The Power of Follow-Up: 15 Success Stories of Jobseekers Who Went the Extra Mile
In the delicate dance of job interviews, the follow-up can be a pivotal step that sways the outcome. We’ve gathered insights from fourteen professionals, including Executive Career Coaches and CEOs, to illuminate how post-interview communication can make a lasting impression. From sending a memorable thank-you note to reinforcing interview points with a personalized follow-up, these experiences highlight the power of thoughtful engagement after an interview.
- Send a Memorable Thank-You Note
- Express Gratitude and Passion via Email
- Thoughtful Follow-Up Enhances Candidacy
- Casual Store Visit Demonstrates Genuine Interest
- Combine Email and Personal Gestures
- Innovative Follow-Up Showcases Team Mindset
- Vocalize Questions to Show Career Engagement
- Personalized Email Highlights Problem-Solving Skills
- Engaging Video Follow-Up Elevates Candidate Status
- Enthusiastic Outreach to HR and CEO Pays Off
- Persistence After a Tough Interview Can Win
- Eagerness in Follow-Up Outshines Experience
- Strategic Follow-Up Package Influences Hiring Decision
- Prompt and Personalized Email Impacts Candidacy
- Personalized Follow-Up Reinforces Interview Points
Send a Memorable Thank-You Note
I always tell all my clients about the importance of leaving a lasting impression, and a great way to do this is to send a thank-you note after the interview.
The objective is to help keep you memorable in the hiring manager’s mind, so highlight something from the interview you resonated with and want to reply back to them.
I had a client who is a Senior Sales Manager let me know that when she landed her role, she received feedback from the company that her thank-you note was one of the best the company had ever received.
There is no one thing that will tip the balance on its own, but when we do a lot of little things right, it can all add up to make you memorable and help you land that job.
James Tomasi Kennedy, Executive Career Coach-Recruiter
Express Gratitude and Passion via Email
Following up after an interview plays in your favor more than you realize. Even sending a simple “thank you” email shows your interest and provides an opportunity to remind the interviewer of why you would be a great fit for the position.
I often get follow-up emails from candidates; however, I received one that expressed immense gratitude for my time and the client’s. It left a positive impression and demonstrated their passion for the position and company. The client was impressed by their email, and it helped move the candidate to the final interview round.
Benjamin Farber, President, Bristol Associates, Inc.
Thoughtful Follow-Up Enhances Candidacy
Follow-up communication after an interview is absolutely crucial. It shows me two things loud and clear: one, that you’re genuinely interested in the position, and two, that you’re a professional who understands the importance of following through. In a competitive pool of candidates, that extra effort can definitely make someone stand out.
I once had two finalists for a writer role, both very qualified. One sent a generic thank you; the other wrote a thoughtful note mentioning a specific point from the interview that resonated with them and how their skills could directly apply. That extra effort definitely helped solidify their candidacy, and they ended up getting the job.
Kimberley Tyler-Smith, VP of Strategy and Growth, Resume Worded
Casual Store Visit Demonstrates Genuine Interest
We had a candidate interview with us for a store manager role. She did well and mentioned how she uses our products, but never knew we had a retail store near her. Without letting us know, a couple of days later she came by, purchased some products from us, did a quick hello, and said, “I told you I loved your products.”
She then left. She didn’t push me to see if she was hired or not. I loved that for some reason. We called her the following day for the job. She has now been with us for almost two years.
Jeff Michael, E-Commerce Business Owner, Supplement Warehouse
Combine Email and Personal Gestures
Follow-up communication after an interview is vital; it not only shows your interest and enthusiasm for the role but also keeps you top of mind for the hiring team. Beyond the traditional thank-you email, a thoughtful in-person follow-up can further distinguish you from other candidates.
An example that underscores the impact of a memorable follow-up involved a candidate who, after sending a customized thank-you email to each interviewer, went a step further by dropping off a small, thoughtful gift at the office. This gift was a book relevant to a project discussed during the interview, accompanied by a note expressing their excitement about the possibility of contributing to such projects and their appreciation for the interviewers’ time. This gesture was not expensive or extravagant but showed genuine interest and a personal touch that resonated with the team’s culture.
