Following up after a job interview is a crucial step in the job search process. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the position, remind the interviewer of your qualifications, and maintain a positive impression. For Mandarin speakers or those seeking jobs in Chinese-speaking environments, mastering the appropriate phrases in Mandarin can make all the difference. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to essential Chinese phrases that will help you effectively follow up after a job interview.
The Importance of Following Up After an Interview
In many cultures, including Chinese, following up after an interview is considered a polite and professional gesture. It shows your continued interest in the position and your enthusiasm for joining the company. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to reiterate key points from the interview and to clarify any details that might have been left unresolved.
In the Chinese job market, where competition is fierce, sending a well-crafted follow-up message in Mandarin can set you apart from other candidates. It not only demonstrates your communication skills but also your cultural competence and attention to detail.
Basic Structure of a Follow-Up Message in Chinese
When crafting a follow-up message in Chinese, it’s important to structure it properly. Here’s a basic outline you can follow:
- Opening (问候语 Wènhòuyǔ): Start with a polite greeting.
- Expression of Gratitude (感谢 Gǎnxiè): Thank the interviewer for the opportunity to interview.
- Reiteration of Interest (重申兴趣 Chóngshēn xìngqù): Reiterate your interest in the position and the company.
- Recap of Qualifications (概述资格 Gàishù zīgé): Briefly recap your qualifications and why you’re a good fit for the role.
- Additional Information (补充信息 Bǔchōng xìnxī): Provide any additional information that might be relevant.
- Closing (结束语 Jiéshù yǔ): End with a polite closing and your contact information.
Key Phrases for Each Section
1. Opening (问候语 Wènhòuyǔ)
Starting with a polite greeting sets a positive tone for your message. Here are some phrases you can use:
- 尊敬的 [面试官的名字]，您好！
Zūnjìng de [miànshì guān de míngzì], nín hǎo!
Translation: Dear [Interviewer’s Name], hello! - 尊敬的 [公司名称] 人力资源部，您好！
Zūnjìng de [gōngsī míngchēng] rénlì zīyuán bù, nín hǎo!
Translation: Dear [Company Name] HR Department, hello!
If you’re unsure of the interviewer’s name, addressing the HR department or using a generic greeting is appropriate.
2. Expression of Gratitude (感谢 Gǎnxiè)
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to interview is essential. It shows humility and appreciation.
- 感谢您抽出宝贵的时间与我面谈。
Gǎnxiè nín chōuchū bǎoguì de shíjiān yǔ wǒ miàntán.
Translation: Thank you for taking the time to interview me. - 非常感谢您给予我这次面试的机会。
Fēicháng gǎnxiè nín jǐyǔ wǒ zhè cì miànshì de jīhuì.
Translation: I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to interview for this position. - 感谢您在面试中提供的宝贵信息。
Gǎnxiè nín zài miànshì zhōng tígōng de bǎoguì xìnxī.
Translation: Thank you for the valuable information you provided during the interview.
3. Reiteration of Interest (重申兴趣 Chóngshēn xìngqù)
Reiterating your interest in the position and the company reinforces your commitment.
- 我对贵公司的这份工作充满兴趣。
Wǒ duì guì gōngsī de zhè fèn gōngzuò chōngmǎn xìngqù.
Translation: I am very interested in this position at your company. - 经过面试后，我更加确信这份工作非常适合我。
Jīngguò miànshì hòu, wǒ gèngjiā quèxìn zhè fèn gōngzuò fēicháng shìhé wǒ.
Translation: After the interview, I am even more confident that this job is a great fit for me. - 我非常期待能够加入贵公司并贡献我的能力。
Wǒ fēicháng qīdài nénggòu jiārù guì gōngsī bìng gòngxiàn wǒ de nénglì.
Translation: I am eager to join your company and contribute my skills.
4. Recap of Qualifications (概述资格 Gàishù zīgé)
Summarizing your qualifications briefly reminds the interviewer of your strengths.
- 在面试中，我提到我的 [相关技能/经验]。
Zài miànshì zhōng, wǒ tí dào wǒ de [xiāngguān jìnéng/jīngyàn].
Translation: During the interview, I mentioned my [relevant skills/experience]. - 我相信我的 [特定技能] 能够为贵公司带来帮助。
Wǒ xiāngxìn wǒ de [tèdìng jìnéng] nénggòu wèi guì gōngsī dàilái bāngzhù.
Translation: I believe my [specific skill] can greatly benefit your company. - 我的 [具体经验] 使我能够胜任这份工作。
Wǒ de [jùtǐ jīngyàn] shǐ wǒ nénggòu shèngrèn zhè fèn gōngzuò.
Translation: My [specific experience] makes me well-suited for this role.
5. Additional Information (补充信息 Bǔchōng xìnxī)
If there’s any additional information you forgot to mention during the interview, this is the time to include it.
- 我想补充一点关于我在 [领域] 的经验。
Wǒ xiǎng bǔchōng yīdiǎn guānyú wǒ zài [lǐngyù] de jīngyàn.
Translation: I would like to add some additional information about my experience in [field]. - 此外，我最近完成了一个与该职位相关的项目。
Cǐwài, wǒ zuìjìn wánchéngle yīgè yǔ gāi zhíwèi xiāngguān de xiàngmù.
Translation: Additionally, I recently completed a project related to this position. - 如果您需要更多信息，请随时联系我。
Rúguǒ nín xūyào gèng duō xìnxī, qǐng suíshí liánxì wǒ.
