Follow Up Email After a Job Interview [Examples 2024]

So, you’ve finished your job interview. Now what? Should you just go home and watch some Netflix? Maybe do the dishes? Definitely! But not before you’ve done this one thing: sent a follow up email. 

In the following we will guide you through the post-interview follow up process. We’ll tell you: 

• When to follow up after a job interview
• How to follow up after a job interview
• Best follow up email subject lines
• Follow up email example

Be sure to read until the end where we have a few extra actionable tips for you. 

Let’s jump right in.

When to follow up after a job interview

Generally speaking, there are three types of follow up emails after job interviews: one immediately after the job interview, one to follow up if you haven’t heard back from them within the time frame, and one to stay in touch for networking purposes. 

We’ll begin with the follow up email immediately after the interview. 

How to follow up after a job interview

The best time to send your follow up email is right after your job interview. Definitely within 24 hours after your interview. That’s when you’re in the zone and, more importantly, the interviewer remembers you. If you wait any longer than that, you risk drowning among the other candidates. 

Therefore, as soon as you get in the door at home, fire up that laptop and start writing your follow up email. 

First and foremost, make sure you express your gratitude for having been to the interview. Highlight how your skills and work history align with the prospective job. Finally, make sure that your words resonate well with the recipient by checking up with your interview notes and the job description.

Here’s a quick step by step guide you can use alongside any templates or AI writers: 

1. Express gratitude to the interviewer

Begin your email by addressing the interviewer by name. Mention the specific job title along with your gratitude for having been to the interview and for their time. Keep this paragraph short and sweet, just like you do in your cover letter.

2. Get personal

Next up you should highlight exactly why they should move forward with you. Check your notes from the interview and the job description for talking points that seemed especially important to the interviewer. Now highlight how they connect with your personal skills, work history, and interests. Express your enthusiasm for the job.

3. Stand out from the competition

In your last paragraph be sure to point out how you’re going to make a difference for them. Let them know how you’ll contribute value to the company. Subtly remind them of your key skills from your resume. Finish by inviting them to ask you any additional question they may have and end it all by saying you look forward to hearing back from them.

4. Signature and contact info

In the very last part of the interview follow up email you write your signature and contact info.

Best follow up email subject lines

Now what about a subject line for your follow up email? Well, as a rule of thumb, make sure to keep it short and to the point. The best subject lines examples are (in no particular order): 

• Thank you for your time, [interviewer’s name]
• Thanks for your time today
• Great speaking with you today
• Thank you for the opportunity
• Follow up regarding [position title]

If you stick to these, or a variation of them, you’re pretty well prepared. 

Next up is a follow up email example. 

Follow up email example

Subject line: Thank you for your time, Hannah

Follow up email example text version (that you can copy and paste).

Follow up email example text version (that you can copy and paste).

Dear Hannah,

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with me about the Content Marketing Manager role. It was great to meet with you in person and learn more about the position.

I’m very excited about the possibility to join Company XYZ and I am particularly interested in the details you shared about the upcoming launch of your content marketing strategy. I’m very enthusiastic about the prospect of taking charge of the new strategy and bringing my experience within the field on board.

After our conversation today, I feel very confident that my background in content marketing and my interest in brand growth will enable me to fill the job requirements effectively and support the vision of Company XYZ. Please feel free to contact me if I can provide you with any further information or samples of my work. I look forward to hearing from you.

Jane Williams
603-816-3502
jwilliams@ggmail.com

Follow up email after no response

It can be frustrating to complete a job interview only not to hear back from the hiring manager or recruiter within a timely manner. If this happens to you, you can send a (ver) short email for checking in. You can send this email if you haven’t heard back from them after two weeks since your interview.

Here are some tips on how to formulate this follow up email: 

1. Send this email to the recruiter
2. Be careful not to seem overeager
3. Keep your follow up email short and concise
4. Include the job title you interviewed for in the subject line
5. Keep your follow up email to one paragraph
6. Offer to provide extra information if they need it

Example: 

Subject line: Follow-Up on Marketing Coordinator Interview

Dear Chris

I hope you’re well. I wanted to briefly check in regarding the marketing coordinator position I had the pleasure of discussing with you and the team. The opportunity to collaborate with such a dynamic group was truly invigorating, and I am eager to hear any news on the selection process.

Should there be any further details or documentation needed from my end to facilitate your decision, please feel free to reach out.

Thank you 

Angelica Hudson
555-555-5555

Follow up email to stay in touch

Lastly, if you haven’t heard back anything or if you’ve learned that you did not get the job, you can send a follow up email to stay in touch with the hiring manager. The goal here is to create a professional relationship with someone who can help you grow your career. 

Just like the email before you will want to keep this very one short. 

1. Send the email to the hiring manager whom most likely is at senior level and could be a potential mentor 
2. Be sure to mention what drew you to applying for the position at the company
3. End your email with a proposed timeframe for a phone call or coffee meeting

Example: 

Subject line: Staying in touch

Dear Ellen

I hope, you’re well. I’m writing to say thank you again for your time and consideration for the position of retail manager. I enjoyed meeting with you and learning more about your company. As someone who is interested in a career within retail, I’d love to learn more about how you have developed and applied your skills.

I am keen on understanding more about the skill development and application strategies that have propelled your career forward. If your schedule permits, I would be honored to have a 20-minute conversation with you. A phone call or a coffee meet-up over the next couple of weeks would be wonderful, should you have the availability.

Thank you once again for considering my request. I look forward to the possibility of learning from your experiences.

Thanks again

Allison Simpson

Takeaways and final tips

Okay, you’re now prepared to send out your job interview follow up email. Good job! Here are your key takeaways plus some final tips for you: 

1. Express gratitude
2. Be personal
3. Remind them how you’ll contribute value to the company
4. Stand out from the crowd
5. Include anything you feel you forgot to mention during the interview
6. Read through and edit your text at least once before hitting send

Ready to take the next step in your career? Create your resume today! Click the button below and go directly to our resume templates.