Table of Contents
- What Is a Follow-Up Email After an Interview
- How to Write a Follow-Up Email (Step-by-Step)
- Follow Up Email Format
- Follow Up Email Template
- Follow Up Email Samples
- Common Mistakes to Avoid in Follow Up Emails
- Tips for Writing Effective Follow Up Emails
A follow-up email after an interview can change the way an employer sees you. Many job seekers skip it, but recruiters often notice the ones who send it. This email shows respect for the interviewer’s time and reminds them of your interest in the role. It also gives you a chance to add something you missed during the conversation.
Did you know?
One out of five hiring managers may reject a candidate who doesn’t send a follow-up email. That’s how important these emails are.
In this guide, you will learn how to write follow-up email after interviews and get free templates and examples.
Example of Follow-Up Email After Interview
Now before we begin, let’s look at a simple example. This will give you a clear picture of what a professional follow-up email should look like.
What Is a Follow-Up Email After an Interview?
A follow-up email after an interview is a formal message you send to the interviewer after finishing the job interview. The main purpose of this email is to thank them and remind them of your skills and interest in the job position. It is not compulsory, but sending a short and thoughtful message gives you an edge over other candidates during their decision process.
When should you send a follow-up email?
The best time to send a follow-up email is within 24 hours of your interview. This keeps you fresh in the interviewer’s mind. If you do not get a response, it is fine to send another polite follow-up after 5 to 7 days.
Why send follow-up email after interviews?
Sending a follow-up email improves your chances of getting the job. Here’s why you should always send one:
- It shows gratitude for the opportunity
- It highlights your skills and fit for the role
- It reminds the interviewer of your name and meeting
- It gives you a chance to add anything you missed
- It reflects professionalism and genuine interest
How to Write a Follow-Up Email (Step-by-Step)
Here is a step-by-step guide that will show you how to compose a follow-up email.
1. Write a clear subject line
The subject line decides if the recruiter opens your follow-up interview email right away or skips past it. Keep it short and specific. Always include your name and the position so they can connect you to the interview quickly.
Good examples of subject lines for follow-up email after interview:
- Thank you – Rohan Sharma, Marketing Associate Interview (20 Sept)
- Questions about the Sales Manager Interview – Neha Dubey
- Follow-up for Content Writer Position – Amit Singh, 19/08
- Next steps – Anjali Mehta, Software Developer Interview
- Grateful for the opportunity – Rahul Kapoor, Finance Associate
Pro tip – If the interviewer has already emailed you – send your follow-up on the same email thread. This will keep your conversation connected.
2. Use a proper greeting
Always address the interviewer by name. “Dear Mr. Gupta” or “Hello Ms. Singh” works better than a generic “Hi” or “To whom it may concern.” It shows you paid attention during the interview.
3. Start with gratitude
Thank the interviewer for their time and mention the role directly. Many forget to include the job title, but this helps them recall you faster – especially if they interviewed multiple candidates on the same day.
4. Mention a key point from the interview
This is where most candidates miss out. You can refer to a specific detail from your discussion – like a project they spoke about or a challenge the team faces.
Example:
“I enjoyed our discussion about your digital campaign plans and would love to bring my experience in SEO strategy to that role.”
5. Reconnect skills with the job
Briefly restate 1 or 2 strengths to match the position. Do not repeat your entire resume. Focus on what the interviewer seemed most interested in.
6. Add anything you missed
If you forgot to share something important during the interview. This is your chance. Keep it short – but use it wisely.
Example:
“I also wanted to add that I recently completed a certification in Google Analytics.”
7. Keep it short and professional
Your email should be 150 to 200 words at most. Hiring managers are busy and long emails often go unread.
8. Close with next steps and contact info
End your email on a polite and confident note. Tell the interviewer you are open to sharing more details and make it easy for them to reach you. Always include a professional sign-off such as Best regards or Sincerely.
