Crafting a Great Thank You Letter

Crafting a Great Thank You Letter

We encourage business school candidates to always write a thank you note after interviewing or visiting campus, but what makes a really good thank you note?

1) Personalization: When writing to your host/interviewer, personalize your letter to show sincerity. By handwriting your note and mentioning specifics about your conversation and experiences, you will continue to foster your connection with your interviewer and show that your interaction truly made an impression.

2) Brevity: Your letter should be no more than a few sentences long. If you write several paragraphs, you run the risk of creating the negative impression that you are trying too hard or that you simply do not respect limits (possibly even suggesting that you might carry on too long in class). By being brief and sincere, you will instead make a powerful impression that will yield results.

3) Speed: Ideally, send your letter within 24 hours of your visit—within two days at the most. Most interviewers must submit their reports very soon after the interview, and your thank you note will have a better chance of positively influencing this report if it is received before the report is submitted. Also, after too long, your interest may logically fall into question, or your host may simply forget some of the details of the conversation you are trying to reinforce. By writing your letter immediately, you will show that you have been energized by the experience and are eager to maintain your connection.

Thank you notes are generally not a “make or break” aspect of your MBA candidacy, but they can establish continuity and demonstrate your continued interest to your target school’s representatives. We suggest always following up with such a note because doing so is a low-cost way of reinforcing a positive impression and relationship.