We all want to advance our careers and get to the next level. The first step is networking with the professionals in the industry you are eyeing and showing continued interest in the position or opportunity you want.

Two ladies interviewing a man in a boardroom

Use a digital business card to share your contact details, educational and professional background with a potential employer you meet at a networking event. You can also use it to share your cover letter.

After the job search, one of the crucial steps you must undergo is the interviewing and hiring process. Most people fear attending a job interview, but it doesn't have to be a stressful ordeal.

Do extensive research, prepare well, show up on time, and impress the hiring manager with your skill set and people skills.

Well, how do you know that you got the job? Do you sit back and wait for the company to call or send them a follow up email?

Experts recommend sending a follow up email requesting an update in a professional, direct, and polite way. Use the follow up email to also thank the company for inviting you to the interview process.

The next step is writing an interview follow up email. You need to get it right the first time to create a positive impression.

Here are 7 tips on how to write the best follow up email after interview.

Timing is Important

Don't wait too long to send an email after an interview. While there is no rule on how long you should wait to send the follow up email, being prompt is essential.

Send the email within 24-48 hours of the interview process. This will show a genuine interest in the position and eagerness to join the company.

Tone of Your Follow Up Emails

Regardless of how you think the interview process went or the feedback you anticipate, it is important that your follow up email is courteous and professional. Don't use the email for self-deprecation.

The rule of thumb is to be straightforward. Be clear and direct about the reason why you are sending the email.

Reiterate Your Interest in the Position

Use the follow up email to express your continued interest in the position you interviewed for.

Show the hiring manager why you best fit the role by highlighting your qualifications and passion.

The Subject Line

Personalized subject lines increase email open rate by 29.3% on average. The subject line doesn't have to be snappy. It should give the hiring manager an idea of the contents of the email even before they open it.

Be clear about the reason why you are reaching out. Here are a few examples of sample subject lines for inspiration.

Following Up on Our Recent Discussion for [Job Title] Position
Thank You for the Interview – Excited about [Company Name] Opportunity
Expressing Gratitude and Reaffirming Interest in [Job Title] Position

Reference Specific Details From the Interview Process

Strong communication skills are important to hiring managers. Demonstrate your attentiveness by referencing key points and topics you discussed during the interview.

Doing so will reinforce your interest and highlight your ability to actively listen and engage in meaningful conversations. Including these details in your follow up email could sway the decision making process in your favor.

Even if the email is just a thank you note, applying this hack will give you an upper hand over other candidates. It will also help the hiring manager remember you as they read the email. On top of this, don't forget to use an SPF record checker to ensure your follow-up email successfully reaches the hiring manager's inbox.

Clarify Unaddressed Points

If there are questions or points you didn't get a chance to fully address during the job interview, use the follow up email to provide concise and thoughtful responses. This will show your commitment to thorough communication and that you are detail oriented.

Your email could rekindle interview conversations and prompt them to schedule a phone interview. If that happens, prepare well, and mark the interview date by setting a reminder on your phone not to miss it. Use the chance to increase your chances of getting hired.

Highlight Your Value Proposition

You prepared well for the job interview and expressed your unique skill set and experience. Go a step further and reaffirm the unique and valuable contribution you bring to the table by sending a follow up email to the hiring managers.

The email should emphasize how your experience and skills align with the company's needs and goals. Use specific examples to illustrate your qualifications and how they make you the ideal candidate for the job offer.

Show the team how your career path qualifies you for the position to swing the hiring decision in your favor without sounding too needy or unprofessional.

Examples of the Best Follow Up Email After An Interview Process

Writing a follow up email after an interview is challenging. Here are examples of interview follow up emails.

Follow up Email 1: Expressing Gratitude

Subject: Thank You for the Interview

Dear [Interviewer's Name],

Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. I'm excited about the chance to contribute to your team. My [relevant skill/experience] aligns well with your needs. I am looking forward to the possibility of joining [Company Name].

Best,

[Your Full Name]

Follow up Email 2: Inquiring about Next Steps

Subject: Next Steps for [Job Title] Position

Dear [Interviewer's Name],

Thanks for the recent interview for the [Job Title] role. Could you share the next steps and the expected timeline for a decision? I am eager to contribute to [Company Name] and look forward to your response.

Best,

[Your Full Name]

Thank You Note Email 2: Gratitude

Subject: Thanks for the Interview

Dear [Interviewer's Name],

Thank you for the insightful interview for [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I'm more enthusiastic about the prospect of joining your team. The [specific aspect] we discussed resonates with me, and I'm excited to bring my [relevant skill/experience] to contribute to [Company Name].

Best,

[Your Full Name]

Thank You Note Email 1: Appreciation and Interest

Subject: Thank You for the Interview

Dear [Interviewer's Name],

I'm grateful for the chance to interview for [Job Title] at [Company Name]. The discussion strengthened my enthusiasm and desire to work with your team. My [relevant skill/experience] aligns well with your needs, and I'm eager for the opportunity to work with you.

Best,

[Your Full Name]

Conclusion

Writing the best follow up email after interview and sending it on time will increase your chances of getting hired. Carefully articulate the message, even if it's just a thank you note.

Fact-check the email body before hitting the send button to confirm there are no errors, and the message is easy to understand.

Enhance your job search and boost your chances of getting invited for a job interview by using a digital business card to share your contact details and qualifications with potential employers. The card will show you're tech-savvy and pique their interest in you.

More importantly, stand out from other job candidates by having professional branded email signatures. The signatures will not only portray you as a professional and innovative but also give the hiring managers direct access to your contact details and more.

Use Popl’s email signature creator to create a professional signature for your email. Use it to also add a personalized QR code to your digital business card and online portfolio. Contact us if you need help.