Crafting a Follow-Up Email for an Interview

I just finished my interview, and I want to send a follow-up email. What's the best way to express my gratitude and reiterate my interest? Should I mention specific things from the interview, or keep it general?

Sending a follow-up email after your interview can indeed show your continued interest in a university and express your appreciation for their time.

Here are some steps to craft your email:

1. Use a professional tone: Even though the interview might have been casual, remember to keep your correspondence professional. Thank the interviewer for their time and express your continued interest in the school. For instance, you can say, "Thank you for speaking with me yesterday regarding my application. I appreciate your time and found our conversation very engaging and informative."

2. Reference specifics from the interview: This part is crucial as it shows you were attentive during the interview and valued the conversation. Recollect instances where you felt a strong connection, or some information that deepened, or even sparked, your interest in the university. For example, "Our discussion about the collaborative environment at your institution, especially in the major I applied to, has further reinforced my decision to apply."

3. Wrap up graciously: You can close the email by reiterating your excitement about the prospect of joining the university and appreciating any additional information or next steps. "I remain very much excited about the opportunity to potentially study at your institution. If there are any additional steps in the application process or any more information needed from my side, please feel free to let me know."

4. Use a professional closing: Avoid overly casual language. Choosing the right sign-off such as 'Sincerely' or 'Best regards' can ensure your message is received in the way you've intended it.

5. Don't forget your contact information: Even though they already have it, including your contact details at the bottom of your email ensures they have your information at their fingertips.

Remember to carefully proofread your email before sending it. A polished, typo-free email will leave a better impression than one with avoidable errors.

Lastly, keep your message concise and to the point. Long follow-up emails can be overwhelming for an admissions officer with a heavy workload. Try to keep it under four or five sentences if possible. Remember, the point of this message is to express your gratitude, not to repeat your entire application or resume.