Translation: If you need any further information, please feel free to contact me.
6. Closing (结束语 Jiéshù yǔ)
Conclude your message with a polite closing, leaving a final positive impression.
- 再次感谢您的时间与考虑。
Zàicì gǎnxiè nín de shíjiān yǔ kǎolǜ.
Translation: Thank you again for your time and consideration. - 我期待您的回复，并希望能有机会进一步交流。
Wǒ qīdài nín de huífù, bìng xīwàng néng yǒu jīhuì jìnyībù jiāoliú.
Translation: I look forward to your reply and hope to have the opportunity to discuss further. - 祝您工作顺利，身体健康。
Zhù nín gōngzuò shùnlì, shēntǐ jiànkāng.
Translation: Wishing you success in your work and good health. - 此致 敬礼
Cǐzhì jìnglǐ
Translation: Yours sincerely,
Make sure to include your contact information at the end of the email or message.
Additional Tips for Following Up
While the phrases above will help you craft a professional follow-up message, here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:
- Be Timely: Send your follow-up message within 24 to 48 hours after the interview. This shows promptness and continued interest.
- Keep It Concise: While it’s important to cover all the necessary points, try to keep your message concise. The interviewer is likely busy, so a well-organized and succinct message will be appreciated.
- Tailor Your Message: Customize your follow-up message for each job interview. Reference specific topics or discussions from the interview to show that you were attentive and engaged.
- Use Formal Language: In a professional setting, especially in Chinese culture, it’s important to use formal and respectful language. Avoid using slang or overly casual expressions.
- Proofread: Ensure that your message is free of spelling and grammatical errors. A polished and error-free message reflects your attention to detail.
Sample Follow-Up Email with Pinyin and Translation
Here’s a sample follow-up email using the phrases we’ve discussed:
尊敬的李先生，您好！
Zūnjìng de Lǐ xiānshēng, nín hǎo!
Translation: Dear Mr. Li, hello!
感谢您抽出宝贵的时间与我面谈。我非常珍惜这次机会，并对贵公司的这份工作充满兴趣。
Gǎnxiè nín chōuchū bǎoguì de shíjiān yǔ wǒ miàntán. Wǒ fēicháng zhēnxī zhè cì jīhuì, bìng duì guì gōngsī de zhè fèn gōngzuò chōngmǎn xìngqù.
Translation: Thank you for taking the time to interview me. I greatly appreciate this opportunity and am very interested in this position at your company.
经过我们的面谈，我更加确信这份工作非常适合我。我相信我的 [相关技能]，特别是在 [具体经验] 方面，能够为贵公司带来帮助。此职位的职责和挑战与我的职业目标非常契合。
Jīngguò wǒmen de miàntán, wǒ gèngjiā quèxìn zhè fèn gōngzuò fēicháng shìhé wǒ. Wǒ xiāngxìn wǒ de [xiāngguān jìnéng], tèbié shì zài [jùtǐ jīngyàn] fāngmiàn, nénggòu wèi guì gōngsī dàilái bāngzhù. Cǐ zhíwèi de zhízé hé tiǎozhàn yǔ wǒ de zhíyè mùbiāo fēicháng qièhè.
Translation: After our interview, I am even more confident that this job is a great fit for me. I believe that my [relevant skills], especially in [specific experience], can greatly benefit your company. The responsibilities and challenges of this position align perfectly with my career goals.
此外，我想补充一点关于我最近完成的一个与该职位相关的项目。如果您需要更多信息，请随时联系我。
Cǐwài, wǒ xiǎng bǔchōng yīdiǎn guānyú wǒ zuìjìn wánchéng de yīgè yǔ gāi zhíwèi xiāngguān de xiàngmù. Rúguǒ nín xūyào gèng duō xìnxī, qǐng suíshí liánxì wǒ.
Translation: Additionally, I would like to add some information about a recent project I completed that is relevant to this position. If you need any further information, please feel free to contact me.
再次感谢您的时间与考虑。我期待您的回复，并希望能有机会进一步交流。
Zàicì gǎnxiè nín de shíjiān yǔ kǎolǜ. Wǒ qīdài nín de huífù, bìng xīwàng néng yǒu jīhuì jìnyībù jiāoliú.
Translation: Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to your reply and hope to have the opportunity to discuss further.
祝您工作顺利，身体健康。
Zhù nín gōngzuò shùnlì, shēntǐ jiànkāng.
Translation: Wishing you success in your work and good health.
此致 敬礼
Cǐzhì jìnglǐ
Translation: Yours sincerely,
张伟
Zhāng Wěi
电话: 123-456-7890
Diànhuà: 123-456-7890
邮箱: zhangwei@example.com
Yóuxiāng: zhangwei@example.com
Enhancing Your Mandarin Skills
Mastering the art of follow-up communication in Mandarin can significantly boost your chances of success in a Chinese-speaking work environment. However, achieving fluency and confidence in Mandarin requires consistent practice and learning.
At LC Chinese School in Oslo, we offer flexible Chinese classes designed to fit your schedule and learning needs. Whether you’re preparing for a job in a Mandarin-speaking environment or simply looking to improve your language skills, our experienced instructors can help you reach your goals.
Ready to take your Mandarin to the next level? Register for Chinese classes at LC Chinese School in Oslo and start your journey towards language mastery today!
By following these guidelines and using the suggested phrases, you can craft effective and professional follow-up messages in Mandarin, helping you stand out in the competitive job market. Good luck with your job search, and don’t forget that continuous learning and practice will always give you an edge!
