How to Express Interest in a Job After an Interview

You’ve just wrapped up a job interview, and now you’re left with the lingering question: What’s next?

Expressing interest in the position after the interview is a crucial step that many job seekers overlook. This part of the process allows you to reaffirm your enthusiasm, clarify any points, and stand out in the hiring manager’s mind. But how do you do it effectively?

1. Send a Thoughtful Thank You Email

First and foremost, sending a thank you email is non-negotiable. But it’s not just about being polite—it’s an opportunity to reiterate your interest in the role. Within 24 hours of your interview, craft a message that goes beyond a simple “thank you for your time.” Mention something specific from the interview that resonated with you or highlight how your skills align with the company’s needs.

For example, you might write, "I enjoyed our conversation about the company's approach to patient care, and it reinforced my excitement about the opportunity to contribute to such a forward-thinking team." This personal touch shows that you were engaged during the interview and are genuinely interested in the role.

2. Reiterate Your Fit for the Role

Use your follow-up communication to subtly remind the employer why you’re the best fit for the job. Reflect on the key points discussed during the interview and tie them back to your experience and skills.

For instance, if the hiring manager mentioned the need for a leader who can manage a diverse team, you could write, "I am particularly excited about the potential to lead your multi-disciplinary team, as my experience in managing cross-functional groups has prepared me well for this challenge."

This reinforces your qualifications while demonstrating that you were paying attention to their needs.

3. Clarify Any Unanswered Questions

Sometimes, the pressure of an interview can leave you feeling like you didn’t fully address a question or missed an opportunity to share something important. Your follow-up is the perfect place to address this.

You might say, "In reflecting on our conversation, I realized I didn’t fully elaborate on my experience with project management software. I’d like to share that in my previous role, I successfully implemented a new system that improved workflow efficiency by 20%."

This shows self-awareness and a proactive approach to ensuring the employer has a complete picture of what you can bring to the table.

4. Express Your Continued Interest

While it’s important to express your interest in the role, be careful not to come across as desperate. Instead of saying, "I really want this job," consider a more measured approach like, "Our discussion further solidified my interest in this position, and I am excited about the possibility of contributing to your team."

This demonstrates enthusiasm while maintaining a professional tone.

5. Ask About the Next Steps

It’s perfectly acceptable to inquire about the next steps in the hiring process. This not only shows your continued interest but also helps you manage your own expectations.

You could end your email with, "Could you please let me know what the next steps are in the hiring process? I am eager to continue the conversation."

This indicates that you’re serious about the role and looking forward to moving forward.

Sample Follow-Up Email

Here’s an example of how you could structure your follow-up email:

Subject: Thank You – [Position] Interview

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Position] role at [Company Name] yesterday. I truly enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic discussed during the interview] and learning more about your team’s approach to [relevant aspect of the job].

Our discussion reinforced my enthusiasm for the position and my excitement about the possibility of contributing to [Company Name]. I am particularly drawn to [specific aspect of the role or company culture], and I believe that my experience in [mention relevant skills or experiences] would allow me to make a meaningful impact.

In reflecting on our conversation, I realized I didn’t fully elaborate on [a specific point you want to clarify]. I’d like to share that in my previous role, I [briefly explain your experience or accomplishment related to the point].

Thank you once again for considering my application. Could you please let me know what the next steps are in the hiring process? I am eager to continue the conversation.

Best regards, [Your Full Name]

Final Thoughts

Following up after a job interview is more than just a formality—it’s an opportunity to reinforce your interest, highlight your qualifications, and keep the lines of communication open. By taking these steps, you can leave a lasting impression on the hiring team and increase your chances of landing the job.

If you’re looking to refine your interview skills or need guidance on navigating the post-interview process, consider joining the Brace for Success Career Workshop—a free resource where you’ll learn how to confidently present yourself as the ideal candidate, tackle tough interview questions, and stand out in today’s competitive job market.

Remember, expressing interest after an interview isn’t just about getting noticed—it’s about demonstrating that you’re the right person for the job.