Preparing for a job interview is more than just the interview itself. In the UK job market, following up after the interview is important. Many people forget to do this, but sending a good follow-up email can help you stand out and show you're still interested in the job.
The interview process doesn’t finish when the interview ends. A polite follow-up can make a big difference and help you stay in the employer's mind. This small step shows you are keen and professional, which can improve your chances of being chosen.
At Macildowie, we know how important it is to follow up after interviews. As a trusted recruitment partner, we give advice on how to write a great follow-up email. We help candidates like you make a lasting impression and stand out in the hiring process.
Why Following Up After an Interview is Essential
Shows Professionalism and Enthusiasm
A follow-up email shows that you are professional and serious about the job. It also shows you are thankful for the chance to interview. Sending a good follow-up proves you care about the role and have good manners. This can make you stand out in the UK’s competitive job market. Employers see follow-ups as a sign that you are eager and pay attention to details. These are important qualities in any job, and they can set you apart from other candidates.
Keeps You Top of Mind
Sending a follow-up email helps the interviewer remember you when they are deciding between candidates. In busy hiring processes, a follow-up can make sure you stand out from the crowd. Macildowie advises using this to remind the interviewer why would suit the role. This is your chance to highlight your skills once again and reinforce your suitability for the position. It helps keep you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
Strengthens Your Connection with the Interviewer
A follow-up email is also a way to build a connection with the interviewer or hiring manager. It shows that you appreciate their time and are open to future conversations. Even if you don’t get this job, a follow-up can lead to other chances in the future. It helps you leave a positive impression and could open doors later on. Macildowie suggests using follow-ups to grow your network and create strong professional relationships.
The Timing of a Follow-Up: When to Reach Out
Immediately After the Interview
It’s a good idea to send a thank-you email within 24 to 48 hours of your interview. This shows that you are professional, polite, and attentive. Sending your email within this time shows that you’re organised and thoughtful, without being pushy. A quick follow-up also helps keep you fresh in the interviewer’s mind. In the thank-you email, express gratitude for their time, and mention your interest in the role. This can leave a lasting, positive impression on the hiring team.
Following Up on a Decision
If the interviewer gives a timeframe for when they will contact you, wait until that time has passed before following up. If you haven’t heard back after 7 to 10 days, it’s okay to send a polite follow-up email. This should be short and respectful, simply asking if there’s been any update on the decision. It shows your continued interest without seeming impatient.
When to Stop Following Up
Two follow-up emails are usually enough after an interview. If you haven’t heard back after the second email, it’s best to move on and focus on other opportunities. While following up shows interest, sending too many emails can come across as pushy. If the employer is interested, they will contact you. If not, it’s a sign to focus your energy elsewhere.
How to Craft the Perfect Follow-Up Email
Thank You Email After the Interview
A good thank-you email should be short and polite. First, thank the interviewer for the opportunity. Then, remind them of your interest in the job and why you are a good fit. This can help keep you in the employer's mind.
Sample Thank-You Email:
Subject: Thank You – [Job Title] Interview
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I really appreciate the chance to interview for the [Job Title] role. Learning more about the position and the company was great. I am very excited about the opportunity to show my skills and experiences. I believe I’m a great fit for the role and your team.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Follow-Up If You Haven’t Heard Back
If you haven’t heard back within the expected timeframe, send a polite follow-up. Keep it short and professional. Reaffirm your interest and ask for any updates on the decision.
Sample Follow-Up Email:
Subject: Follow-Up on [Job Title] Interview
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I hope you’re well. I wanted to follow up on the [Job Title] interview I had on [Date]. I’m still very interested in the role and would appreciate any updates on the hiring process. Thank you again for the opportunity, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Asking for Feedback If Unsuccessful
If you’re not selected for the job, asking for feedback can help you improve. Be polite, and talk about your feelings towards the opportunity. Keep the request brief and professional.
Sample Feedback Request Email:
Subject: Request for Feedback – [Job Title] Interview
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for letting me know about your decision regarding the [Job Title] role. While I’m disappointed, I appreciate the opportunity to interview. If possible, I would be grateful for any feedback you could provide to help me improve for future opportunities.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Follow-Up Emails
Being Overly Aggressive or Pushy
Following up too often or using pushy language can harm your chances of being hired. If you send too many emails or demand a response, it can make you seem impatient or unprofessional. Employers need time to make decisions, so it’s important to respect their timelines. A polite follow-up shows your interest, but pushing too hard may put them off. We recommendsticking to one or two follow-up emails to avoid coming across as aggressive and to maintain a professional tone.
