After a job interview, it’s natural to want an update on the hiring process, especially if you feel the interview went well. However, there are several potential pitfalls to avoid when sending a follow-up email after the interview. If you come across as pushy, sloppy, or too informal, you could damage your chances of landing the job.
Here’s the right way to send an engaging follow-up email after your latest interview.
Choosing the Right Time to Send a Follow-Up Email
Leave time for the dust to settle. There’s a good chance your interviewer is speaking to other candidates, so there’s little to be gained from contacting them on the day. Wait a few days before sending that all-important follow-up.
Tone of Voice
Regardless of the tone of your interview, keep your follow-up professional and courteous. This isn’t the time for humorous self-deprecation. Be clear about the purpose of your message. Presumably, you’re simply looking for an update on the recruitment process, so get to the point and don’t waste time and words on unnecessary small talk.
What to Include in Your Follow-Up Email
It’s important to be disciplined when sending your follow-up email. Follow this guide for a simple, professional message that gives you the best chance of receiving a response.
Subject Line
There is no need to spend hours deliberating over a snappy subject line. The most effective approach that is likely to get your message opened quickly is to respond to the most recent email between you and the interviewer or HR manager.
If this isn’t possible (e.g., if you’ve always communicated via a recruiter rather than directly with the interviewer), simply include your name, the date, and the time of the interview.
As a guide, follow this format:
John Smith – Re: Interview on Tuesday at 4pm
Introduction
If you’re on a first-name basis with the person you’re contacting – you may have exchanged multiple emails and spoken face to face by this point – then it is fine to open your follow-up email by using their first name. If not, or if you’re unsure, stick with their title and surname (i.e., Mr. / Ms. Jones).
Body Text
Keep it simple. Presumably, the main reason you’re emailing is for a progress update – the interviewer will know this before they’ve even opened your message. Be polite but direct:
- Thank them for their time in the interview.
- Explain that you’re following up on your interview – remember to be specific about the job, mentioning the job title and interview date.
- Restate your interest in the position and say you’re keen to hear about the next steps.
- Ask for a progress update, explaining that any information they can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Signing Off
Having made your point in the main body of your follow-up email, sign off by inviting your interviewer to ask any additional questions. Close with a simple “looking forward to hearing from you,” then a “thank you” followed by your full name.
Final Checks
As obvious as it sounds, don’t forget to read over your follow-up email before sending it. Ensure it’s well-spaced, correctly punctuated, and free of typos. Running it through a spellchecker should help.
Follow-Up Email Template
If in doubt, feel free to use the template below for your follow-up email:
Subject: John Smith – Re: Interview on Tuesday at 4pm
Hi [Julie / Ms. Jones],
Thank you for your time [yesterday / date of interview]. It was great to speak to you about the [job title] role, and I’m convinced that the position is a perfect fit for this stage in my career. I was hoping to get an update on the recruitment process, so any information that you can provide about the next steps would be greatly appreciated. Also, feel free to ask me any follow-up questions that may have come up since we last spoke.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
John Smith
Follow-Up Email Examples Tailored to Social Work, Allied Healthcare, and Nursing
Social Work
Example Subject Line:
Jane Doe – Re: Social Worker Interview on Thursday at 10am
Example Email:
Hi Ms. Smith,
Thank you for your time yesterday. It was great to discuss the social worker role and learn more about your community programs. I am convinced that this position is a perfect fit for this stage in my career. I was hoping to get an update on the recruitment process, so any information you can provide about the next steps would be greatly appreciated. Also, feel free to ask me any follow-up questions that may have come up since we last spoke.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Jane Doe
Allied Healthcare
Example Subject Line:
John Brown – Re: Physiotherapist Interview on Monday at 3pm
Example Email:
Hi Dr. White,
Thank you for your time on Monday. It was wonderful to discuss the physiotherapist position and your innovative rehabilitation programs. I believe this role aligns perfectly with my professional goals and expertise. I was hoping to get an update on the recruitment process, so any information you can provide about the next steps would be greatly appreciated. Also, feel free to ask me any follow-up questions that may have come up since we last spoke.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
John Brown
Nursing
Example Subject Line:
Sarah Lee – Re: Registered Nurse Interview on Friday at 2pm
Example Email:
Hi Ms. Johnson,
Thank you for your time last Friday. It was great to discuss the registered nurse role and your hospital’s patient care initiatives. I am confident that this position is a perfect fit for this stage in my career. I was hoping to get an update on the recruitment process, so any information you can provide about the next steps would be greatly appreciated. Also, feel free to ask me any follow-up questions that may have come up since we last spoke.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Sarah Lee
Alternatives to Sending a Follow-Up Email
Email may not be the best medium for following up, particularly if you haven’t communicated with the interviewer via email before. Depending on the job you’re applying for, some or all of these alternatives may be more appropriate:
- An instant messaging platform (e.g., Google Hangouts, Skype, LinkedIn Messenger)
- Phone call
If you’ve been working with a recruiter on the job role, then you can also reach out to them to follow up with the hiring manager for you.
What’s Next?
If you passed your first interview and are now onto the next stage, congratulations!
Alternatively, if you would like advice from one of our specialist recruitment consultants, please get in touch today.
Additional Resources
For more advice on interviews, check out our other interview advice resources.