How To Send An Effective 'Thank You' to Alumni
In the college admissions process, candidates will sometimes receive an alumni interview. These interviews, though not likely to make or break a candidate’s admissions chances, should still be treated like a formal interview. As such, a candidate should always strive to make the best impression. Candidates should prepare in advance, dress formally, and maintain professionalism throughout the process. One aspect of this professionalism that we recommend is sending a “Thank You” note after the interview.
There are several reasons to send a Thank You note:
Professional and polite: In the professional world, it is customary to send a short Thank You note after a job interview. It shows professionalism and good manners, which will leave a good impression on the interviewer and make the candidate more memorable.
Acknowledgment of time: It is important to remember that an alumni interviewer is a volunteer. They are not being financially compensated. A Thank You note is a good way to show appreciation for the interviewer’s time and effort.
Additional information: The candidate may feel somewhat stressed during the interview. It is possible that they forgot to mention something at that moment. Or, they may want to clarify something they said. A Thank You note is a great chance to add this information to the conversation after the fact.
Continued interest: A Thank You note is a great way for a candidate to express continued interest in the college. It’s a chance to reiterate and highlight what the candidate can add to the campus environment.
Positive relationship: A Thank You note is a great way for a candidate to set the groundwork for a positive working relationship with a representative of the college. It can set a professional tone for any future communications that may occur with the interviewer.
Sending a Thank You letter can only help. There is no downside to consider, as long as the candidate remains professional. If possible, the candidate should send the note within 24 hours after the interview. Waiting too long may diminish the impact of the message.