The combination of email and a personalized in-person gesture made a significant impact. It demonstrated the candidate’s attentiveness during the interview, their commitment to the role, and their ability to connect on a personal level. This strategic and thoughtful follow-up contributed to a positive and lasting impression, ultimately helping to secure the candidate’s position with the company.
It’s crucial, however, to ensure that any gift is appropriate, professional, and aligns with the company’s policies and culture. A well-considered follow-up, whether through email, an in-person gesture, or a small gift, can be a powerful tool in making your candidacy memorable.
James Edge, CEO, Beyond The States
Innovative Follow-Up Showcases Team Mindset
After interviews, I’ve found follow-ups to be more than just good manners—they’re opportunities. There was this one time a candidate sent us a note that did more than just express thanks. They dove into how they’d use Taskade in their workflow, compared us thoughtfully with competitors, and even offered some fresh ideas for our platform. It was like getting a window into their keen understanding and enthusiasm for our product.
This approach really made them stand out. It wasn’t just about following up; it was about showing they were already thinking as part of the team, ready to dive in and make an impact. That level of initiative and insight? It’s exactly what we look for. It turned a routine follow-up into a memorable exchange that significantly boosted their standing with us.
John Xie, Co-Founder and CEO, Taskade
Vocalize Questions to Show Career Engagement
As someone heavily involved in the hiring process, I’ve noticed that some potential hires are hesitant to ask hard-hitting questions and follow up on anything related to the hiring process.
Personally, I think that being vocal about your questions and needs shows the employer more about your potential fit within the company than just sticking to whatever was discussed in the interview.
Following up doesn’t mean you’re overly eager; it means you take your career into careful consideration, and it shows the employer that you are the type to blaze trails for your career.
Jamie Frew, CEO, Carepatron
Personalized Email Highlights Problem-Solving Skills
Follow-up communication after an interview is incredibly important as it demonstrates a candidate’s continued interest in the position and their professionalism. It’s an opportunity to reaffirm their enthusiasm for the role, clarify any points that may not have been fully addressed during the interview, and leave a lasting, positive impression on the hiring team. I recall a particular instance where a candidate’s follow-up genuinely stood out.
After a very competitive interview process, this candidate sent a personalized thank-you email that not only expressed gratitude for the opportunity but also succinctly summarized how they would tackle a challenge we had discussed during the interview. This thoughtful approach not only showcased their problem-solving skills and attention to detail but also cemented their commitment to contributing value to our team. Their follow-up communication was a decisive factor in our final decision to extend an offer.
Engaging Video Follow-Up Elevates Candidate Status
Quality follow-up communication can be a secret unlock for any candidate seeking employment. After a recent interview, we had a candidate proactively reach out with a short video that elaborated on their passion for our industry, our mission, and our culture. It immediately elevated their status in our post-interview assessment.
Not only was the communication personal, but it was also highly relevant and engaging. For us, the personal nature of the video left us with an incredible perspective on the candidate that we would not have had otherwise!
Roman Villard, Founder, Full Send Finance
Enthusiastic Outreach to HR and CEO Pays Off
Follow-up communication is an excellent way to illustrate enthusiasm and commitment to the role or company you are interviewing with. One of our candidates not only sent follow-up emails to those who interviewed her but also to our HR Manager, who organized the meetings.
Moreover, she began the interview process by reaching out to me, the CEO, with a concise email explaining why she was interested in the position and why she was a good fit for the company as a whole. This enthusiasm spoke volumes, and we hired her!
Corey Schwitz, CEO and Founder, Skydog Ops
Persistence After a Tough Interview Can Win
Always follow up after an interview, even if you think the interview went sideways. I had a client who interviewed for a dream role. Despite our preparation, everything about the interview went sideways. He came back to my office that same day, terribly upset. I suggested calling back to ask for another shot.
He was scared but agreed to do so. To his surprise, the manager appreciated his ability to regroup after a mistake and invited him to return that afternoon. My client, who started his day at a personal low, ended his day with an offer of employment.
If you think about hiring from the perspective of the hiring manager, they are generally not only doing their job but also finding a suitable candidate and dealing with some portion of the extra work created by being short-staffed. It’s up to you, the candidate, to keep yourself front and center during the process.
