What is a follow-up email?
A follow-up email is an email that a candidate sends to a company after completing a job interview. Typically, candidates send their first follow-up email the day after the interview to thank the hiring manager for the opportunity. You can send a second follow-up email that asks about the status of the position if you have not heard from the company after about two weeks. Related: Follow-Up Email Examples for After the Interview Related: How To Write a Thank You Email After a Second InterviewWhy is a second follow-up email after an interview important?
Delivering a second follow-up email after an interview which is direct and well-written shows that you're driven, motivated and serious about the position. Sending one after the initial follow-up may help the hiring manager remember you, which can increase the chances that you'll get a second interview or a job offer. You can highlight your skill set when crafting these types of emails to reinforce your value. Related: 5 Email Follow-Up Mistakes To Avoid (Plus Effective Examples)How to send a second follow-up email after an interview
Follow these steps to help you write and send a second follow-up email after an interview:1. Use a relevant subject line
The subject line briefly shows what the content of the email involves. It gives the hiring manager an idea of what to expect throughout the body of the email. Be sure the information in the subject line is clear and concise. Here are several examples for subject lines you can use in a second follow-up email:- Inquiring about position status
- Following up regarding [job title]
- Question about [job title]
- Clarification on hiring process
- Hiring process advancement inquiry
2. Open with a greeting
In the greeting of your email, use the hiring manager's name to make an immediate connection. Here are some examples of common greetings:- Hello, [hiring manager]
- Greetings, [hiring manager]
- Good afternoon, [hiring manager]
3. Mention the position
After the greeting, include a sentence stating the position you applied for, which helps the hiring manager recall the exact details. Since hiring managers typically interview several candidates per day, you can include the date and location of your interview to help them remember you. You can also include a memorable section of the interview, such as connecting with the hiring manager on a mutual hobby or interest. Related: 15 Business Follow-Up Email Templates4. Ask a question
Once you remind the hiring manager of the role, you can ask about its status. Here are several questions you can consider including in your email:- Have you filled the position?
- Do you have an estimated time for the final decision?
- How is the hiring process moving forward?
- Am I still considered for the position?
5. Show your interest
Following the question, include a statement that shows your interest in the position, which reminds the hiring manager you're a keen candidate. Here are several examples of sentences that can convey your interest:- I want to express my sincerest interest in becoming an employee of your company
- I am excited about the thought of working for [company name]
- I'm still very interested in becoming a part of your team
- I want to reiterate my enthusiasm regarding the position
6. Thank the recipient
When closing the email, thank the hiring manager to show that you're grateful for their time. You can offer to provide any additional information that they might need such as references. Try concluding the email with the assumption that you'll hear from the company soon, which may help the hiring managers feel compelled to respond. You can include a sentence stating that you look forward to hearing from them, or you can talk about how you're excited to receive a response. Related: How To Write the Best Thank You Email After Your Interview7. End with your contact details
To complete the email, include a closing sentiment, then your full name and contact information. Add your phone number and email address so that they have a way to respond to you. Here are several closing sentiments to consider using at the end of your email:- Best, [your full name]
- Thanks again, [your full name]
- Thank you for your time, [your full name]
- Sincerely, [your full name]
Tips for a second follow-up email after an interview
Here are several tips you can use when sending a follow-up email:Wait a week
It's important to wait at least a week before sending a second follow-up email after an interview so that you give the company sufficient time to interview more candidates and evaluate details from your interview. Emailing after the first week can give you extra time to create a thoughtful email.Keep it simple
Keeping a second follow-up email after an interview simple may help you receive quick responses from employers. In the email, try to include one to two questions that highlight the information you want. Keep the information about yourself simple, using only a few sentences to describe the position and interview.Maintain information
Try your best to pay attention to any information the hiring manager gives you regarding follow-up communication. The company may ask that their candidates don't reach out to them until they reach out first. A hiring manager typically mentions when you can expect a response from them, so it's important to not email before that time.Proofread your work
Proofread your email before sending it to the hiring manager to ensure it's free from grammatical errors and formatting issues. By sending an error-free email, you show the hiring manager you can pay close attention to detail. You could ask a trusted colleague to read through your email before sending it to see if they can identify any issues. Related: 27 Proofreading Tips That Will Improve Your ResumeSecond follow-up email after interview template
Here is a template that you can use while creating a second follow-up email after an interview: [Subject line with brief relevant information] Dear [hiring manager's name], I recently interviewed for the position of [position title] on [date, time and location of interview]. It was great to meet with you to discuss the position. Since I have not heard back from your company yet, I am reaching out to see if you have filled the position. If not, do you have an estimated time for the final decision? I'm still very interested in becoming a part of your team. Please let me know if I can provide additional information. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you, [Your full name][Phone number]
[Email address] The model shown is for illustration purposes only, and may require additional formatting to meet accepted standards.
Second follow-up email after an interview example
Here is an example for a second follow-up email after an interview: Subject line: Question regarding engineering supervisor position Dear Ms. Peterson, I recently interviewed for the position of engineering supervisor on March 15, at 1 p.m. in your Hillsboro office. It was great to meet with you to discuss the position. Since I have not heard back from your company yet, I am reaching out to see if you have filled the position. If not, do you have an estimated time for the final decision? I'm still very interested in becoming a part of your team. Please let me know if I can provide additional information. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you, Richard Jones445-555-5124
richardjones@email.com Related: How To Make a Follow-Up Phone Call After an Interview