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4 Killer Follow-Up Emails When You Haven’t Heard Back After Interview

by Jonathan on 9:05 pm

Alright, the interview went well but it has been two weeks and you have heard nothing. Scratching your head right? What do you do when you haven’t heard back after the interview? How could everything be so positive and then just silence. Have you been there before? You are not really sure what to do but you are still definitely interested. So, you think: “What do I have to lose?”

Well, before bugging the heck out of them with daily phone calls, I want to offer you 4 different killer follow-up letters that you can use to gauge if there is still a pulse. While it is not a bad practice to mail a follow up letter after the interview, I highly recommend that you use these letters as an email. An interview follow up letter can be incredibly powerful. The reason why I suggest the email follow-up is because it makes it easier for the Hiring Manager to reply (either good or bad). In other words, if you are out of the mix, he can easily take you off the hook if he wanted to. No response could still mean there is a pulse and a positive response allows you to reply back and reinforce an interest. This is why a follow up email after interview is so important. Also, it opens a dialog and as long as there is 2 way communication there is a pulse. You can still choose to use the below examples as a follow up letter after interview but I think they work best as an email in my experience.

How to Write a Follow Up Email After an Interview: 4 KILLER FOLLOW-UP EMAILS

Now, I would not recommend sending every single one of these follow-up emails. The interview follow up email needs to be personalized and specific. You need to determine which one below is most appropriate for your situation. Always remember that there is a fine line between moving things in a positive direction and de-railing the whole process. Use common sense to determine what is appropriate. Also, these emails are to be used after you have done the initial thank you notes and some time has past. Pick the follow up interview email that works best for you.

1. Is the Position Still Available Email (Follow up email after interview no response)  - Here is a good follow up interview letter that you can use in order to get a pulse as to what is going on. If you are not sure which one of the four to use then I would go with this one. It basically is asking for information as it relates to the open position that you interviewed for. Feel free to tailor the wording to your liking as it might be a bit bold for some, but this will give you a general feel for the type of follow-up letter that you can use.

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Mr. Smith,

It has been ________(NUMBER) weeks since we last spoke about your company’s _______________(TITLE) position. At that time, you mentioned you would be making a decision soon. As I have not yet heard back from your company, I am unsure if I am still under consideration for this position or if the position has been filled. If the position is still open, I would like to again express my interest in working with you at _______________(COMPANY).

Once again, if you are looking for a performance-oriented person to fill a position in your _______________(DEPARTMENT), my experience is broad-based and will provide a valuable contribution to the right position. I am a self-motivated individual seeking a challenging position that utilizes my strengths and abilities.

Perhaps it may be worthwhile to meet once again and explore the many ways in which I could benefit your company? If you agree, I can be reached at _______________(PHONE/E-MAIL).

Sincerely,
Brad Mills

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2. Request another Interview Email – This one is a bit bolder than the other approaches. If used in the right setting, it can work very well. It is simple and straightforward post interview email in which you can ask for a second interview. It also lets the other party know that you are interested in the opportunity.

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Mr. Smith,

My interest in working for _______________(COMPANY) and the _______________(DEPARTMENT) has increased tremendously since my interview with _______________(NAME) two weeks ago. You are obviously looking for a dedicated professional who can make a difference on the team. I am looking for a team that pushes the limits of what can be accomplished. Our objectives seem perfectly aligned.

As you mentioned in our interview, you need people who can think and act quickly in tight situations and who can deal with a variety of different types of personnel. Throughout my career, I have been recognized by supervisors for carrying twice the workload of most employees. I am proficient in time management, quick to learn new tasks, and have accomplished noted achievements in professional areas requiring diplomacy, confidentiality, and/or sensitivity.

I’ve included an updated copy of my resume so you can review once again my experience and capabilities. I would welcome the opportunity for another personal meeting and believe that it would really give you the opportunity to judge my _______________(FIELD) abilities.