Erica McCurdy, Managing Member, McCurdy Solutions Group LLC
Eagerness in Follow-Up Outshines Experience
When we started our Virtual Assistant platform, www.Hybridhub.nl, I, as a founder, handled the recruitment myself. We would always open up job posts within our community, and Virtual Assistants could respond to these posts. I went from full-time entrepreneur to full-time recruiter real quick. There were approximately 80 reactions when we posted a remote job, and I wanted to give everyone a fair chance. I would interview 5-10 VAs based on communication skills, excitement for the job, and personal vision.
Personally, I always liked it when someone was really excited about the job. After the interviews, I would always narrow it down to 2-4 VAs, and then, a lot of times, I made the decision based on someone’s eagerness to get the job. For me, it just shows that they really want the job and are willing to go all in.
To get back to the question, one time we had a job posted for an E-commerce company that was looking for a general store manager. We had someone who, based on experience, could do a better job. We always send an introduction video with some information about the VAs we think are the right fit. In this case, our client picked the person who showed way more interest in the follow-up messages and the introduction video.
Experience and quality are not always the main factors. Think big, show excitement, and good things will come your way!
Jurrian Eerden, Founder, Hybridhub
Strategic Follow-Up Package Influences Hiring Decision
A memorable experience underscoring the power of an effective follow-up involved a candidate who transformed their candidacy from being a strong contender to the top choice, all through a thoughtfully crafted follow-up.
After participating in a highly competitive interview process for a senior leadership role, this candidate sent not just a thank-you email but a comprehensive follow-up package. This package included a personalized thank-you letter, a detailed 30-60-90-day plan outlining their strategy for the role, and a series of short video clips in which they addressed the interview panel, reiterating their enthusiasm for the position and how they planned to address specific challenges discussed during the interview.
What made this follow-up truly impactful was the candidate’s effort to restate their qualifications and their proactive approach to showcase how they intended to transition into the role seamlessly. This approach demonstrated a deep understanding of the company’s needs, a clear vision for the future, and a commitment to adding value from day one.
This candidate’s follow-up turned the tide in their favor, significantly influencing our decision. It highlighted their exceptional communication skills, strategic thinking, and genuine interest in the role. This experience was a powerful reminder of how strategic follow-up communication can elevate a candidate’s standing and leave a lasting impression on the hiring team.
When done thoughtfully and strategically, follow-up communication can be a game-changer in the hiring process. It presents a unique opportunity for candidates to reinforce their strengths, address concerns, and demonstrate their commitment to the role and the organization.
Laurie Hyllberg, Vice President, Kinsa Group
Prompt and Personalized Email Impacts Candidacy
I believe follow-up communication after an interview is extremely important, especially in the creative industry. As a creative director, I always appreciate when a candidate takes the time to send a thoughtful and personalized follow-up message after our interview. For example, one experience that comes to mind is a candidate who sent me a follow-up email within 12 hours of our interview. In the email, she expressed her excitement about the position and shared some additional ideas she had for a project we had discussed during the interview. She also included links to some relevant work samples that showcased her skills and experience.
We ended up hiring her for the project because she showed genuine interest in the position and had taken the time to do additional research and preparation. Obviously, you don’t have to follow up in 12 hours, but the promptness and thoughtfulness of her follow-up definitely made a significant impact on her candidacy.
Tom Molnar, Operations Manager, Fit Design
Personalized Follow-Up Reinforces Interview Points
Follow-up communication after an interview can be crucial in leaving a lasting impression on the hiring manager and reinforcing your interest in the position. It demonstrates professionalism, enthusiasm, and proactive communication skills, all of which are highly valued by employers.
One memorable experience I had involved a candidate who followed up promptly after the interview with a personalized email expressing gratitude for the opportunity to interview and reiterating their enthusiasm for the position. They also took the initiative to address specific points discussed during the interview and provided additional insights into how their skills and experience aligned with the job requirements.
This thoughtful follow-up not only showcased the candidate’s genuine interest in the role but also allowed them to further highlight their qualifications and suitability for the position. It left a positive impression on the hiring team and ultimately played a significant role in their candidacy, leading to their eventual selection for the role.
Margaret Buj, Interview Coach and Sr. Talent Acquisition Partner, Mixmax
