Thank-You Notes
One powerful and often underestimated way to express gratitude and showcase professionalism is by writing a sincere thank-you note following your interview, and you can do this in an email. This small, yet impactful, gesture not only demonstrates your appreciation for the opportunity but also showcases your communication skills, attention to detail, and genuine interest in the position. In this competitive landscape, where first impressions and lasting connections are vital, crafting a thoughtful thank-you note can set you apart and leave a lasting positive impression. Send your thank-you note within 24 hours of the interview. An example is below:
Dear Dr. Smith,
It was a pleasure to meet you this morning. Thank you for your willingness to interview me for the Communications Associate position at ABC Laboratory. Your team really seems to enjoy working there, and I would be fortunate to count myself among them.
I was particularly interested in the upcoming advertising campaign you mentioned this morning to promote the use of more sustainable packaging that is set to be released this summer. I believe my prior internship at XYZ Public Relations Firm has provided me with a solid foundation to help spread the word about this campaign and other projects ABC Laboratory is currently developing.
Please let me know if you require any additional information from me. I look forward to hearing back from you about the next steps.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Husky
Best Practices
- Personalize the email by using the recipient’s name.
- Thank the interviewer for their time and reiterate your interest in the position or program.
- Mention something you recall from the interview, such as a unique insight or story. This will show you were invested in the conversation you had. If you feel that you missed an opportunity to say or expand on an answer, you can use the follow-up thank you email as a vessel to deliver that information.
- Emphasize how your experience, knowledge, and/or skills align with the opportunity.
- Inquire about additional steps.
For additional tips, view How to Write a Thank You Letter After a Job Interview.
Self-Reflection
It’s a good idea to perform some form of self-reflection within 24 hours after your interview while the details are still fresh in your mind. Reflecting on your interview performance allows you to identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. This process of self-reflection helps you refine your approach for future interviews, ultimately enhancing your effectiveness as a candidate. A Center for Career Readiness career coach can help you debrief your experience to make you better prepared for your next interview opportunity.
Receiving and Negotiating an Offer
Occasionally, companies may extend an offer on the spot; however, they usually need additional time to interview and assess remaining candidates. Regardless of when you receive an offer, it is recommended that you not accept immediately as this will cause you to lose your chance to negotiate if desired.
For guidance about job and internship offers and negotiations, view the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills’ Negotiating the Job Offer guide and Negotiating Job Offers: Basic Tips and Strategies on-demand webinar.
Sometimes, academic program offers can be negotiated as well. A Career Coach can help you navigate the negotiation process for whatever type of position you are offered. You can schedule a career coaching appointment here.
The actions you take after an interview – including expressing gratitude for the opportunity, reflecting on your performance, and preparing to negotiate an offer – play a key role in leaving a positive impression on the interviewer while supporting your own career development.
