Looking for a way to stand out in a job interviewer’s thoughts after your initial meeting? Here are three tips for a follow-up email that adds value to the standard thank-you note.
You’ll want a good follow-up email that accomplishes the three goals.
It should:
- Keep you on top of the interviewer’s mind
- Find out about next steps to pursue the position
- Show your continued interest in the job
You can do all this by writing something as simple as:
“Dear Job Interviewer, I enjoyed meeting you last week, and I look forward to learning more about the position. Just wanted to follow up with you regarding next steps. I hope this email finds you well.”
Hiring managers may juggle more than 100 applicants for any one opening. Just because you haven’t heard back from your recruiter two days after the interview does not indicate lack of interest; it just means the recruiter is swamped.
Let the interviewer know at the end of your meeting that you plan to follow up. Then reach out every two weeks to make sure you are fresh in the recruiter’s mind.
This follow-up strategy assumes that you are prompt in firing off your thank-you note on the day of the job interview. Many job applicants rely on a short thank-you email, and in most professional settings, that’s all you need.
If you really want to stand out, send an email but add a handwritten note. That will get your name in front of the hiring manager twice before you even start your follow-up plan. Use top grade stationary. If you are applying at a bank, stay conservative and rely on the quality of the paper. If you’re heading for an ad agency, you can try stationery that’s more creative.
Handwritten notes impart a personal touch without going overboard, and they are classy.
Make sure it is short, and include the words “thank you.” Every thank-you note should let interviewers know you appreciate that their time is valuable. Let them know you look forward to continuing the relationship. This alerts the interviewer about your expectations.
The thank-you note is important for the future as well as for your immediate shot at a job. Write it even if you don’t get the position. The first choice candidate could fall through, and you could second in line and happy to step up.
