The Career Raven Weekly: The Art of Follow-Up: How to Leave a Lasting Impression After the Interview
Hello, Career Raven Coven!
You’ve aced the interview; now what? Follow up. How you follow up after an interview can leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager. This is your chance to remind them of your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role while also demonstrating your professionalism and attention to detail.
Why Follow-Up Matters
The interview process is often competitive, with several candidates being considered. A thoughtful follow-up can help you stand out and show your genuine interest in the role. It’s also an opportunity to express gratitude for the time they spent interviewing you.
How to Follow Up Like a Pro
Here’s a step-by-step guide to perfecting your follow-up:
Send a Thank-You Email Within 24 Hours
A timely thank-you note shows your appreciation and professionalism.
Express gratitude for the opportunity to interview and briefly restate your interest in the role.
Reinforce why you’re a great fit by referencing something specific from the interview.
Example: “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I truly enjoyed learning more about [Company Name] and the exciting opportunities within your [specific department or team]. I’m even more enthusiastic about the role after our conversation, and I am confident my [specific skill or experience] can add value to your team.”
Keep It Short and Sweet
Your follow-up should be concise, professional, and to the point.
Avoid repeating everything discussed in the interview. Instead, focus on the key points that reinforce your fit.
Personalize Each Follow-Up
Refer to something specific from your interview—whether it’s a project, a challenge discussed, or a value that the company upholds.
This shows you were engaged and paying attention.
Follow Up Again if Needed
If you haven’t heard back within the suggested timeframe, it’s appropriate to send a gentle follow-up email.
Politely inquire about the next steps, and reassert your enthusiasm for the position.
Be Grateful But Not Overbearing
A simple, courteous thank-you is all you need. Don’t overdo it with multiple emails or overly emotional language.
Action Steps:
Draft a thank-you email that you can personalize for future interviews.
Practice the timing—make sure to send your follow-up within 24 hours of the interview.
Consider a second follow-up after a week if you haven’t heard back (but remember to keep it respectful).
This Week's Challenge:
This week, I challenge you to write your thank-you email template and set a reminder to send it after your next interview. Be intentional with your message, and make it count!
Need Help?
If you'd like more personalized follow-up strategies or need help drafting your email, I offer coaching services to refine your approach.
Coming Next Week:
Next week, we’ll dive into Salary Negotiation Strategies—how to confidently navigate the conversation and secure the salary you deserve.
Stay tuned and keep soaring!
With Empowerment and Strategy,
Jen DeLorenzo
Career Coach & Reverse Recruiter
