Interview on Monday at 1:00 p.m.

Dear Ms. Smith,

I’m grateful for our insightful talk on Monday regarding the Project Manager position. From our conversation, it’s clear that InnovateTech Solutions has the dynamic environment I seek.

Our discussion about the opportunities within your team and company has only deepened my enthusiasm for the role. I’m particularly intrigued by the challenges we explored, such as optimizing project timelines in light of evolving industry standards and addressing resource constraints.

At TechVista Innovations, I led a project that adapted to changing regulations and optimized timelines with agile methodologies. I also demonstrated resource management skills by maximizing utilization in a project with constraints. I excel in challenging environments and look forward to contributing to InnovateTech Solutions’ success.

I appreciate the thoroughness of our conversation and the insights you provided into the company’s goals and vision. It further confirmed my belief that InnovateTech Solutions is an exciting setting where I can apply my skills effectively.

If any additional details are needed from my end or if you require further clarification on any points we discussed, please feel free to reach out. I am more than willing to provide any supplementary information to support the decision-making process.

Thank you once again for considering my application. I look forward to contributing to the success of InnovateTech Solutions and addressing the unique challenges we discussed during our interview.

Thank you,

Ann Brown

231-654-987

annbrown@email.com

Follow-up email after no response

If you’re still waiting for a response after two weeks, send a brief email to check in on the hiring process.

Subject: Follow-Up Re: Project Manager Role

Dear Ms. Smith,

I hope this email finds you well. I’m following up on my recent application for the Project Manager position at InnovateTech Solutions. I’m still very enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to your dynamic team. If you need any additional details or materials from my end, or if there have been any updates on the status of my application, I would greatly appreciate any information you can provide.

I look forward to contributing to InnovateTech Solutions.

Thanks again,

Ann Brown

231-654-987

annbrown@email.com

Follow up email to stay in touch

If you learned you still need to land the job, consider establishing a professional relationship with the hiring manager. This person is probably at a senior level and could be a potential mentor. Remember that this may not change their decision but will reinforce your interest in the company and help you obtain a future role.

Subject: Staying in touch

Dear Ms. Smith,

I hope you’re well. I am writing to express my gratitude for your time and consideration during our previous conversations at InnovateTech Solutions. Your career path and experiences were truly inspiring, and I’d love to learn more about your skill set and how you’ve developed them.

I understand you’re quite busy, but if you have some free time in the next few weeks, it would be great to chat with you further over the phone or coffee.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks again,

Ann Brown

231-654-987

annbrown@email.com

Tips for Following Up After an Interview

Here are a few tips to help you write your follow-up email:

Keep it brief: Recruiters and hiring managers have many emails to review and will appreciate something straightforward.
Say “thank you” for the discussion: Instead of thanking them for the interview, express your gratitude for your excellent conversation, primarily if you built rapport.
Tailor your note: Take the time to make your email unique to the person you’re sending it, and mention specific topics discussed.
Be genuine: Be true to yourself without being too casual. That’s the best way to know if you’re a right fit for the team.
Proofread: Always read your email a few times before sending it.

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