You had just completed your interview which could have been a walk in the park or as nerve-racking as meeting the parents of your date for the first time. Either way, it is important to follow up with the hiring manager.

By following up, you're reminding the interviewer that you're a strong candidate for the job and you are reinforcing the fact that you are qualified and should be given serious consideration. It also reaffirms that you are still interested in the position and excited about what you learned in the interview and that you’re eager to hear about next steps.

So, what should you write/say and how should you time your follow up?

If you are writing a follow-up “thank you” note, do it within 48 hours and keep it simple and straight-forward. How’s how you can write your “thank you” note:

1. Greet them by their first name

2. Thank the interviewer for taking the time to interview you, specific to the job – including the job title, the date you interviewed, or both

3. Reaffirm that you’re still interested in the position and excited about what you learned in the interview and that you’re eager to hear about next steps

4. Then ask for an update. Tell them any information they can provide would be appreciated, and that you’re looking forward to hearing back from them

5. Finish by saying “thank you,” and then signing off with your first and last name

Keep it short, to-the-point, and well-spaced. Remember to run spell-check and proofread everything before sending your follow up email.