If you’re looking to stand out from the competition when interviewing as a part of the college admissions process, you should write a follow-up email to thank your interviewer within 24 hours of the interview. Did you know that 91% of employers like to receive follow-up thank you emails, but 57% of candidates don’t send them? This shows the importance of following up and how it can keep you at the forefront of the college admissions counselor’s mind.
What to include in a follow-up email
What exactly is a follow-up email and why is sending one so important? A follow-up email after an interview should do three things: first, it would show gratitude to the individual who interviewed you. Second, you should reiterate your interest in the school or tell them why you think you’re a good fit. Last but definitely not least, offer more documents or details about your experience should they ask! Tackling these three elements in your follow-up email will ensure that you’re among the top candidates for the role you’re interviewing for.
For a concrete example of what your follow-up email should look like, take a look at this template you can customize with your own information.
Dear [Interviewer Name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me regarding my admission to [School Name] on [Date of Interview].
After learning more about your institution, I am positive that my passion and work ethic will be a valuable asset to [School Name] in the [Major or Subject] department. I have multiple years of experience in [Field] through my work with [Company Name or School Club], which I believe will help me excel at an institution such as yours.
If you require any additional documentation of my credentials, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
How to write your subject line
Another important part of a follow-up email is the subject line. College admissions officers receive hundreds if not thousands of emails a day, so making sure your subject line is clear and concise will increase your chances of getting noticed. Below are some examples of subject lines you can use for your college admissions interview follow-up.
- Thanks for your time today, [Interviewer Name]
- Great speaking with you today
- Follow-up regarding college admissions interview
- [School Name] admissions interview follow-up
Wrapping up: Do’s and Don’ts for a successful follow-up email
Before you click send, make sure to brush up your email skills with the do’s and don’ts we’ve detailed below.
- Do make sure to say anything you may have not mentioned in the interview.
- Don’t brag about yourself or exaggerate your achievements.
- Do keep your email as brief as possible so it’s more likely to be read.
- Don’t press the admissions team to give you a decision quickly.
- Do have a positive tone and attitude to show your best self.
Now that you know how to write a successful follow-up email, check out this infographic from AngelList detailing the importance of writing thank-you notes.
