Picture this: You’ve just had an interview and now it’s time to send a follow-up email. Here are the best practices for emailing after an interview to make a memorable impact.

1. Be prompt

Make sure your thank you emails are sent promptly. This demonstrates professionalism, eagerness, and respect for your interviewer’s time. The best time to send a thank you email after an interview is within 24 hours to 48 hours. This can help ensure your candidacy remains top of mind for hiring managers and demonstrates your proactive approach to communication.

2. Personalize your message

In today’s tech-driven world, it might seem tempting to grab a thank you email template online or send a generic message generated by AI. However, those one-size-fits-all notes won’t genuinely express your gratitude or strengthen your candidacy. A personalized email, on the other hand, shows real interest and attention to detail, which can set you apart. Tailor your after-interview thank you note email by:

• Addressing the interviewer by name.
• Referencing specific discussion points.
• Highlighting how the conversation resonated with you.
• Reiterating your enthusiasm for the role.
• Expressing eagerness for the next steps in the hiring process.

3. Keep it concise

Writing a concise thank you note shows respect for the interviewer’s time and ensures your message is clear. To write a brief yet impactful email, it’s recommended to use bullet points, limit paragraphs to two or three sentences, and focus on succinctly expressing gratitude and reiterating your interest.

4. Highlight your unique value

Use a thank you follow-up note as an opportunity to reinforce your suitability for the role and the value you can bring to the role. This involves emphasizing your relevant skills, experiences, and qualities that align with the job requirements. At the same time, you’ll want to avoid generic statements or overused phrases that don’t support your specific achievements or how you can contribute to the company’s success.

5. Proofread for professionalism

Typos, inconsistent formatting, and grammar mistakes may undermine how you’re perceived. Ensure your thank you follow-up email after an interview is error-free and reflects attention to detail by proofreading it thoroughly. Reviewing before sending is crucial to uphold your credibility and professionalism in the interviewer’s eyes.

6. Follow up if necessary

Employers and hiring teams are often busy, which can lead to post-interview silence. Surprisingly, research indicates that 75% of job seekers have experienced being ghosted after an interview. If there’s no follow-up after the interview, it’s acceptable to reach out after a week to maintain contact and show ongoing interest. This timeframe allows ample time for review, especially if no specific timeline was outlined.

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