How To Follow Up After A Phone Interview

Following up after your phone interview is essential in today’s competitive job market. This simple act not only demonstrates your enthusiasm for the position but also helps you stand out from other candidates.

A phone interview often serves as the initial step in the hiring process, making it crucial to leave a positive impression that encourages your interviewer to move you forward in the process.

In this article, we will discuss how to effectively follow up with your interviewer via email, share sample email templates, and provide guidance on what to do if some time has passed since your interview.

Key Takeaways:

• Your follow-up email should be sent within 24 hours of your interview.

• Your email should reference the specific job title and company, along with key points discussed during your interview.

• If you haven’t heard back from your interviewer within a week, sending a gentle reminder can help keep you top of mind.

Following Up Your Interview with an Email

Sending a follow-up email is one of the most effective ways to leave a positive impression on a potential employer. Aim to send this email within 12-24 hours of your interview.

There are two types of follow-up emails to consider: a thank you email and a checking-in email.

When crafting your follow-up email, ensure your tone is enthusiastic and professional. Here’s what to include:

1. Choose the right subject line. Your subject line should be clear and express gratitude for the interviewer’s time. Here are some subject line examples:

   • Thank you for your time, [interviewer’s name]

   • Thank you for the opportunity

   • It was great speaking with you today

   • Following up regarding [position title]

2. Express gratitude. In the first paragraph, thank them for the opportunity to interview, mention the job title, and convey your continued interest in the role and the company.

3. Highlight shared interests and goals. In the second paragraph, refer to specific topics discussed during your interview and express your excitement about the opportunity to join their team.

4. Differentiate yourself from other candidates. In the final paragraph, emphasize your skills and qualifications. Briefly outline how you can be an asset to their organization and invite them to reach out with any questions.

5. Close professionally. End your email with a professional closing and your contact information. Consider using one of the following:

   • Sincerely

   • Thank you

   • Best

   • Best regards

Thank You Follow-Up Email Example and Template

1. Follow-Up Email Template:

   Subject Line: [professional subject line relating to interview]
   Dear Mr./Ms. [Surname],
   Thank you for taking the time to speak with me [yesterday/today] about the [name of position] position at [company name]. I truly appreciated our conversation and the opportunity to learn more about the role.

   I am very excited about the prospect of working at [company name] and the chance to collaborate with such a talented team. I am particularly looking forward to [insert point from your interview].

   After our discussion, I believe my background in [mention strengths and qualifications] positions me as an ideal candidate for this role. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out. Thank you once more for your time, and I look forward to your response.

   Best regards,
   [Your Name]
   [Your Number]
   [Your Email Address]

2. Follow-Up Email Example:

   Subject Line: Thank you for meeting with me
   Dear Mr. Smith,

   Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today regarding the Marketing Assistant position at your esteemed company. I enjoyed our conversation and the chance to learn more about the role.

   I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of joining ABC Marketing and working alongside such a talented group. I am particularly eager to contribute to the upcoming media project and collaborate on future initiatives with you.

   Based on our discussion, I am confident that my background in SEO and copywriting makes me a strong candidate for this position. Should you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Thank you once again for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

   Best regards,
   Jane Doe
   123-456-7899
   JaneDoe@gmail.com

How to Create a Follow-Up Email After Some Time Has Passed

Waiting to hear back from a prospective employer can be challenging. It’s important to remember that hiring processes can take time, as managers may be evaluating numerous candidates.

If you haven’t received a response after a week, it’s perfectly acceptable to send a gentle nudge to remind them of your interest and the topics discussed during your interview.

Crafting a follow-up email is an excellent way to reaffirm your enthusiasm for the position. Unlike the “Thank You” email, this message should be brief and to the point.

Checking In Follow-Up Email Example

How to Prepare for the Interview

• Thoroughly review the job description. Assess whether the company aligns with your career aspirations and if you possess the necessary qualifications for the role.

  Identify the skills and qualifications the employer seeks, and prepare a list of your matching attributes. Create talking points with brief anecdotes that demonstrate your skills and keep the hiring manager engaged.

• Research the company. Show that you’ve invested time in understanding the organization. This knowledge not only helps you answer their questions but also creates a favorable impression during your interview.

• Prepare thoughtful questions. Formulate a list of questions to ask the hiring manager. This will not only help you evaluate if the company is a good fit for you but also demonstrate your interest in the role.

• Choose a quiet space for the call. Ensure you are in a distraction-free environment to avoid missing important information during your interview.

• Be mindful of your body language. Your demeanor can be conveyed through your voice. Try smiling while speaking with the recruiter; studies suggest that it can boost your mood and positively influence your tone.

• Take notes. Have a pen and notepad handy to record key information during the interview. This will aid you later when crafting your follow-up email.

Final Thoughts

After your interview, most hiring managers will provide a timeframe for when you can expect to hear back. However, keep in mind that they may be considering other candidates and the process might take longer than initially indicated.

Sending a follow-up email can be a valuable strategy to help you stand out among applicants and reaffirm your interest in the position.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.