By Shelley Omand, BA, BSW (Honours), BEd (A), CEB - a Career Coach with the Student and Graduate Employment department at Mohawk College.
Following up with potential employers after a job interview is an important step in the job search process. It demonstrates your continued interest in the position and allows you to express gratitude for the opportunity. It’s a small gesture on your part, but it could be the deciding factor when the competition is tight. Whether your interview is in-person, virtual or over the phone, the basic principles remain the same.
Here are some guidelines to follow when following-up after your next job interview.
Send a Thank-You Email
When you are contacted for a job interview, ask who will be at the interview and obtain their names, job titles and email addresses. Having this information will make it easier for you to follow up after your interview.
Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview. This creates a strong impression on the hiring team while your interview is still fresh in their mind. Express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your interest in the position. Keep it concise and professional.
Include Specifics
Send a separate personalized email to each person at the interview from the hiring team. Mention specific aspects of the interview that stood out to you or any additional information you think could strengthen your candidacy. If you forgot to mention something crucial to this, the follow-up email can serve as an opportunity to share that information. Emphasize how your skills and experiences align with the company's needs.
If you had a quiz or demonstration as part of your interview, you could reference that. A simple ‘thank you’ for the opportunity to demonstrate [insert skills here] allows you to once again highlight your qualifications.
Address Technology
If you had a virtual or phone interview and there were any technical issues, acknowledge them briefly and express appreciation for the interviewer's understanding.
Use a Simple Subject Line
Type things such as the name of the position you interviewed for, the date of your interview and the words ‘thank you’ in your email subject line.
(e.g.: Thank You – Research Assistant Interview, January 12)
Be Polite and Professional
Maintain a professional tone in your communication. Avoid using overly casual language.
Proofread
Double-check your email for any typos or errors before sending. A well-written follow-up enhances your professionalism. You can also use a grammar checker program such as Scribbr.
Reiterate Flexibility
Emphasize your flexibility, adaptability and readiness to work in various environments, including: relocating, working remotely or hybrid work agreements, if applicable.
Closing
Be sure to end your follow-up email on a brief note. Say something such as “Looking forward to hearing from you”, followed by saying ‘thank-you’ and your full name.
Include Contact Information
Ensure your contact information is included in case the interviewer wants to reach out to you for any further clarification or questions.
Follow-Up Timeline
If you haven't heard back within the timeframe mentioned during the interview, it's acceptable to send a polite follow-up email or make a brief phone call to inquire about the status.
Remember, following up with potential employers after an interview is a beneficial part of finding your next job and can help you stand out among other candidates.
