No matter how many job interviews you have had, it’s quite likely that you will always feel a bit nervous before, during, and after one. From highlighting your relevant experience to coming off as friendly, pleasant, and competent, there’s a lot to remember.
But, if there’s one surefire way to impress your interviewer, it’s to ask them questions. We’ve already talked about 10 killer questions to ask during your interview.
But, what should you do when the interview is over? Well, you send a follow-up email and ask follow-up questions!
Keep reading to find out what is a follow-up email, why you should send one, and what are the best questions to ask in your email.
A follow-up email is a message you send to the interviewer after your job interview is over. It shows that you are interested in the position and helps you make a strong impression.
In general, there are three kinds of follow-up emails you can send after an interview:
Now, let’s see why should you even bother with sending these emails.
There are several reasons why sending a follow-up email is a good idea.
First, thanking the interviewer for their time shows that you are polite and professional. Sending a follow-up email is a great way to show your appreciation for the interviewer’s time. It is also a way to build rapport with the interviewer and establish a relationship with them.
Second, it gives you another chance to sell yourself. In your follow-up email, you can mention anything you forgot to say during the interview or elaborate on something you did mention. This is your chance to sell yourself and make sure the interviewer remembers you.
Third, it shows that you are truly interested in the position. Sending a follow-up email shows that you care about the job and would like to be considered for it. This can make you stand out from other candidates who don’t bother sending a follow-up email.
Last but not least, it shows that you are organized and responsible. Sending a follow-up email demonstrates that you are capable of planning ahead and taking initiative. These are both qualities that employers value in their employees.
So, now that you know why you should send a follow-up email, let’s take a look at what you should include in it.
Your follow-up email should be brief and to the point. It doesn’t need to be long or filled with unnecessary details.
In your opening paragraph, you should mention the job position you applied for, thank your interviewer for their time, and express your continued interest in the job and company.
Then comes the opportunity to “sell yourself” one more time. Feel free to mention anything you forgot to say during the interview. Or, you can elaborate on something you did mention briefly. Remember to keep this section concise and to the point. You don’t want your email to be too long.
After you write these two sections, it’s your time to shine and ask one or more follow-up questions that will show your genuine interest in the position.
Let’s find out what questions are appropriate for your interview follow-up email.
In general, you can ask any question that crosses your mind in your follow-up email. But, if you’re not sure whether your question is appropriate or not, don’t worry! Here are 5 best interview follow-up questions you can ask.
You might have discussed this at the end of your job interview, but it could have slipped your mind. But, don’t worry, your follow-up email is a great opportunity to ask this question.
Here are a few variations of this question:
Just be careful not to overstep and ask when you’ll be hired. Too much confidence, in this case, isn’t good.
Job interviews can be overwhelming. Even if you prepare properly for your interview, you will hear a lot of new information. So, it’s perfectly normal to forget to ask about a certain aspect of the job during an interview.
Let’s say that your interviewer asked you if you are okay with traveling for the job and you said yes. At that point it might have seemed like there are no questions needed. But, now that you think about it you don’t know anything about those trips.
Your follow-up thank-you email is the perfect chance to gain clarity on any aspect of the job. Feel free to ask any questions you may have. However, make sure to emphasize that you’re not concerned — you’re just looking for some more details and clarification.
Just like you might have forgotten to ask your interviewer something, the same might have happen to them. So, don’t hesitate to ask your interviewer if they have any additional questions for you in your follow-up email.
By doing so, you will let them know you’re open to answering any other questions that could help with the hiring decision. The simplest way to include this question in your e-mail would be to say something such as: “Please let me know if you have any additional questions for me.”
This question is quite similar to the previous one. Asking the interviewer if they have any additional questions is a bit general – they may ask you anything that doesn’t necessarily have to be related to your position or getting the job.
However, by asking this question you will give the interviewer a hint that you’re willing to do something in addition to the interview that will help them choose you. This can be another interview, a phone call with a different team member, or simply providing more information.
This question also continues to demonstrate your interest in the job and your willingness to do what it takes to get it.
Asking the interviewer: “Do you have any questions for me?” might be too broad and generic. Maybe they did have a question, but they forgot about it.
Asking “Is there anything else you need to help make your decision?” in your follow-up e-mail might result in the interviewer asking you to send a certain document, or just a simple “no” if they can’t remember anything.
But, asking the interviewer if there is something you need to explain in more detail, or, even better mentioning a certain point you feel was left unresolved can give you an opportunity to “sell” your skills and experience one more time. So, don’t hesitate to ask this question when sending your follow-up email!
Asking the right questions in your follow-up email can make a big difference. By asking strategic questions, you will show the interviewer that you’re truly interested in the job, and that you’re not just sending a generic thank-you e-mail.
Don’t forget to tailor your questions to each specific job interview, and make sure to keep them brief and to the point.
And, if you’re unsure about your interview skills or you just can’t seem to find the right job – don’t hesitate to contact us!
Popcorn Recruiters is a recruitment agency with a significant difference: we’re border-less. Located in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, we are in touch with ambitious and talented professionals across Europe. With a deep pool of IT and foreign-language speaking talent, our Popcorn Recruiters are leading the way to successful matches.
As a recruitment agency, our goal is not only to meet the needs and demands of our clients. We also look out for our candidates and make sure they find their ideal employer.
Once you apply to one of our open positions and join our talent network, we become your representatives – something like your personal agents.
First, we’ll have a chat (that is a brief prescreen interview) to get to know you better – your needs, skills, interests, and requirements. Then, we’ll match you with a company we know you’ll fit in with perfectly, help you prepare for the interviews, and help you land that job!
Sounds good? Drop your CV and we’ll get in touch!