You’re probably aware that sending thank-you notes is a must after a job interview, as it helps an interviewer remember you and fosters a favourable impression of yourself. The same applies to the scholarship interview, for the same reasons as well. 

In fact, with the more coveted scholarships, there are probably many more applicants vying for the same award than your average job posting. The candidate pool is also filled with equally outstanding graduates, as good grades and CCA records are the first hurdle to pass.

That makes thank-you notes even more necessary as something for the interviewers to remember you by.

So, what should you be writing in that thank-you note, and when should you send it?

By and large, a scholarship interview thank-you note is very similar to its job interview counterpart. So, it is safe to abide by many of the same rules. However, we’ve highlighted a few important points that applicants easily miss.

1.     Keep it short 

Those of you used to writing essays and GPs may have honed your writing skills to fit. But those aren’t as applicable when writing the thank-you note, where the aim is to keep it brief.

Your thank-you note should be around 100-150 words long, and cover only the essentials. Thank the interviewer or interviewers for their time, convey the impression they made, mention how you would like to contribute to their organisation (based off one of your interview answers), and thank them again.

While you can draft up a template and work from there, you must then take extra care with your names and addresses. Make sure you don’t send the right thank-you note to the wrong people!

2.     Keep an eye on the clock

Same as in the world of business, a thank-you note should be sent no more than 24 hours after the interview.

Some applicants draft and send their thank-you notes on the way home to ensure that they don’t forget, while others set a reminder. Do whatever suits you, as long as you keep to your deadlines.

3.     Keep your recipients straight 

You may have been interviewed by one person on the phone and liaised with another to arrange the interview itself. Or it might have been a panel interview with as many as eight people.

It’s unlikely that you got the contact details of all these people, but that doesn’t mean you can forget them. Mention them in the thank-you note, by name if possible, and express your gratitude for their time. If any of them made a deeper impression on you, it’s worth mentioning that as well.

If you did get a bunch of contacts, it’s possible to send them all the same email. Just double check your addresses and salutations, and make sure you didn’t leave anyone out!

Just like a job interview, a scholarship interview doesn’t end when you walk out the door. Send your thank-you notes and cap off the experience with a positive impression, for yourself and the interviewer.

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