How to write a follow-up email after interview: Tips for Singapore job seekers

Singapore’s job market can be relentlessly cutthroat – and things aren’t getting any easier. An increasing number of graduates remained unemployed six months after completing their studies, according to a 2024 Joint Autonomous Universities Graduate Employment Survey. 

That’s why sending a well-crafted follow-up email after interview is more important than ever. It can make the difference between scoring the role you’re aiming for and a few months more stuck in a job search. 

This guide provides practical tips and email templates specifically tailored for job seekers in Singapore. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming for your next big role, learning how to write an effective follow-up email can significantly improve your chances of landing the job. 

• Why follow-up emails matter in Singapore’s job market 
• When to send your follow-up email 
• Crafting an effective follow-up email after interview 
• Follow-up email templates for different scenarios 
• Do’s and don’ts of writing and sending follow-up emails 
• Maximising your chances in Singapore’s tight job market 
• FAQs 

Why follow-up emails matter in Singapore’s job market 

Follow-up emails are more than a polite gesture. In Singapore’s competitive hiring landscape, they reflect your professionalism, communication skills, and cultural awareness – all traits highly prized by employers.  

Here’s why your follow-up email really matters: 

• It shows initiative and genuine interest. Every hiring manager receives dozens of applications for any given job opening. Following up shows you're truly engaged and enthusiastic about the opportunity. 
• It demonstrates strong communication skills. Clear, courteous writing is key in  Singapore's business culture. A follow-up email gives you a chance to create a positive impression through your ability to communicate professionally and succinctly. 
• It offers an opportunity to address missed points. Perhaps you forgot to mention a relevant project or elaborate on a question you were asked—this is your chance to fill in the gaps! 
• It keeps you at the top of the recruiter’s mind. The job interview process in Singapore averages 25.4 days, so a follow-up email helps you remain front and centre in the interviewer's mind. 
• It respects Singapore’s business culture. Singapore’s professional culture values hierarchy, efficiency, and building rapport. A well-written follow-up email shows you understand and respect these cultural expectations. 

If we haven’t convinced you yet, consider this: In a job market where over six in ten job seekers report increased difficulty in the job search, a follow-up email isn’t just appreciated – it could be the edge that gets you hired. 

When to send your follow-up email

Timing is everything in the hiring process. Sending your email too soon may seem impatient and make you come off a bit “kiasu”. But if you wait too long, you risk being forgotten. 

The sweet spot for a thank you email is within 24 to 48 hours after the job interview. It’s fresh enough in the recruitment process that your job interview is still top of mind, but respectful of the interviewer’s time. 

If you receive no response, wait five to ten business days after the job interview date to send a polite status check-in. Recruiters suggest that this is the perfect window in the decision-making process for companies to review your application. 

If the job posting mentions a closing date, contact the hiring manager one week after that date. 

Tips for timing your follow up email effectively 

Don’t follow up too quickly or too brashly. Instead, show that you respect your potential employer’s time before and after the job interview! 

Also, keep in mind that these aren't hard and fast rules. The COVID-19 pandemic has upended many norms in the hiring process. Your hiring manager might be managing multiple digital platforms and internal processes, and the recruitment process has largely shifted from in-person to virtual platforms. This may potentially affect follow-up email timelines. 

In any case, don’t assume a delay means they aren’t interested. Patience and timely follow-up emails will help you advance in the interview process. 

Crafting an effective follow-up email after interview 

Ready to write? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft a polished, professional follow-up email that will win hearts in Singapore’s hiring landscape. 

• Your subject line: Keep your subject line clear and professional. If you have an existing email thread with the recruitment manager, use it to keep the conversation organised. A courteous subject line lets the recipient know what your message is about while maintaining a respectful and professional tone. Try out these examples:   

“Thank You – Interview for [Job Title] on [Date]”   “Following Up – [Your Name], [Job Title] Interview”

• Use appropriate formality in your greeting. If your interviewer introduced themselves as “Ms Tan” or “Mr Ahmad”, stick with that. Avoid first names in your follow-up email unless you are explicitly invited to use them. 
• Watch your tone. Tailor your message to reflect the company’s tone and values. And take note of the indirect communication style that Singapore employers prefer – it’s better to suggest or offer rather than demand. Phrases like “I hope to contribute to…” or “Should you require any more information…” go a long way.
• Thank them for the opportunity. Express appreciation for their time and insights. Mention something specific from the interview to make it personal. Here’s an example:  

“Thank you once again for taking the time to speak with me about the Marketing Executive role. I especially enjoyed learning about your upcoming campaign launch and the team’s focus on data-driven strategy – it made me even more excited about the opportunity to contribute.” 

• Restate your interest and unique strengths. Briefly explain why you're excited about the role and how it aligns with your career aspirations. Take the opportunity to remind them (concisely) of your key qualifications and how they align with the company’s needs. Mentioning relevant digital skills may be a game-changer; with 47% of Singaporean organisations fully implementing customer service AI, highlighting digital know-how in a follow-up email could give you a competitive edge. 
• Address missed points or offer more info. Use this opportunity to clarify answers or share a relevant project, portfolio link, or certificate. 
• Close politely. End with a forward-looking sentence such as, “I look forward to hearing from you”, or “Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need more information.” And always end on a courteous note; even if this role doesn’t pan out, maintaining a good relationship can open doors later. 
• Include a complete professional signature. Sign off with your full name, phone number, and email address. 
• Proofread before you send. A follow-up email rife with typos, misspellings, and misgendering (calling Mr. Mahbubani 'Ms.', for instance) is a fast track to the rejection pile. 

Follow-up email templates for different scenarios 

Feel free to repurpose the email templates below. They’re tailored to specific follow-up situations you may encounter in your job hunt. Just customise your email before sending it. 

