2021 Career Services Guide

Follow-up Correspondence
Sending a thank you immediately following your interview is an absolute must. Follow-up correspondence is
a crucial piece of the job search process and can make the difference in whether you are offered a second
interview, or better yet, the position.
Reflection
Immediately following the interview, consider:
• Who you met. Review business cards
for proper spelling and titles
• What the job entails
• Why you can do the job
• Aspects of the interview that went well.
• Anything that didn’t go well
• The agreed-upon next step
Draft a Follow-up Email
Email a personalized message to the principal
interviewer to thank them for the conversation
and reaffirm your interest (see sample). Do not
delay, particularly if the recruiting timeline is
tight and you know a decision will be made
soon. Ideally, your note should be sent within
24 hours of your interview.
Checking In
If you do not hear anything after a week or two,
which is quite normal, call your primary contact and
say something like, “It was a pleasure to interview
with you last week. I’m calling to check in with you
about the position. Is there anything else you need
from me? I’m excited about the challenges and work
here and would love to be part of this team.”
Consider Mailing a Note, Too
If time allows, an additional handwritten note will
help to set you apart from other applicants and will
refresh your image in the mind of the interviewer.
The message can be similar to your email, but
should not contain exactly the same text.
Mail the note within 24 hours of the interview.
Whenever possible, mention the names of those
you met in the interview. We recommend
sending customized notes to each person who
interviewed you, using titles such as Ms. or Dr.
unless you have been specifically told to be less
formal.
Have someone else proofread your note and
ensure the accuracy of names and titles.
Make Five Points Clear in Your
Correspondence:
1. You paid attention.
2. You are excited about the job and can do it.
3. You have strong communication skills.
4. You correct any potentially negative impressions
or clear up confusing issues that surfaced during
the interview, if necessary.
5. You appreciate the interviewer’s time.
26 / INTERNSHIPS AND JOBS