Sincerely,
Brad Mills

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3. Portfolio for Your Review Included Email- This can be used as an opportunity to supply more information to the hiring manager who is in the valley of decision. Use this if you have not heard anything as it gives you an opportunity to put your skills back in front of them in a professional way. If you do not know how to put together a portfolio, then just create a one page word document with your major skill sets and bullet points listed underneath. Use this job interview follow up email as a way to throw your hat back in the ring.

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Mr. Smith,

I appreciate the time you recently took to discuss with me the position you currently have open at _______________(COMPANY). It was a pleasure speaking with you and meeting your very competent staff. I found each of my conversations extremely informative. As I mentioned during our interview, I am confident that, given the chance, I could contribute a great deal to your overall company objectives and goals.

In addition to my experience, skills, and qualifications, I am an experienced team player who brings enthusiasm and energy into group efforts. I know that I can meet and exceed your expectations.

As a helpful resource, I’ve enclosed a representative portfolio highlighting my _______________(FIELD) work. If you feel my talents are in line with your ideas, please feel free to call so we can further discuss _______________(COMPANY)’s needs.

Sincerely,
Brad Mills

Enclosure

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4. Forgot to mention during the interview – the purpose for this one is to send some additional information that you believe could be helpful to the Hiring Manager. This can give you a specific reason as to why you are reaching out to him. It is an “oh, I almost forgot…” kind of email. Used tactfully, it can be very powerful follow up email sample.

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Mr. Smith,

I came away from our interview on _______________(DATE) with a very favorable impression of _______________(COMPANY). Clearly, the leadership begins at the top and carries throughout the entire organization. I welcome the opportunity to work with such a team.

If more time had been available, I would have liked to explain in greater detail my accomplishments at _______________(COMPANY). My responsibilities included training and motivating employees, providing customer service and satisfaction, increasing merchandise sales through sales volume and profitability, shrinkage control and scheduling as well as preparing reports on daily sales and receipts. I was also recognized for high ethical standards in all work performed.

The time and consideration you have given me are very much appreciated. I will call you again next week to determine if you have reached a decision.

Sincerely,
Brad Mills

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There you have it. A powerful sample follow up letter after interview. Hopefully, these will work out well for you or if not at least it has your mind working as to the type of follow-up email you can create. For a limited time, I am sharing an internal document that I use with all of my interview coaching clients. Click the button below for a sneak peak video and for more information.


Jonathan is an Executive Recruiter/Career Coach that has successfully placed hundreds of Accounting & Finance Professionals. If you are currently struggling in your career, he is available on a limited basis for personal 1-on-1 career coaching and for resume makeovers.

  • Kelli

    Thank you for thought provoking and spot on e-mails in follow up to why haven’t I heard from you to quote a Reba Mcintyre song?

  • admin

    You are more than welcome Kelli! I have many more tips, strategies and ideas that I hope to get out soon. Please come back…Thanks!

  • Simhan

    Ah! thats really cool…thank you…all along I have been trying to understand the silence by the hirer and have been always thinking that expressing more interest might hamper my salary negotiations…anyways, will try these as well

  • admin

    You are welcome! Of course, always use common sense, but there is an old saying that goes “Time kills deals.” If you can keep the communication open without frustrating the hiring manager it can work out for you. Especially now, with so many candidates on the market companies are interviewing a lot of people and if you were on the front end of the interviewing you may have been accidentally forgotten as two or three weeks go by.

  • Michael

    Brilliant! Great practical help for those on the job hunt…
    I also can see good use of much of the 4th one for my activity area: after being interviewed as a potential real estate agent to help owners sell their property.

  • admin

    Thanks Micheal. You are right about #4. That could work out well in the real estate field as well. Thanks!

  • http://www.whyjoinconnectrealty.com Heidi Marsh

    Great verbiage…I know this will help some of the “job hunters” with a powerful action step to fill the void of waiting to here! Nicely done Jonathan!

    I’m going to share it with my friends…giving you full credit of course! : )

  • admin

    Thanks I appreciate it. I hope it helps!

