Follow-up email after interview

[Benrad]

So I read an article from America-land that said that you should always follow up an interview of any kind with an email saying thank you for your time, if you have any other questions for me etc etc.

Is that widely done in the UK? I'm applying for graduate positions and sent one today after a telephone interview. I can see it makes me seem more keen but has anyone received one from an applicant and how did it make you feel about them?


Apologies if pea roast, did a quick search to no avail.

[TurricanII]

We (small office based service business, two owners who are British, white, middle aged, one brash one diplomat) are always keen to get the best person and so seeming keen at interview is good enough for us. We only interview five to ten people for a role and so we can quickly choose someone based on how they come across/the extra info they reveal about skills and experience at interview. They don't get to interview unless the CV has already passed a skills check.

VERY generally, a follow up phone call from a young person usually conjures the thought 'my mum/dad/tutor/agency told me to call you after the interview'. A call from middle aged and older people can smell of desperation. What would you say in the call? Say it at the end of the interview face to face instead!

Interviewer "have you any other questions?"

You "no I think we have covered everything, but I would say that the company does sound like the kind of place I would like to work and somewhere I could contribute greatly. I look forward to hearing from you."

At the most, I would ask at interview what date they hope to have made a decision by, and would send a thoughtful and polite email to the interviewers a couple of days after that deadline (asking if the interviewer had been able to make a choice, assuming I have not heard previously). I have received follow up phone calls and, rightly or wrongly, did not appreciate being chased.

[wiffmaster]

After my interview for a training contract, I sent a very brief follow-up email to the two partners who interviewed me. I also sent a (less formal) thank you email to the current trainee who showed me around the offices, took me for coffee, answered questions, etc.

I was offered (and accepted) the contract. Whether that was in spite of, or thanks to, the follow-up emails I'll never know.

[rog007]

A post-interview contact has never caused me to adjust my initial decision at interview. I am however more impressed by the contact prior to interview; informal visits, research around what I do, knowledge that they may have visited similar organisations to improve their knowledge and understanding of what I do. This usually comes out at interview if I'm not already aware from feedback from staff and has made a difference on a number of occasions. Hope that helps. Good luck

[Gargamel]

Hi, I get many follow up emails, it is nothing unusual.

I prefer ones that impose no further need for me to respond, reply or do anything.

Thanks for your time earlier today, it was great to meet you in person and find out moe about the opprtunity and the company, I am certainly very interested in the role.

I look forward to hearing from you in due course.


That pretty much covers it. Doesn't change my views on the candidate, but sometimes does let me know that someone who I thought wasn't really that keen is actually thinking more favourably.

[Benrad]

Thanks all, I guess try and gauge from the type of person they are whether they want it or not.

Sent one and he responded even though my email didn't require one, fingers crossed now!

[Carlton Banks]

A general rule is that if they give you a business card or say that you can contact them at a later date - go for it.

If you have to seek out their email address then it isn't the best idea.

[Benrad]

Good point, great user name btw