You've just walked out of a job interview and you're feeling pretty good about how things went. You prepared beforehand, researched the firm, had solid answers to their questions, and even posed some good questions of your own. As you drive off you take a deep sigh of relief, you've done all you can, now it's just a waiting game.

One might think this is true, but a crucial step still remains—the follow-up. Following through with a thank you email after an interview is a powerful display of professionalism, gratitude, and class. But, how should one go about crafting this message to a prospective employer? 

Here are some things to consider:

1. Send the initial thank you promptly - It's a good idea to send your initial thank you email on the same day of the interview or the following morning.
2. Keep it brief - Chances are the people who interviewed you are very busy. If you send over a long email, the likelihood of it being read is a lot lower. Keep your message brief and to the point.
3. Be specific in your thanks - Make sure to thank the hiring team for the time they took to meet with you and be sure to express specifically what you enjoyed learning about the organization. For example: "I really enjoyed learning about the volunteer work your team is doing in downtown..." 
4. Don't be overly formal - There is a balance between being professional and casual. You typically want a little bit of both. Most people want to work with someone they can relate to personally, so your message should be relatable in tone. It's okay to let your personality show a bit.
5. Restate your interest and enthusiasm - Employers love to know that their potential hire is excited about the opportunity in question. Let them know that you are excited at the prospect of working with them.
6. If you don't hear back, check-in - It's always best to ask what the next steps will be before leaving your interview so that you can have an idea of when you will hear back. If after your initial follow-up you don't hear back within that time frame, send a friendly email asking for an update. A good strategy is to include something like, "if there is anything further I can provide to help in your decision-making process, please let me know."

A thank you email gives you an excellent opportunity to solidify the impression you want to give an employer and provides one more gesture of your interest in the position. In the end, all that you can do is put your best foot forward. Mastering the follow-up is one way to help ensure the strength of that step.