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Tips for Writing a Thank You Letter
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Be clear and concise, not long-winded and
flowery.
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Be sincere: it will show if you are being
dishonest.
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Write it ASAP, ideally within 24 hours of
the interview.
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Use snail-mail: email may look too informal
or lazy.
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Use nice paper or stationary. It is okay
to handwrite it (some interviewers find this more personal)
but try to make it neat. If you choose to type it, just
make sure you sign it at the bottom.
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Proofread!
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Be specific and reference one or two details
of the interview. By mentioning something you and the interviewer
discussed will help him to remember you as well as show
you were paying attention.
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Try to address it to the specific person,
don't just send it to the school.
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Be objective about your performance. Do
not write, "I wish I hadn't mentioned…" or
"I want to clarify…" The thank you letter
is not an extension of your interview. Unless of course
you said something terrible like she was wearing an ugly
sweater, or you hated her cat Fluffy.
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For those who have written you a recommendation,
a nice card or a note on stationary to hand deliver to your
teacher (or leave in their office) is your best bet. Write
and send a thank you as soon as your teacher submits your
letter. You want to show them you are grateful for their
time spent, whether or not you are accepted to a school.
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Be sure to let those who wrote you the recommendation
know where you were accepted. They will appreciate knowing
that the work they put in for you helped you gain acceptace
to a school.
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The Interview Thank You Letter: Tips and Examples
This is a simple rule: when in doubt, write a thank
you. This applies if anyone (teacher, coach, family friend)
has written you a recommendation, if you had an interview with
an admissions officer or alumni interviewer. Not only is it
courteous to do so (especially if someone has done you a favor
like written you a recommendation) but an interviewer will take
note and put it in your file that you have made the effort ofnot
only being polite, but following up. It will show that you have
a serious interest in the school which is always something a
school will consider when admitting students. They dont want
to waste their "admittances" on students who have
no interest in going.
Here are some tips for writing a thank you and sample thank
you letters for various circumstances:
Sample Thank you Letters
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Jane Student
123 Main Street
Town, CT 06477
July 26, 2007
James Maroney
Educational Consultant
First Choice College Placement
Yale University Alumnus
New Haven, CT 06511
Dear Mr Maroney:
Thank you for the interview today. I appreciate you taking
the time to meet with me to discuss my application to
Yale University. It was wonderful to speak with someone
who has had a first-hand experience on being a member
of the Yale Track Team; you provided me with a lot of
useful information about your experience on the team.
If you need any further information from me, feel free
to call at 203. 555.5555, or email me at myemail@email.com.
Thank you again.
Sincerely,
Jane Student
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John Student
1 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10001
July 26, 2006
John Doe
Alumni Interviewer
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 00000
Dear Mr Doe:
Thank you for meeting with me to discuss the academic
programs at Hofstra and for sharing your experiences with
me. I found our discussion extremely valuable, and I was
also impressed by all the intramural sports opportunities
we discussed. Your information and advice helped me to
recognize that I would love to attend Hofstra University.
I hope I provided you with a clear insight into the kind
of person and student I am. You and others have encouraged
me to pursue a Psychology degree at Hofstra if accepted.
Again, thank you for your encouragement and helpful suggestions.
Sincerely,
John Student
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