How to Write a Follow-Up Email
Email etiquette is tricky enough- how do you email somebody that could get you a job, or guide you to breaking into an industry? We here at TransparentCareer have free tips and sample letters to help you out, and help you get that job.
Follow up emails are a great way keep a new connection you’ve just made. You may write a follow up letter to connect with someone after:
- An interview for a job or internship
- A career fair
- A networking event
General Tips:
- Immediately after coming out of the interview, write down anything you talked about with your interviewer(s). Use these topics as talking points in your follow up.
- If you spoke with more than one person, write an email to each person individually. Sending a group email to everyone at once comes off as unprofessional, and tells them that you didn’t want to take the time to send each person an email.
- Keep the emails short and to the point. Chances are you aren’t the only one sending that recruiter a thank you email, so wanting to stand out makes sense. Writing an essay on your experience at the career fair isn’t the right way to do it though – it comes off as unprofessional. Always think about what you would want to see if you were reading thank you letters.
- ALWAYS proofread and make sure you have all names spelled correctly. Grammar and spelling mistakes can be innocent, but make an instant connect for the recruiter that you either don’t know how to spell or are careless about how you write.
- Email subject lines are best to be short but clear. If you can’t think of anything else, a simple “Thank you, (Their name)” will do.
Take a look at a few sample follow up emails below for specific events.
Following Up a Career Fair
Hi (Their Name),
I wanted to thank you for taking the time to speak with me today at (event/university). The (type of work) industry has interested me for a while and it was a pleasure to learn more about (the company) and how it operates. I found (their position in company) to be quite interesting, and enjoyed hearing about how you (project they talked about).
In particular we spoke about internships within (company’s) financial advising department for this upcoming summer. I think I would be a strong fit for one of these positions due to my past experiences working in financial advising. I would love to know what you think the best next step is.
Thanks again for your time, and (if you two shared personal anecdotes or hobbies, this is a great place to connect with them again. Otherwise “thank you for your time” is fine).
Best,
Your Name
Follow Up After Interview
Hi (Their Name)
Thank you for meeting with me today. Hearing about (company’s) work in (field) was interesting and I loved hearing about your ideas for the position.
I’m very excited about this opportunity to work on your vision, and I think my past experiences in (relevant experience, good place to add something if you forgot to mention it in interview) would make a great fit.
Thank you again for your time, and I look forward to speaking with you further.
Best,
Your Name
Connecting After a Networking Event
Hi (Their name),
It was great meeting you at (the networking event) the other day. (Mention something that connected you two during your conversation to remind them of who you are) If you cannot think of anything, refer them to a pertinent article you think they would like.
Schedule a follow up conversation. If they mentioned a position you might want, ask to further discuss it at their convenience. If they are a potential mentor, ask for coffee to talk more about their career path.
It was great to meet you (on day of event) and I look forward to speaking with you again.
Best,
(your name)
Looking for more outlines? We outlined a cover letter and resume to help you out.
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