How To Follow Up After A Phone Interview

Just like any other interview, it’s important to send a follow up after your phone interview. Doing this shows your interviewer that you are interested in the job and it can set you apart from other candidates.

A phone interview is often the first step in the interview process, so it’s important to make a good first impression so they want you back for the other steps in the interview process.

We will go over how to follow up with your interviewer over email, provide examples of emails, and go over 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 mention the specific job and company, as well as specific talking points that were brought up in your interview.

• If you have not heard back from your interviewer in more than a week, sending another follow up email can remind them of who you are and what you discussed in your interview.

Following-Up Your Interview with an Email

One of the best ways to leave an impression with any prospective employer is to send them a follow-up email. This can be very beneficial to you as an applicant. This email should be sent within the first 12-24 hours of your meeting.

There are two different types of follow-up emails you will need to consider when moving forward in the hiring process, a thank you email and a checking in email.

When writing a follow-up email, remember to sound enthusiastic. Here is what you will need to include:

1. Choose the right subject line. You want your subject line to clear and convey your appreciation for the interviewers time. Some examples of subject lines are:

   • Thank you for your time, [interviewers name]

   • Thank you for the opportunity

   • It was great speaking with you today

   • Following up regarding [position title]

2. Thank them for their time. This should be in the first paragraph. You should mention the specific job title, then the interviewer, and express your continued interest in the position and with the company.

3. Talk about your interests and goals. In the second paragraph you should mention the company by name and and specific talking points you had during the meet. Let them know how great it was talking to them and how excited you are about the prospect of being part of the team.

4. Set yourself apart from other candidates. In the final paragraph write about your interest, skills, and qualifications. Show them how you would be an asset to their company by quickly highlighting your strengths and qualifications. Offer them the chance to follow-up with any queries they might have.

5. End with a signature. You should close your email by including your signature and your contact information. Choose a professional closing such as:

   • 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 your company. I enjoyed our conversation and the opportunity to learn more about the position.

   I am very excited about the prospect of working at [name of company] and the chance to work with such a talented group of people. I am really looking forward to [insert point for your interview].

   After our conversation, I am sure that my background in [mention strengths and qualifications] will make me an ideal candidate for this position and your company. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you again for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

   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 about the Marketing Assistant position at your company. I enjoyed our conversation and the opportunity to learn more about the position.

   I am very excited about the prospect of working at ABC Marketing and the chance to work with such a talented group of people. I am really looking forward learning more about the media project and working on other projects with you.

   After our conversation, I am sure that my background in SEO and copywriting will make me an ideal candidate for this position and your company. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you again for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

   Best regards,
   Jane Doe
   123-456-7899
   [email protected]

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

Having to wait to hear back from a prospective employer can be excruciating. Keep in mind that this process takes time and that hiring managers may need to evaluate many other applicants.

Suppose you have not heard back from an employer for more than a week; that does not mean that you are out of the running. Consider giving them a gentle nudge to remind them of who you are and what you discussed during your interview.

Sending them a follow-up email is an excellent way to let the company know that you are still interested in working for them. Unlike in the “Thank You” email, you do not have to mention your strengths, qualifications, and key points. Try to keep the message as short as possible.

Checking In Follow-Up Email Example

How to Prepare for the Interview

• Take the time to read the description written in the job posting. Determine if the company or corporation has everything you are looking for and whether you would be the right person for the job.

  Review the skills and qualifications that the company is looking for in a candidate. Use this information to make a list of your matching qualifications and create talking points for the interview. Include short anecdotes during your talking points that highlight your skills and keep the hiring manager interested.

• Research the company. Let the company know that you have taken the time to learn everything you can about them. Looking for information about the company or corporation will not only help you be prepared to answer their questions; it will also leave an impression with the person that is interviewing you.

• Come up with questions. Come up with a list of questions to ask the hiring manager. In the long run, this will help you determine if this is the right place for you.

• Before you begin your call, pick a quiet place, away from any distractions. The last thing you would want is to miss something important and have to ask the interviewer to repeat themselves.

• Watch your body language during the interview. Believe it or not, the way you compose yourself comes through your voice. While talking to the recruiter, try smiling. Studies show that smiling elevates your mood and your tone. Therefore, you will sound more excited when discussing the prospect of being employed by the company.

• Take notes. Have your pen and notepad ready! It is of the utmost importance to gather as much information as possible during your interview; this will help you, later on, should you need to write a follow-up email.

Final Thoughts

After an interview, most hiring managers will give you a time frame about when you should expect to hear back from them. Keep in mind that they will be evaluating other candidates as well, and might take longer than what they have initially told you.

Sending them a follow-up email can be very beneficial to you and help you stand out amongst other applicants.

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.