The ideal Post interview email

As a candidate, you want to be focused on two things during the job search:

1. How can I build relationships with people who can influence the hiring decision
2. How can I stand out from all of the other candidates vying for this job

An unmentioned area of interviewing is following up post an interview and how to do it. Sadly, this is where many people shoot themselves in the foot. I would put this down to simply not having an understanding of what goes on behind the scenes.

Let me paint you a picture… you have just shaken hands with your interviewers and told them to have a great day as they walk you to the elevator or the exit, in 2022 it would be as they are about to hang up the Zoom or meet called. You think boom you did it, you answered all the questions well, had some insightful questions for them the job is in the bag, you start imagining what you are going to purchase with that first cheque…

What happens next is often a reviewal meeting where stakeholders who were in the interview share their notes and come to a consensus on whether you would be great for the team. At this moment in time, if it’s a close call between Candidate A & B, it’s the small things that edge a candidate A over, perhaps their likeability.

Back to point 2:how can I stand out from all of the other candidates vying for this job?

A great way to stand out is by tapping into personal interests with interviewers, in one interview I found out the interviewer was an avid reader so I explored what types of books he read and shared some suggestions that cover similar topics from different perspectives. What key pieces of information can you elicit to stand out?

Before that reviewal meeting, you need to ensure you have had another touchpoint to highlight why you are the best candidate for the job, and this is where follow up emails shine. To note: if you have underperformed in the interview chances are not even the best follow up email would help but no worries, head back to the drawing board and aim to be better than last time

Historically, I have found emails to be the best medium to follow up via. In this digital age you should have the interviews email address in the event meeting but if not, look at any communication you have had with their team and identify the format of their email address. You can head to hunter.io to double-check

The more personal information you get during the interview, the more ammo you have to include in your thank-you note.

Subject Message: Thank you for your time today >Name<

The more personal information you get during the interview, the more ammo you have to include in your thank-you note.