How to Send an Email Post-Interview (And Other Follow Up Options)

In most companies, hiring decisions happen fast. When the interview is over, the team starts making a final pick. You'll do the bulk of your convincing when you talk with the team in person, but a well-placed thank you note sent after your meeting can really pay off.

On average, 118 people apply for an open job. Of all the applicants, only 27% get called in for an interview. These stats from Forbes highlight just how competitive the job market really is. It's crucial to stand out.

Think of a post interview thank you message as a way to extend your interview.

• Stay in the game. When you step out of the interview room, does the hiring team know you still want the job? Make your interest clear with a note.
• Sell yourself. Not sure if you've showcased everything you can do for this company? Hello, attachments! Sketch out your best ideas and send them along.
• Fix a mistake. Did you say something inaccurate or silly? Did you wear the wrong outfit? Clarify what went wrong in print.
• Showcase a culture fit. Everyone wants kind, courteous and professional coworkers. Your note helps prove you're all of these things and more.

Every email should be tailored to the company's culture, your conversation and your relevant expertise. There are some general elements should appear in any thank you note you send.

• The date of your talk. Teams may have interviews scheduled over several days. Citing the details of your appointment can remind them of who you are.
• The position you applied for. Don't assume your job is the only one open. Remind the team of your ideal spot.
• An expression of thanks. Don't forget to express gratitude. This letter isn't just about you.
• A reiteration of interest. Remind the company that you still want the job.
• A tease of more information. Keep the conversation going with a few tidbits about value.
• Personalization. Remind the team of an anecdote, clear up a confusing moment, or otherwise call up some part of the interview.

There's a lot of information here, and each email you send will be a little different. Let's explore examples.

Most employment opportunities begin with a quick talk with the hiring manager. This is a pre-screening interview that could move you to the next level of consideration. Your note should be short but sweet.

Dear [hiring manager's name],

Thank you for taking the time to chat with me earlier today. I enjoyed learning more about [company name] and the [job title] position.

After our talk, I feel confident that I'll be a good addition to your team. I'd love to discuss that in person. If I can show you any samples of my work or answer questions, please let me know. [anecdote about the conversation - mention one thing you talked about.]

Sincerely,
[your name]

If you advance in consideration, you'll have a longer interview with the company. You'll probably talk to more than one person, and if you do, each person on the team should hear from you. Ask for business cards after your talk, so you can send thank you emails to the team. Consider sending one note to the whole team, so everyone knows you've reached out.

Dear [name], [name], and [name],

Thank you for giving me the chance to talk with you about [open position] at [company name] on [date of interview]. It was a pleasure to meet you and talk about what you're looking for in this position.

As I mentioned, I feel confident that I can help take your company to the next level. My [notes about experience] could be put to good use as you [note about the company's goals discussed in the interview].

After our talk, I had some good ideas about where we might start. I've attached a sample plan to this email, and I'm including links to my professional portfolio. If you'd like more information on these samples, or if I can answer any questions, please let me know.

Again, it was a pleasure to speak with you. [anecdote about the time spent together]

Sincerely,
[your name and contact information]

This letter is longer, and it dives into detail. That's appropriate for a second conversation that could lead to a hire. If you sit for a third interview, you can send a variation of this same note, but make sure to change the details, so you don't seem robotic and programmed.

Email is immediate, and while that's one of its benefits, risks are involved. Before you hit "send," look over your message carefully and ensure that you do not include mistakes.

• Spelling of names. Use the business cards you were given, or hop on the company's website. Make sure you've spelled the name right in your greetings.
• Dates and titles. Are you referencing the right job title and interview date?
• Spelling. Don't send a note riddled with typographical errors.
• Your name. Do you use a silly nickname in your email program? Send an email message to yourself to make sure it's professional.
• Your photo. Many email programs allow you to attach an image to your email address. Is your snap professional?

Email is both expected and preferred. But what if you want to stand out even more? The U.S. Postal Service says about 187 million pieces of mail get processed each day, and as any pro will tell you, most business mail involves invoices. A note could come with benefits, but there are drawbacks too.

• Novelty. As we mentioned, few people write out their notes with pen and paper.
• Creative opportunities. If you're hoping for a job in the arts, you're looking for a chance to show off your talent. A card can make that happen.
• Personal. Handwritten notes stand out and show how much you care.

• Delay. It can take days for your card to work through the mail system.
• Trendiness. In some settings, being unusual isn't a great idea.
• Accuracy. Will the mailroom deliver your note to the right person?

If you absolutely must use a handwritten note to express your thanks, write it up in the lobby of the business before you head home after your interview. Hand it to the receptionist, and ask for it to be delivered.

Also, we suggest sending a note like this to just one person on the decision committee. Papering the office with notes can seem a little pushy, and burdening the receptionist with multiple notes to deliver can make you seem rude. The email templates outlined above will also work for your handwritten thank you notes.

Nothing is more immediate than a phone call. While you can use your phone to express thanks, there are some risks involved with this practice too.

• Relationship building. A call is personal, and it helps you attach a sound and a feeling to your words.
• Drive. A call is a commitment, and it showcases how much you really care about the job.
• Immediacy. A phone call is spontaneous, and you can tackle the task from almost anywhere at any time.

• Voicemail. Half of all phone calls come from robocallers, says Market Watch. Few of us don’t even pick up the phone anymore, as we don't want to get scammed.
• Pushiness. The hiring team is busy, and your call interrupts their work. It may not be appreciated.
• Isolated. You can't include the entire team on one phone call. You'll either need to call everyone or pick just one person.

If you choose to call, be prepared to answer questions on the spot. Phone calls are conversations, and your team might use the opportunity to clarify anything you left blurry during your talk. Have your resume handy and settle in for a chat if the hiring manager picks up the phone.

If you hit voicemail, keep your message short and sweet.

Hello. This is [your name], and I'm just calling to thank you for talking to me about your [job opening]. I really enjoyed speaking with you, and I'd love to join your team. If I can answer any questions or offer more information, please call me at [your phone number]. Thanks, and have a great day!

If you're trying to think far outside the box, you might be tempted to try a very unique form of thank-you. In the past, we've heard that some job applicants have also done the following:

• Sending flowers
• Delivering cookies
• Sending social media friend requests
• Stopping by for an in-person chat

None of these options are smart, and all of them are pushy. If you feel desperate to reach out in such an unusual manner, the hiring team might know that you didn't get something quite right in your interview.

Let us help! We can connect you with a company you'll love. Search our database of job openings, and you're sure to find one that's right for you. See open jobs now.

7 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Your Job Search. (April 2013). Forbes.

The Shocking Truth About How Many Emails Are Sent. (March 2018). Campaign Monitor.

Here's Why You're Getting So Many Spam Phone Calls. (February 2019). Market Watch.

One Day in the Life of the U.S. Postal Service. U.S. Postal Service.