1. Thank-you email (within 24 to 48 hours) 

Subject line: Thank You – Interview for Marketing Executive Role on 15 March 

Dear Mr Lee, 

 Thank you once again for the opportunity to interview for the Marketing Executive role at [Company Name]. I appreciated learning more about your team’s vision and the exciting projects in the pipeline. 

 Our conversation deepened my interest in joining [Company Name], particularly your data-driven approach to marketing campaigns. I’m confident that my experience in analytics and campaign optimisation will add value to your objectives. 

 Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any further information. I look forward to the next steps. 

 Warm regards, 
 [Full Name] 
Mobile Number] | [Email] | [LinkedIn] 

2. Follow-up email (no response after the promised timeline) 

Subject line: Following Up – Interview for Marketing Executive Role 

Dear Mr Lee, 

I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to follow up on my interview for the Marketing Executive position on 15 March. 

I remain very enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name], especially after learning about your team’s focus on customer engagement and innovation. 

I understand the hiring and interview process takes time and appreciate the effort involved. Please let me know if there are any further details I can share. 

Thank you once again for the opportunity. 

Best regards, 
[Full Name] 

3. Email to provide additional information or clarification 

Subject line: Additional Information – Marketing Executive Interview 

Dear Mr Lee, 

Thank you again for the insightful interview on 15 March. I wanted to share a portfolio link showcasing the social media campaign we discussed, which helped increase engagement by 60% over a three-month period: [Insert Link]. 

I believe this experience aligns well with [Company Name]’s digital marketing goals. 

Please feel free to reach out if you need more details. I’m happy to elaborate. 

Kind regards, 

[Full Name] 

4. Final follow-up email (before moving on) 

Subject line: Final Follow-Up – Marketing Executive Role 

Dear Mr Lee, 

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to check in one final time regarding the Marketing Executive position. I remain very interested in the role and in contributing to [Company Name]. 

However, I understand hiring priorities may have shifted. If I don’t hear back, I completely understand and appreciate the opportunity to have been interviewed. 

Wishing you and your team continued success, and I hope we’ll cross paths again in the future. 

Warmest regards,  

[Full Name] 

Do’s and don’ts of writing and sending follow-up emails 

Follow these dos and don’ts for writing a professional and polite email. This will save you plenty of grief and help you get your application noticed by the hiring manager in all the right ways. 

Do: 

• Use a polite and respectful tone. A courteous message sets a positive first impression and reflects professionalism. 
• Customise your email for each role. Tailoring your message shows genuine interest and effort, which the hiring manager will appreciate. 
• Use formal titles (Mr., Ms., Dr.). Proper address demonstrates respect and awareness of professional norms. 
• Proofread carefully. Spelling and grammar errors can undermine your credibility. 
• Mention any relevant skills. Highlighting your own experience in the employer’s field can give you a competitive hiring advantage. 
• Show awareness of the company’s work by referencing specific projects or company values. This will let the hiring manager know you’ve done your homework. 

Don’t: 

• Be overly pushy or impatient. Employers may be put off by pressure or unrealistic expectations. 
• Send the same email to multiple employers. Generic messages suggest a lack of sincerity and focus. 
• Use slang or humour that could be misread. Informal language, such as Singlish, may come across as unprofessional or confusing. (So might emojis.) 
• Include unrelated personal information. Keep your message relevant to the role and your qualifications. 
• Criticise companies or competitors. Negative remarks can reflect poorly on your attitude and judgment. 
• Overstate your qualifications. Exaggeration can damage trust and backfire during interviews or checks. 
• Demand a decision or timeline. Employers appreciate patience and professionalism during the hiring process. 

Maximising your chances in Singapore’s tight job market 

The job interview process is often long and competitive, so even the smallest details can make a big difference. A follow-up email is one of those details. When done right, it shows that you're proactive, professional, and in tune with the company culture and workplace expectations. 

Use the tips and templates above to craft follow-ups that not only show appreciation but also keep you at the top of their minds. Mastering the follow-up email isn't just good manners—it could be the key to landing that job offer. 

Stay adaptable, stay curious, and remember: in today’s hybrid and digital-first job landscape, communication is everything. 

FAQs 

1. How soon should I send a follow-up email after interview? 
   ⁠⁠Ideally, you should send a thank-you email within 24 to 48 hours of the interview. This timing strikes the right balance – the conversation is still fresh, and it shows that you respect the interviewer’s time. 
2. What if I haven’t heard back after my follow-up email? 
   ⁠If you don’t get a response, it’s best to wait five to ten business days after your interview before checking in again. If a specific closing date is mentioned in the job posting, follow up one week after that date. Patience is important; delays don’t always mean a lack of interest. 
3. Is it really necessary to send a follow-up email after interview? 
   ⁠Yes. A follow-up email isn’t just polite – it can positively influence the decision making process. It shows your initiative, strong communication skills, and cultural awareness, especially in a work environment that values relationship-building and hierarchy.  
4. What should I include in a follow-up email? 
   ⁠Keep it short and professional. Thank the interviewer, mention something specific from your conversation, express your interest in the role, and briefly highlight the relevant skills or experience that make you a good fit. End with a polite and forward-looking note, and don’t forget to proofread! 
5. Should I tailor follow-up emails for each company? 
   ⁠Absolutely. Customising your email shows attention to detail and a genuine interest in the company. Avoid copy-paste templates – tailor your message to the role, the organisation’s values, and your specific conversation during the interview. 
6. Are digital or AI-related skills worth mentioning in a follow-up email? 
   ⁠Definitely, with nearly half of Singaporean organisations implementing AI in customer service, highlighting your digital capabilities (especially if they’re relevant to the role) can give you a competitive edge.