Your job search doesn’t end after an interview. Asking good questions in a follow-up email can help you stand out among the candidates.
You’ve done it – you got your interview and you think it went well for you. You dressed the best you could, you were on time, and you also asked questions about the company and the position. The following days may fill you with excitement.
Do not worry. You can send a follow-up email. Not only will this help the person in charge to know that you are still interested in the position, it can also help you to stand out from the crowd. This article will help you know how and when to send a follow-up email.
When should I send a follow-up email?
According to experts , it is best to send a follow-up email 24 hours or less after the first interview. In this case you must include the following points:
● Thank the person who interviewed you for their time. If there were more than one, send an email per person.
● You can mention something that perhaps you forgot to say during the interview or talk a little about a point that you would like them to take into account.
● Reiterate precisely why you are qualified for the position and why did you request it
It is also good to ask about the hiring process. Some places contact you if there will be a second interview or can tell you the estimated time of their decision.
If it has been more than a week, you can send an email again with questions that imply that the position and the company continue to interest you. In the following paragraphs, we cover some suggestions for the best questions to include in your email.
Questions about the position
Maybe you made a list of questions but your nerves got the better of you and you forgot some. These questions will help you clarify what the job consists of.
● How much do you have to travel for this position? If you said that there is no problem in traveling for work reasons, it is normal to want to know how often you will have to do it.
● How is success in this position measured? Some jobs have specific systems: you have to sell a certain amount of material or deal with certain numbers of clients. Other jobs measure success by your ability to adapt.
● What kinds of programs are used for this position? Now that many places are still working remotely it is good to ask about the programs you will have to use.
● Is there a skill in which I can train myself to do the job in the best way?You can use this question to prepare or understand if you would like to carry out certain aspects of the job.
Questions about the company
Do not be left with doubts about the company that just interviewed you. With these questions you can learn more about the vision and mission of the company.
● What is the company’s biggest competition today? It is good to know if there are companies that your potential new workplace sees as its competition. This question indicates that the priorities of the company matter to you.
● Can you elaborate on the services you offer? In your enthusiasm for looking for a new job perhaps you have an overview of what the company where you would like to work does. Knowing the details of the company means knowing not only what it does, but also how.
● What are the company’s top priorities in the long and short term?Companies like people who know how to manage their expectations. This question shows your willingness to use your energy for what is most important, not just your own ideas.
Questions about next steps
Maybe you forgot to ask about next steps or the person who interviewed you did not mention them. Make sure to mention it in your email:
● What are the next steps? Other versions of this question are: What can I expect next from this process?
If you’re sending your first follow-up email, it’s okay to ask questions about the next steps in addition to thanking the recruiters and / or interview staff for their time.
If you are sending a follow-up email after a week to get an update, it is best to send the email as short as possible and not ask again about the next steps.
Questions to avoid in a follow-up email
Make sure you give the best possible impression by avoiding questions like these:
● Questions with an emotional tone. Why haven’t they given me the job? Why is it taking so long?
● Invasive or questions about compensation, reimbursements, and benefits. Employers typically provide general information during interviews or on job portals. Still, it’s best to ask these questions if you are hired. That’s where you can negotiate the offer and benefits.
Conclusion
Interviews can be difficult and stressful, but sending a follow-up email shows interest in the position and can even help you clarify things so you can decide if the job is what you really want.
Remember to ask questions about the company, the position, and the next steps. Avoid questions that are too blunt or demanding. Thank the person for their time and remember that there are many resources that can help you send the perfect follow-up email.