Example:
“I look forward to hearing from you. Please let me know if you need any more details. You can reach me at [your phone number].”
Read More: How to Write a Formal Email
Follow-Up Email Format
When writing an email on follow-up after an interview, it helps to keep a clear structure so your message is easy to read. Here is the correct format you can follow:
1. Subject line – Mention your name + job title.
2. Greeting – Address the interviewer by name.
3. Opening line – Thank them for the interview and time.
4. Body
- Reaffirm interest in the role.
- Highlight 1 or 2 key skills or experiences.
- Add anything you missed during the interview (optional).
5. Closing Line – Express availability for next steps.
6. Sign-Off – Use Best regards or Sincerely.
7. Signature – Your full name, phone number and email.
Format of a Follow-Up Email After an Interview
You can use this follow-up on interview email sample to understand the right format and create a message that fits your situation.
Read More: How to Write a Professional Email
Follow-Up Email Template
Take a look at these ready-to-use follow-up email template that you can adapt to your own interview and job role.
Subject line: Thank you – [Your Name], [Job Title] Interview on [Date]
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me regarding the [Job Title] position. I enjoyed our discussion and learning more about [specific project, team, or detail from the interview].
I remain very interested in this role and believe my skills in [specific skill or area] can contribute to [company’s project, goal, or team]. Please let me know if you need any additional details from me.
I look forward to hearing from you about the next steps.
Best regards,
Your Full Name
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address
Follow-Up Email Samples
Here are a few sample follow-up emails to guide you in writing your own message after an interview.
Sample 1: After the First Interview (Thank You + Interest)
Subject: Thank you – Aditi Sharma, Marketing Associate Interview
Dear Mr. Khanna,
Thank you for meeting with me yesterday to discuss the Marketing Associate position. I enjoyed our conversation and learning more about your team’s upcoming digital campaigns.
I’m very interested in this opportunity and believe my skills in social media strategy and content planning can add value to your team. Please let me know if you need any additional details from my side.
Best regards,
Aditi Sharma
+91 xxxxxxxxxx
aditi.sharma@email.com
Sample 2: After No Response (Polite Reminder)
Subject: Follow-up on Software Developer Interview – Raj Mehta
Dear Ms. Kapoor,
I hope you are doing well. I wanted to check if there are any updates regarding the Software Developer position we discussed on 15th September.
I remain very interested in this role and would be happy to share more details if required. Thank you again for your time during the interview, and I look forward to your reply.
Best regards,
Raj Mehta
+91 xxxxxxxxxx
raj.mehta@email.com
Read More: Job Application Email: Tips and Samples
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Follow-Up Emails
When writing an email on follow-up after an interview, even small errors can reduce your chances of getting noticed. So, make sure you avoid these mistakes.
- Using vague subject lines like “Following up”
- Copy-pasting generic templates without changes
- Repeating the entire resume in the email
- Sounding impatient or pushy in tone
- Skipping personalization with name or role
- Following up too soon against the given timeline
Tips for Writing Effective Follow-Up Emails
A smart follow-up email can set you apart from other candidates. Here are some practical tips many people miss:
- Keep your subject line clear with your name and job title
- Send the email within the right time frame
- Write in a professional tone with simple words
- Send individual follow-ups if more than one person interviewed you
- Check carefully for spelling and grammar before sending
FAQs
What is the average response time after an interview?
Most companies take about one to two weeks to respond after an interview. Some may reply faster, while others take longer depending on the number of candidates and the role.
Should I write a thank you email after an interview?
Yes, a thank you email after an interview shows appreciation and interest. It also helps the interviewer remember you among other candidates.
Can I send an email on follow-up if I forgot something in the interview?
Yes. An email on follow-up is the perfect place to add a short detail you missed, like a skill, achievement, or certification that makes you a stronger candidate.
Who should you send a follow-up interview email to?
Always send a follow-up interview email to the main person who interviewed you. If you spoke with a panel, it is best to send individual emails to each interviewer.
