Crafting the Perfect Follow-Up Email after an Informational Interview
If you’ve ever had an informational interview, you know how important it is to follow up with the interviewer afterward. Not only does it show your continued interest in the position or industry, but it also gives you the opportunity to stand out and make a positive impression.
The follow-up email is an essential part of the process, and requires careful crafting to ensure it achieves its goal. In this article, we will explore the key elements of a perfect follow-up email after an informational interview and provide practical tips on how to write one.
1. Start with a Professional, Personalized Greeting
When writing a follow-up email, it’s important to start on the right note by addressing the interviewer in a professional and personalized way. Avoid using a generic greeting such as “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern”. Instead, use the interviewer’s name and title if you know it.
For example: “Dear Ms. Smith,” or “Hello John,”
2. Express Your Gratitude for the Interview
Begin your follow-up email by thanking the interviewer for their time. Express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and learn more about the company and position. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and appreciation for the interview.
For example: “Thank you for taking the time to speak with me yesterday. I appreciate the insights and knowledge you shared regarding the company and the role of a software engineer.”
3. Highlight Something Specific You Discussed
To make your email stand out, reference something specific that you discussed during the interview. This will demonstrate your attention to detail and show the interviewer that you were actively listening and engaged during the interview.
For example: “I particularly enjoyed hearing about your experience with the company’s new product line. It was fascinating to learn about the challenges you faced and the innovative solutions you implemented.”
4. Recap Your Relevant Skills and Experience
Reiterate your relevant skills and experience that make you a strong fit for the position. Use specific examples and achievements to emphasize your qualifications and demonstrate your value to the company.
For example: “As a software engineer with five years of experience, I believe my expertise in Java, Python and SQL would be invaluable to the team at XYZ. I have also successfully led several projects that have resulted in significant cost savings and increased efficiency for my current employer.”
5. Express Your Continued Interest and Availability
End your email by expressing your continued interest in the position or industry and reiterate your availability for any follow-up meetings or interviews. This demonstrates your commitment to the process and your professionalism.
For example: “Once again, thank you for the opportunity to learn more about the company and the software engineer role. I am eager to continue the discussion and am available for any further meetings or interviews at your convenience.”
Conclusion
Crafting the perfect follow-up email after an informational interview requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. By focusing on a professional greeting, expressing gratitude, highlighting specific details, recapping relevant skills and experience, and expressing continued interest and availability, you can craft a powerful and persuasive email that increases your chances of moving forward in the hiring process. Remember to keep your language professional and concise, and proofread it thoroughly before sending it. Good luck!
