Following up after an interview

One of the worst parts of the job application process can be the wait after the interview. Anxiously waiting for an outcome can be pretty stressful and the idea of following up after an interview might be stressing you out even more!

Sending an interview follow-up email is pretty standard these days and shouldn’t be a cause for concern. If you use the tips and examples below for your interview follow-up email it gives you another chance to show both your professionalism and your interest in the job.

The best time for following up after an interview will depend on what information they gave you at the interview. If the interviewer gave a clear timeline and explanation of how feedback and an outcome will be delivered, it’s best to stick to that.

In this case, make sure to send a follow up thank-you email which should include:

• A line thanking them for the time out of their day to have the interview.

• Reference to your excitement at the opportunity to work there and that you are looking forward to hearing the outcome.

• Let them know to reach out should they require any further information or paperwork and restate your best contact details.

While an interview follow-up email that thanks the interview team is not something that is stated as a requirement, it is becoming increasingly common and is always best to do. If you don’t send one and your competitors do it could mean the difference of getting the job if the application process is very competitive.

If you haven’t heard anything past the expected time frame that’s when it’s a good idea to ask about outcomes. Make sure to keep it pleasant and brief. Something simple such as the following might help:

Dear [Interviewer Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up about the interview for the [job title] role we had [interview date]. I am very interested in the opportunity and wanted to know if there is any further information I can provide.

Kind regards [Your name]

Make sure to spell check the email, double-check the addresses and include a relevant subject line as well.

Things to remember

• Be patient – depending on the role and how many positions were advertised the recruitment team might have a lot to work through.

• Don’t hound them – being keen is great but the best way to show that is being responsive to their correspondence and in the interview. Sending a follow-up email every other day will not make you look like a great candidate.

• Be professional – remember the example above is just an idea or starting point. If you want to tailor it to your industry or based on how the interview went, go ahead. Just remain professional in your language