  • http://www.whyjoinconnectrealty.com Heidi Marsh

    GEEZ…good thing I’M not job hunting! Look at that incorrrect spelling in my post! I clearly meant “hear” vs “here”

    Sorry about that! = /

  • Matt

    Thanks for this post and those examples. They are really helpful but how long should I leave it? It’s been a week and a day since the interview and silence. I thought it went very well. Is a week too soon? Would it be percieved as being pushy or enthusiastic?

  • Jonathan

    I would definitely reach out to them again. As long as you handle right on the phone you will not come across as pushy. They honestly like to hear from you as that re-enforces interest. Good Luck!

  • Mpjp802

    This was a great posting I love it and it worked I was selected for a 2nd interview, now i need some tips for that.  I am A nurse applying at the hospital for a postpartum unit and I am A new grad.  Any tips for the interview?

  • Jonti06

    Thanks for this! I was scratching my head, wondering what the protocol is when you haven’t received a “yay” or “nay” after an interview.  I’d already sent the “thank you” letter and was stumped for how to follow-up; this article & follow-up e-mail suggestions, were definitely helpful!

  • Anonymous

    You are welcome. I really hope it helps you. I know it can be frustrating for sure when you haven’t heard anything.

  • Anonymous

    Awesome news! Sorry that I am just now seeing this. I am assuming that you probably already had your interview. Chemistry is still a big thing with interviews. Also be sure that you show some positive energy.

  • o-2011

    Thanks! This was very helpful! I’m just wondering if I should follow-up again if I did not get a response to my first follow-up. I had an interview, sent a thank-you email right after. Waited for a week and sent a follow-up email, and it’s been a week since then. Should I wait a week or two more then send another email or just forget about it? I’m not sure if sending another one would make me seem desperate/annoying. It’s a job I really want!

  • MauiRose

    Thanks for this postings and examples. I would also like to know if the Interview Edge System is still available for purchase. I just learned about it now and it does not indicate start/end date offer. I am interested. Please let me know. Thanks.

  • Jonathan

    Sure. There are two options for you to consider. The first is the PDF InterviewEdge Document that I use in interview coaching. You can find out about it here: http://www.cpacareercoach.com/interviewedge-special-report/

    As far as the InterviewEdge System with Online Video Coaching it is one module in the Job Search Mastermind Course. I have currently reduced the price for a limited time. You can watch the entire InterviewEdge system and the rest of the job search strategies by going here: http://www.jobsearchmastermind.com

    Let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks.

  • HALI

    It has been exactly two weeks since i had my interview. The guy told me that they will let me know in a week or two weeks. I am not sure about the date and time as it shows me pushy in their eyes. I dont know what to do at this point ?How about the follow up email ? it should be short asking the status of my application ? i am pretty stresses .I really want the job.

  • Jonathan

    I always coach clients with something I call “polite persistence.” You are right, there is a delicate balance at play here. If you cal them too much they can see you as pushy and desperate. At the same time, not talking to them at all may cause them to think that you are not interested in the job. I think what is best is to do a mixture of “touches.” For example, calling a few days in a row and leaving a message is bad. Send an email and wait for a response. If no response in 48 hours, give them a call. That is not as aggressive. I have found that some people are “phone” people and some are “email” people. They have a preferred way to communicate. You just need to discover which one is their preference.

  • Marlene

    Hi Jonathan. I had a question. I went for a job interview and everything went really good. The interviewer asked for me to write her an email telling her that i was still interested in the job and the hours etc. i wrote that email and she replied back saying ” Thank you, we will be in touch”. It’s been two days and have not heard a response. Should i write her another email?.

    I appreciate your help,

  • Jonathan

    Marlene,

    The fact that she replied to your email is a good sign. Often if they are just playing lip service then they would not reply to the email. Have you had the opportunity to ask about their time frame? How many more candidates still need to interview? When they expect to make a decision? If you have other opportunities that have opened up you could always call and say, “I just wanted to check in and see how the process is going. I have had a few other opportunities open up but I am most interested in your opportunity if I am still a strong possibility.” You can usually gauge how serious of a candidate you are for the job based on their response. Good luck!