Using Generic or Impersonal Messages
Sending a generic follow-up email can make you seem insincere or uninterested. It’s important to personalise your message. Do this by mentioning specific points from the interview or focusing on skills that are relevant to the job. This shows that you’re truly interested in the role and have put thought into your message. A generic email, on the other hand, can feel like an afterthought, and employers may not take it seriously.
Forgetting to Proofread
Proofreading your follow-up emails is crucial. Spelling mistakes or typos can leave a bad impression and make you seem careless. Taking a few extra minutes to review your message shows professionalism and can also highlight attention to detail.
How to Leverage LinkedIn for Post-Interview Follow-Ups
Connecting with the Interviewer on LinkedIn
After the interview, it’s a good idea to connect with the interviewer or hiring manager on LinkedIn. When sending a connection request, make it personal. Mention the interview and thank them for their time. This shows that you are polite and interested in building a professional relationship. A simple message like: "Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] role. I enjoyed our conversation and would like to connect on LinkedIn." can leave a positive impression. This can help you stay connected and continue the conversation.
Engaging with Company Content
Following the company on LinkedIn and engaging with their posts is another subtle way to stay on the employer’s radar. You can like, comment, or share their updates to show your interest in the company. It keeps you visible without being too forward. We encourage candidates to stay active on LinkedIn. This can help build professional relationships and shows that you are engaged with the industry. This approach can help you stand out when the company is making decisions.
Posting Thought Leadership Content
You can impress potential employers by posting content related to your industry on LinkedIn. Share interesting articles, write your own posts, or comment on trends in your field. This shows that you know about your industry and care about it. If the interviewer checks your profile after the interview, they will see your posts and may be impressed. We suggest putting useful information on display to make your profile stand out and show that you are an active and informed candidate.
When to Call the Recruiter or Hiring Manager
Knowing When a Phone Call is Appropriate
Phone calls can be more effective than emails. If you need to clarify the timeline or were told to expect a decision by a certain date but haven’t heard back, it might be a good time to call. A phone call can help you get quick answers and show your professionalism. If you’re unsure whether to call, think about the urgency of your question and whether it can be easily handled over the phone.
How to Politely Make the Call
When calling, it’s important to stay polite and professional. The goal is to ask for information, not to pressure the recruiter. Keep the call short and respectful. Here’s an example:
“Hello, this is [Your Name]. I hope you’re well. I wanted to follow up on the [Job Title] role and check if there have been any updates on the decision timeline. I’m still very interested in the position and appreciate your time.”
This approach is polite and focused on gathering information without pushing for a response.
What to Do While Waiting for a Response
Continue Your Job Search
While waiting for feedback, it’s important to keep looking for other opportunities. Don’t put all your hopes on one job, as there are many factors that can affect the outcome. Staying productive during this time is key. Keep applying to other roles that interest you and attend networking events to meet more people in your industry. You could also reach out to connections on LinkedIn. By staying active in your job search, you keep your options open and increase your chances of finding the right role.
Follow-Up on Other Opportunities
While waiting for a response, it’s a good idea to stay active with other job opportunities. If you’ve applied for other roles or spoken to people in your network, follow up with them. Send a quick message to check if there are any updates. This shows that you are still looking for the right job and keeps your job search moving forward. We recommend staying in touch with recruiters and employers while waiting, so you don’t miss any new opportunities. Staying active helps keep your options open.
Keep Your Skills Sharp
While you wait, use the time to improve your skills. You can take online courses, attend workshops, or earn certifications to make yourself more competitive. This can help you stay motivated and improve your CV. Look for training that is relevant to your field or focus on areas where you want to grow. Keeping your skills up to date will make you stand out in future interviews and show employers that you are serious about your professional development.
How Macildowie Can Help with Interview Follow-Up
Macildowie helps candidates with all parts of the interview process, including how to follow up after the interview. We will help guide you on writing professional follow-up emails, like thank-you notes or requests for feedback. Our advice helps you send clear and polite messages that leave a good impression.
We also keep you updated on feedback from employers, so you know when and how to follow up. Macildowie gives tips on the best time to send a message or make a call.
In addition to follow-up advice, we help you prepare for interviews by explaining what is expected in the UK job market. From getting ready for the interview to knowing the right follow-up steps, Macildowie supports you at every stage to help you stand out to employers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, following up after an interview is an important step that shows your enthusiasm, professionalism, and attention to detail. A well-timed, polite follow-up can leave a lasting impression and set you apart from other candidates who don’t take the same initiative. It shows that you care about the role and are serious about making a good impression.
Following up in the right way can make a real difference, especially in a competitive job market. It can remind the employer of your strengths and keep you at the top of their mind during the decision-making process.
For expert advice on interview follow-up and other job search strategies, Macildowie is here to help. We provide guidance to help you succeed in every stage of the hiring process. With our support, you can approach your job search with confidence and stand out to potential employers.
