You wrote an excellent cover letter, crafted a perfect resume, and made it through the interview process. Now it’s time to rest while you await the employer’s decision, right? Wrong.  For some employers, how candidates follow up after the interview can make or break whether they get the job.  Sending a well-written follow up email is the best way to shine post interview.  It will let the interviewer know how interested you are in the role and when done correctly, can win the recruiter’s approval.  Here are a few tips to ensure your follow up email sets you apart from the competition.

Follow up in a timely manner.
Your initial follow up should take place no more than 24 to 48 hours after the completion of the interview.  Not only does this show the interviewer that you have excellent business etiquette, It gives them a chance to read your correspondence while they can still put a face to the name.  A recruiter is likely interviewing multiple candidates, so if you wait too long to send a thank you e-mail, you risk getting confused with someone else.  

Say more than thank you.
While it is important to let the interviewer know their time was appreciated, a follow up email should be much more than a simple “thank you”.  They interviewed you because they felt there was a potential benefit to the company to hire you, not because they were feeling charitable. Recruiters receive hundreds of e-mails a day, so just saying “thanks for your time” isn’t going to differentiate you from any other applicant. Instead focus your note more on your enthusiasm towards the position.

Be personal.
Impress the interviewer by personalizing your note to build on the conversation you had in the interview.  If there were any common themes or buzzwords the interviewer kept mentioning, address those topics in your email.  It’ll show that you were engaged during the interview and know what’s important to the organization or more specifically the person that has the power to hire you. 

Sell yourself.
Use the follow up email as a final chance to remind the interviewer why you’re a great fit for the job.  Draw references between the company’s needs and your skill set. You have all the qualifications, competencies, and skills needed to do the job, so it’s up to you to help the recruiter make those connections.  Elaborate on any relevant experiences you didn’t have time to explain during the interview.

Offer your generosity.
The best way to win an employer over is to offer a sample of your knowledge or services free of charge.  If the company was interviewing you for a consulting position, make suggestions of a few clients they should try to engage or offer a solution to a pain point they’re currently having.  If there is a process that’s broken, detail ways in which you would fix it when given the opportunity.  If you can provide the employer with a great solution that they hadn’t thought of free of charge, you’ll be a top pick for the position.   

The key to a great follow up email is to keep it short, simple, and classy.  Be a generous, authentic person, and you’ll make a lasting impression.

For more advice on your job search check the RealStreet Staffing blog regularly. If you’re looking for a position in the engineering and construction industries take a look at our available jobs or contact a recruiter today.