  • james

    I read your 4-Killer Follow-Up Emails and I think they are great. I went for an interview for a sales position I really liked. The interview went really well. I interviewed with three managers in that one interview. I submitted a resume and filled out a application on site for the employer. I was asked what did I know about their products. I did not mention and list on my resume that I had experience selling their particular product. I have current experience in this industry which I listed and we discussed, however I left off the experience selling their particular product because it was over 20 years ago and I wanted to keep a short resume and not come across as a job hopper. This could have made a major difference in how the interview went. Is it to late to bring this up in a follow-up email and if so, how would I say it? Or should I not mention it at this point?

  • Jonathan

    Hi James. Thanks for the nice comments. I would use the “forgot to mention in the interview” email template above and customize it to your situation. Admit that it was a years back but that you have stayed up to date on the product. Also, tell them that you know one of the most important thing in selling is that you believe in what you are selling and that you would have no hesitation at selling the product again. Good luck!

  • Louise

    Any suggestions for the Subject Line of this post-interview email? Thanks!

  • Jonathan

    Hi Louise,

    Great question. It really depends. If you want to make sure someone opens it, use “Re:” People almost always open that because it looks like a reply email. That seems to work best. Maybe something like “Re: Open Accounting Position.”

  • Klstrode

    These examples are great!  What would be an appropriate subject line title?

  • Someone

    These examples are great. Thanks

  • Steph

    awesome! Thank you ever so much! :)

  • Anonymous

    I often like to use “Re:” without quote marks to start the title of my email. It helps it to get open a lot. Jonathan

  • Vtejwani

    what if follow email also is not replied ?

  • Anonymous

    no news is….no news. They could have easily replied to your email to let you know that you are not a possibility. After a few days, I would call them.

  • Asusan239

    thank you very much ! the examples are great !

  • http://twitter.com/SafiaD Safia Dodard

    Thank you very much for your examples. I’ve been writing a lot of these lately and I found a lot of new and informative elements in what you suggested. Let’s put it to the test ;)

  • Andi

    Thanks for this! Many forget the all-important thank you follow up letter! I had already sent one for the job I wanted but I knew what the employer was worried about with me (the ever annoying “overqualified” title) so your idea of saying what a great impression the company made on me and sending references really got me thinking. I went from writer’s blck to feeling confident in what I sent and feeling it was appropriate. Thanks a ton!

  • http://linkedin.com/in/carlyleadams Carlyle Adams

    Thanks for this latest info, will use these as followup is critical.

  • Anonymous

    Hi Carlyle. Glad to hear. I hope it works out well for you. Jonathan

  • Anonymous

    Hi Andi. Your welcome! Thanks for stopping in and I hope your job search is going well. Jonathan

  • Anonymous

    Awesome. Glad to hear it! Jonathan

  • Dutch girl

    Thanks for the great examples. I had a good interview yesterday, but I know I lack some experience the job requires, although they still seemed very interested in me. Do I address the fact that I lack certain experience in the follow up letter? Also, honestly, I’m not a 100% sure I could handle the job or want the job. But cannot afford to say “no”.  Any suggestions? Thanks

  • Dutch girl

    Thanks for the great examples. I had a good interview yesterday, but I know I lack some experience the job requires, although they still seemed very interested in me. Do I address the fact that I lack certain experience in the follow up letter? Also, honestly, I’m not a 100% sure I could handle the job or want the job. But cannot afford to say “no”.  Any suggestions? Thanks

  • Jonathan

    Thanks for the comments. I would recommend keeping it positive. If there is to be a 2nd interview you can better discuss those things face to face rather than in writing. Companies do not always hire the most qualified candidate. They hire teammates or people they connect with. 

    Good Luck!
    Jonathan

  • Jonathan

    Thanks for the comments. I would recommend keeping it positive. If there is to be a 2nd interview you can better discuss those things face to face rather than in writing. Companies do not always hire the most qualified candidate. They hire teammates or people they connect with. 

    Good Luck!
    Jonathan