How to Follow Up After a Job Interview and Impress Recruiters
A well-executed job interview is just the beginning, and what happens afterward can be as crucial. Many don’t realize that an interview doesn’t mark the end of your job search—it’s your opportunity to impress the recruiters further.
If you truly want that job, you have to continue making an impact long after the interview ends. But how exactly do you leave a lasting impression? That’s when follow-up after a job interview plays a big role.
Keep reading to explore the best strategies for following up after your interview, along with some examples. But first, let’s find out why following up matters for job seekers.
Why Following Up Matters
Sending a follow-up message after an interview is essential to the hiring process. Unfortunately, 57% of job applicants neglect to send thank-you notes, missing a valuable chance to express appreciation and reaffirm their enthusiasm for the job.
Meanwhile, follow-up statistics emphasize the significance of timely communication in hiring decisions. 80% of hiring managers say receiving a thank-you note affects their decision-making process, with 22% stating it has a significant impact.
This underscores the importance of following up promptly after an interview to leave a positive impression on potential employers. However, what is the best time to send a follow-up message after an interview?
The Right Timing for a Follow-Up
Timing is everything—reach out too soon, and it might seem rushed, but wait too long, and you’ll miss the opportunity. A good rule of thumb is to send a thank-you email within 24 hours.
This shows promptness and appreciation for the opportunity. If you haven’t heard back within the time frame the recruiter mentioned, sending a polite follow-up email after about two or three days is fine.
This gentle nudge can remind them of your interest without being overly pushy. Crafting the right follow-up message is just as important as the timing, and knowing what to say can help you stand out in an interview and leave a professional impression.
How to Send a Follow-Up Message After a Job Interview
Here are four points you must keep in mind when sending a follow-up message after a job interview. Whether you want to be part of a creative YouTube channel team or land a spot in a big corporate office, these tips will help you stand out.
#1. Writing an Effective Thank-You Email
After an interview, writing and sending a thank-you email to recruiters is optional, but it’s always recommended. In general, this email should express your gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position.
Make sure you send the email within 24 hours after the interview. It’s also important to keep it professional, brief, and personalized. To do so, you can include some of the aspects below.
For the subject line, write a clear and concise line, such as “Thank you for the Interview.” Then, open your email by addressing the interviewer(s) by name to personalize your message.
In the body email, mention specific aspects of the interview that you found interesting or inspiring. Reaffirm your enthusiasm for the role and the company.
Close your email by expressing your appreciation again and mentioning that you look forward to hearing from them. Sign off with a polite closing, such as regards or best regards.
Here is a thank-you email example if you want to send a thank-you email to recruiters:
Subject line: Thank you for the Interview.
Dear [Interviewer],
Thank you for taking the time to meet and interview me today. I enjoyed learning more about [Company Name] and the [Job Title] role. I am looking forward to the opportunity to join your team and am excited to work together in [Company Name]. Thank you again for considering my application.
Regards,
[Your Name]
#2. Connecting on LinkedIn
Other than email, you can also use LinkedIn to reach out to the recruiter after an interview. LinkedIn is a good platform for sending and maintaining professional relationships. However, we recommend you prioritize email.
When you send a request, add a genuine message to remind the interviewer of your interaction and express your continued interest. If you have already connected, you can also send a personalized message.
You can simply mention something specific about the interview or the company to make it personalized and sincere. Do this after sending the thank-you email within a few days of the interview.
Your message should look like this in general:
Hi [Interviewer’s Name],
It was a pleasure speaking with you during my interview for the [Job Title] position. I’d love to stay connected and continue learning about the exciting work happening at [Company Name]. Thanks again for the opportunity.
Regards,
[Your name]
#3. Sending a Professional WhatsApp Message
In some cases, the recruiter connects to you via WhatsApp, which is more handy than email. If the interviewer provided you with their WhatsApp contact or the company culture is more informal, sending a WhatsApp message is still appropriate.
However, you must keep your message professional and polite. Avoid lengthy messages, and be clear with your intention. Here are some points to remember:
- Adapt your tone to the company culture (formal or semi-formal), but DON’T be too casual.
- Only send a message if the interviewer has explicitly invited you to contact them through this platform.
- Keep it brief, express gratitude, and mention you’re looking forward to their decision.
An example of a thank-you message via WhatsApp is as follows:
Good morning [Interviewer’s Name],
I just wanted to thank you again for the interview. I really enjoyed our conversation and am looking forward to the possibility of joining the team at [Company Name]. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
#4. Responding to a Job Offer or Rejection
Sometimes, you get accepted, but sometimes, you don’t. Whether you get good news or bad news, it’s important to stay calm and maintain good relationships for future opportunities. Here’s what you can do.
When you receive a job offer, reply to it promptly. Acknowledge the offer, express your gratitude, and take time if you need to consider the terms. If you’re accepting, clearly state your acceptance and any relevant steps, like confirming a start date or asking for further clarification.
However, if you think the offer needs a bit of negotiation, you can politely ask for clarification or propose adjustments (like salary, benefits, or other terms). You can read the example below.
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I’m thrilled to accept the offer for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. Thank you for this opportunity, and I look forward to joining the team. Please let me know the next steps and any information I need to prepare before my start date.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
On the other hand, responding to a rejection email should also be done professionally. Express gratitude for the opportunity, remain positive, and leave the door open for future opportunities. Here’s an example.
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for informing me of your decision. While I am disappointed, I truly appreciate the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position. I remain very interested in [Company Name] and would love to stay in touch for future openings.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Common Follow-Up Mistakes to Avoid
Following up after a job interview can be a winning point, but doing it wrong can turn the tables. To ensure your follow-up is effective and impressive, it’s important to avoid common mistakes. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
#1. Being Pushy
Following up is important, but avoid pressuring the interviewer for a quick response or decision. Respect their timeline and trust the process. Being overly assertive can come across as desperate or unprofessional.
#2. Over Communicating
Sending too many follow-ups or reaching out on multiple platforms (email, LinkedIn, WhatsApp) excessively can overwhelm the interviewer. Limit your follow-ups to a reasonable number, usually one thank-you email and a gentle check-in after their stated timeline.
#3. Using Casual Language
Even if the workplace has a relaxed culture, follow-ups should maintain professionalism. Keep your message formal and avoid overly casual terms, slang, or emojis, as these can undermine your credibility.
#4. Not Proofreading Your Email
Spelling or grammatical mistakes can leave a poor impression as it suggests a lack of attention to detail. Always proofread your follow-up emails to ensure they’re error-free and convey professionalism.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s through a thank-you email, a LinkedIn connection, or a response to an offer, the way you communicate post-interview can leave a lasting impression on recruiters.
Remember, be prompt but not pushy. Keep your tone professional and personalize your message to reflect your genuine interest in the role and the company.
Sending a follow-up after a job interview can indeed be nerve-racking. However, a thoughtful, well-timed follow-up can set you apart from other candidates and solidify your position as a top contender in the recruiter’s mind.
