You’ve aced the interview, showcased your skills and personality, and asked insightful questions. But the process isn’t over yet. A crucial final step that can significantly impact your application is the post-interview follow-up.
While it may seem like a small gesture, following up demonstrates professionalism, courtesy, and continued interest in the programme. It allows you to reinforce your key strengths and leave a lasting positive impression on the admissions committee.
The Importance of Following Up
- Expressing Gratitude: A thank-you note shows appreciation for the interviewer’s time and consideration.
- Reiterating Interest: It reaffirms your enthusiasm for the programme and your commitment to attending the school.
- Addressing Unanswered Questions: It provides an opportunity to clarify any points you may have missed during the interview.
- Highlighting Key Strengths: You can subtly reinforce your key qualifications and how they align with the programme’s values.
- Staying Top-of-Mind: A well-crafted follow-up can keep you at the forefront of the interviewer’s mind as they make their decisions.
The Thank-You Note
The most common and effective form of follow-up is the thank-you note. Here’s how to craft a compelling one:
- Promptness: Send your thank-you note within 24-48 hours of the interview.
- Personalisation: Address each interviewer by name and tailor the note to reflect specific aspects of your conversation.
- Conciseness: Keep it brief and to the point. Aim for a maximum of 3-4 paragraphs.
- Structure:
- Express Gratitude: Thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to learn more about the programme.
- Highlight Key Takeaways: Mention a specific point or insight from the interview that resonated with you.
- Reiterate Interest: Reiterate your enthusiasm for the programme and how it aligns with your goals.
- Optional: Address Unanswered Questions: If there was something you couldn’t fully address during the interview, you can briefly touch upon it here.
- Proofread Carefully: Ensure your note is free of grammatical errors and typos.
Beyond the Thank-You Note
While the thank-you note is essential, you can also consider other forms of follow-up, depending on the circumstances:
- Updates: If you have significant updates to your application, such as a promotion or a new accomplishment, you can inform the admissions committee.
- Continued Engagement: If you interacted with current students or alumni, you can send a brief follow-up note to maintain those connections.
- Social Media: If appropriate, you can connect with the school or the admissions committee on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn.
A Word of Caution
While following up is important, avoid excessive communication. Bombarding the admissions committee with emails or calls can be counterproductive. Use your judgement and maintain a professional approach.
By following these guidelines, you can create a positive and lasting impression that strengthens your candidacy. Remember, the follow-up is your final opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm and commitment to the programme.
In the next article, we’ll discuss how to handle the waiting period after your MBA interview.
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