Following up after an interview can make the difference between getting the job and being forgotten. Most Kiwi job seekers either skip this step entirely or do it poorly, missing a crucial opportunity to reinforce their interest and professionalism.
The key is striking the right balance – showing enthusiasm without appearing desperate, and staying memorable without being annoying. New Zealand's business culture values politeness and professionalism, making the follow-up approach slightly different from other countries.
When should you send your follow-up email?
Send your first follow-up email within 24 hours of your interview. This timing shows professionalism while keeping you fresh in the interviewer's mind. If you interviewed on Friday, send it by Monday morning.
Waiting longer than 48 hours makes you appear disorganised or disinterested. However, sending it immediately after leaving the building can seem overeager. The sweet spot is the next business day.
If the interviewer mentioned a specific timeline ("We'll be in touch by Thursday"), respect that timeframe. Only follow up again if that deadline passes without communication.
What to include in your follow-up email
Your follow-up should be concise, professional, and add value. Start with gratitude for their time, then reinforce your interest and qualifications. Keep it under 150 words.
Include something specific from your conversation to jog their memory. Reference a particular project they mentioned, a challenge they're facing, or a connection you discovered during the interview.
End by reiterating your enthusiasm for the role and mentioning that you're happy to provide any additional information they might need.
Perfect follow-up email template
Subject: Thank you – [Position Title] interview
Hi [Interviewer's Name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday about the [Position Title] role. I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic discussed], and it reinforced my enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Our discussion about [specific challenge or project] particularly resonated with me, as it aligns perfectly with my experience in [relevant area]. I'm excited about the possibility of contributing to [specific goal or initiative they mentioned].
I remain very interested in this position and believe my [key qualification/skill] would be valuable to your team. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need any additional information.
Thanks again for your consideration.
Kind regards,
[Your name]
[Phone number]
How to follow up if you haven't heard back
If you haven't received a response after the timeline they mentioned, it's appropriate to send one polite follow-up. Wait at least a week after their stated deadline before reaching out.
Keep this second email even shorter and more direct. Simply express continued interest and ask about the status of your application. Avoid sounding impatient or pushy.
If you still don't hear back after this second follow-up, it's time to move on. Continuing to email will only damage your professional reputation.
What not to do in your follow-up
Don't send generic thank-you messages that could apply to any interview. Personalisation shows you were paying attention and care about this specific opportunity.
Avoid being overly familiar or casual, even if the interview felt relaxed. Maintain professional tone and formatting throughout your communication.
Never follow up multiple times per week or use urgent language. This comes across as desperate and unprofessional in New Zealand's business culture.
Don't use follow-up emails to add information you forgot to mention in the interview. If it's genuinely crucial, mention it briefly, but the focus should be on gratitude and reiteration of interest.
Following up after panel interviews
For panel interviews, send individual thank-you emails to each interviewer if you have their contact details. Personalise each message based on your specific interactions with that person.
If you only have one contact person's email, send your follow-up to them and ask them to pass along your thanks to the other panel members.
Reference something specific that each person contributed to the discussion to show you were engaged with everyone, not just the lead interviewer.
Using technology to your advantage
If you're struggling to craft the perfect follow-up email, our Write This Email tool can help you create professional workplace emails tailored to New Zealand business culture.
The tool provides templates and suggestions specifically designed for Kiwi workplaces, ensuring your tone and content hit the right notes with local employers.
Following up on social media
LinkedIn connections can be appropriate after senior-level interviews, but only if you had good rapport and the culture seems to suit it. Send a connection request with a personalised note referencing your interview.
Avoid following up through other social media platforms unless the role specifically involves social media and you connected on those platforms during your conversation.
Key takeaways
- Send your follow-up email within 24 hours of the interview
- Keep it under 150 words and include specific details from your conversation
- One follow-up after their stated deadline is acceptable, but no more
- Maintain professional tone even if the interview felt casual
- For panel interviews, personalise messages to each interviewer when possible
Remember, a thoughtful follow-up email demonstrates the same attention to detail and communication skills you'll bring to the role. Make it count, and you'll stand out from candidates who skip this crucial step entirely.