What to Send After an Interview: A Comprehensive Guide
Interviews are a critical step in the job application process, and making a good impression can significantly increase your chances of landing the job. However, the journey doesn’t end once the interview is over. Following up with a thoughtful message can leave a lasting positive impression on the hiring manager. In this article, we will discuss what to send after an interview, including the best practices and examples to help you craft the perfect follow-up email.
Why Follow-Up After an Interview?
Following up after an interview serves several purposes. Firstly, it demonstrates your continued interest in the position and your commitment to the company. Secondly, it provides an opportunity to reiterate your qualifications and why you are the ideal candidate for the job. Lastly, it keeps your application at the forefront of the hiring manager’s mind, increasing your chances of being remembered when the final decision is made.
Timing is Key
Timing is crucial when it comes to sending a follow-up email. It’s generally recommended to send the email within 24 to 48 hours after the interview. This timeframe ensures that your message is timely and fresh in the hiring manager’s mind. However, if you have a good reason for a delay, such as a medical appointment or a family emergency, it’s still better to send the email as soon as possible rather than not sending it at all.
What to Include in Your Follow-Up Email
1. Thank You: Begin your email with a heartfelt thank you for the opportunity to interview. Express your gratitude for their time and consideration.
2. Reiterate Your Interest: Briefly mention your enthusiasm for the position and the company. This reinforces your interest in the role.
3. Summarize Key Points: Briefly summarize the key points you discussed during the interview. This shows that you were attentive and engaged during the conversation.
4. Reiterate Your Qualifications: Highlight specific qualifications or experiences that make you a strong candidate for the job. Be concise and focus on the most relevant points.
5. Ask for Next Steps: Politely inquire about the next steps in the hiring process. This shows your eagerness to move forward and can help keep you informed about the status of your application.
6. Personalize Your Message: Tailor your email to the specific company and position. Avoid using a generic template that can be easily overlooked.
Sample Follow-Up Email
Subject: Follow-Up on [Interview Date] Interview for [Position]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the [Position] at [Company Name] on [Interview Date]. It was a pleasure meeting with you and the rest of the team, and I am very excited about the possibility of joining your company.
During our conversation, we discussed [key points from the interview], and I believe my [specific qualification or experience] would be an excellent fit for the role. I am confident that my background in [related field or experience] makes me a strong candidate for this position.
I am eager to learn more about the next steps in the hiring process and how I can contribute to the success of your team. Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide or if there are any other steps I should take.
Thank you once again for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to continue discussing how I can contribute to [Company Name].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
Sending a follow-up email after an interview is a simple yet effective way to leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can craft a thoughtful and personalized message that demonstrates your interest, qualifications, and commitment to the position. Remember, the key is to be timely, concise, and genuine in your communication. Good luck!
