In a competitive job market, you must stand out at every stage of the recruiting process. After you've stunned an employer with your CV, cover letter, and interview, sending a follow-up email can help clinch the deal! According to a TopResume poll, 68% of hiring managers and recruiters said that a thank-you note following an interview might influence their decision-making process.
In today's digital environment, an email is preferred to a typed or handwritten letter, and you should send your follow-up email on the same day as your interview. You want to reinforce your interest in the position before the interviewer makes a choice, and you want to convey your willingness to give any further information that may be required (references, portfolio, etc.).
Here are some tips on how to create an excellent follow-up email that is personal, insightful, brief (no more than 3-4 short paragraphs), and memorable:
Maintain professionalism
Your follow-up email leaves a lasting impression on the recruiter or hiring manager, so make sure it's polished and professional. You may be ecstatic after the interview, but make sure to reread for spelling, grammar, and punctuation before sending the email.
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Express gratitude
Recruiters and interviewers have spent time and thought about you since they first saw your CV and cover letter. Keep this in mind while writing your follow-up email, expressing your thanks and thanking them for their time in a professional manner.
Demonstrate acquired knowledge
Share anything new or intriguing you learned about the organization during your interview, as well as why you found it fascinating. This might be a previous or planned project, a community endeavor, or operating procedures. You might also highlight a mutual interest you mentioned with the interviewer (for example, a charity you both participate in or an event you both attended), but avoid becoming too personal.
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Share your enthusiasm & fit for the role
The act of writing a follow-up email suggests your enthusiasm for the position, but make it clear. Based on the interaction, briefly outline your talents and the value you can provide to this organization. Write with confidence in your talents, avoiding terms like "only," "only," and "a little bit."
Closing
Do not describe why you desire any job; instead, express why you want this particular position. Thank the interviewer, tell them you're looking forward to hearing back about the position, and express your willingness to offer any further information they may want.
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NOTE ON COLLABORATION WITH A RECRUITER
If you had an interview with a company that was arranged by a recruiter, you must contact the recruiter first before texting the employer directly. Thank the recruiter for scheduling the interview, tell them how it went, and ask if they consider sending a follow-up note directly to the business.
When engaging with candidates, some businesses prefer that the recruiter function as a mediator. In other circumstances, the recruiter may authorize you to contact the company directly, but you should reread your email beforehand.