The candidate experience is becoming an increasingly important element. Seamless communication will mean that candidates who do not fit your company will also retain a positive memory of you.

You will make a good impression if candidates always know where in the application process they are at any given time, which steps they still have to go through, and when they can expect to hear from you. For this reason, it is also important to tell the candidates what to expect next after their interview.

Three tips you should bear in mind when writing these messages:

1. Keep it short and sweet: Try and pack all the important information in concisely.
2. Explain what happens next: Tell the candidates if there are any next steps and, if so, how they will play out. If not, let the applicants know when they can expect to hear from you again.
3. Communicate promptly: Do not let too much time pass between the interview and the follow-up email. Send out your message promptly after the interview to make a good impression on your candidates.

Template: after interview (general)

Dear Mr. Doe,

Thank you for taking the time to meet us and discuss the position of (job title).

We were delighted to get to know you better and will be in touch again next week with our decision regarding the next steps.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Template: invitation to a second interview

Dear Mr. Doe,

Thank you for taking the time to meet us and discuss the position of (job title).

We were very pleased to get to know you better and think you would be a good fit for our company. We would therefore like to invite you to a second interview where you will be able to meet [interviewers, e.g. the CEO] and any other remaining questions can be answered.

If you also believe you would fit in well at our company, we look forward to hearing from you and to arranging a time and date that suits us both.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Template: invitation to an assessment center

Dear Mr. Doe,

Thank you for taking the time to meet us and discuss the position of (job title).

We were very pleased to get to know you better and think you would be a good fit for our company. As a next step, therefore, we would like to invite you to complete an assignment simulating the professional tasks you would need to perform in this role and which allows you to highlight your skills.

If you also believe that you would fit in well at our company, please let us know promptly and we will send you detailed instructions for the assignment.

Sincerely,
[Your name]