How to Follow Up After a Scholarship Interview. In the application process, following up with a scholarship interview is a crucial but sometimes disregarded step. A thoughtful follow-up expresses your gratitude, confirms your interest in the scholarship, and displays your professionalism. Additionally, it makes a favourable impression on the scholarship committee that lasts. We will go over how to follow up following a scholarship interview in this guide, along with what to include and when to send it.
1. Send an email of gratitude
After a scholarship interview, the best course of action is to thank the interviewer(s) via email. This is a straightforward yet powerful method to reiterate your interest in the scholarship and to show your gratitude for the chance.
Why Write an Email of Thank You?
- Shows appreciation: It reflects your gratitude for the time and effort the interviewers invested in your application process.
- Reinforces your interest: Sending a thank-you email allows you to restate your enthusiasm for the scholarship and emphasise your commitment to the goals discussed during the interview.
- Leaves a professional impression: A thoughtful follow-up can help solidify your standing with the interviewers and show that you take the opportunity seriously.
Tip: A thank-you email should be brief, professional, and sent within 24–48 hours after your interview.
2. What to Include in Your Thank-You Email
Your thank-you email should be polite, well-structured, and tailored to your interview experience. Here’s what you should include:
1. A Professional Greeting:
Address your email to the person or panel who interviewed you. If there were multiple interviewers, you could either send individual emails or address the group in one message.
- Example: Dear [Interviewer’s Name(s)],
2. Express Gratitude:
Thank the interviewers for taking the time to meet with you and for giving you the opportunity to discuss your application.
Example: Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the [Scholarship Name] on [Interview Date]. I truly appreciate the opportunity to share my experiences and goals with you.
3. Highlight Key Takeaways:
Briefly mention something specific from the interview that resonated with you or that you found meaningful. This shows that you were fully engaged in the conversation.
Example: I enjoyed learning more about the mission of [organisation name], particularly your commitment to supporting students pursuing careers in [field]. Our discussion about [specific topic or question] reaffirmed my passion for [related area] and strengthened my desire to contribute to this field.
4. Reaffirm Your Interest:
Restate your enthusiasm for the scholarship and how it aligns with your academic and career goals. This is your chance to reinforce why you’re a great fit.
Example: I remain highly enthusiastic about the opportunity to receive the [Scholarship Name], as it would provide essential support in achieving my goal of [specific career/academic goal].
5. Conclude Professionally:
End with a polite closing, thanking them once again and expressing that you look forward to the next steps in the selection process.
Example: Thank you once again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Please feel free to contact me if any additional information is needed.
6. Include a Professional Sign-Off:
Close the email with a formal sign-off, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name.
Example: Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Sample Thank-You Email
Here’s a sample thank-you email for a scholarship interview:
Subject: Thank You for the Interview—[Your Full Name]
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the [Scholarship Name] on [Interview Date]. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my experiences and career aspirations with you.
I truly appreciated learning more about [organisation Name] and the goals of the scholarship. Our discussion about [specific topic] resonated with me, and I am even more motivated to contribute to [field/industry].
I remain enthusiastic about the opportunity to receive the [Scholarship Name], and I believe it would significantly support my academic journey towards [specific career goal].
Thank you once again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon, and please feel free to reach out if you need any additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
3. Timing: When to Send the Thank-You Email
Timing is crucial when sending a follow-up. You want to ensure that your thank-you email arrives while the interview is still fresh in the interviewers’ minds.
- Send within 24-48 hours: Ideally, send your thank-you email within 24-48 hours after your interview. This shows that you are prompt, respectful of their time, and genuinely interested.
- Avoid delays: Waiting too long to send a thank-you email can make it seem like an afterthought. Sending it promptly keeps the momentum of the interview going.
Tip: If your interview was on a Friday, it’s fine to send your thank-you email over the weekend, but sending it on Monday morning might be more impactful since business-related emails are more likely to be seen during the workweek.
4. Follow Up on Next Steps (If Needed)
If the interviewers gave you a timeline for when decisions will be made, it’s important to respect that timeframe. However, if more time passes than expected and you haven’t received any updates, it’s appropriate to send a follow-up email to inquire about the status of your application.
How to Follow Up on Status:
- Wait for the specified timeline: If the committee said you would hear back in two weeks, wait until those two weeks have passed before sending a follow-up.
- Be polite and concise: In your follow-up email, briefly restate your interest in the scholarship, thank them again, and enquire politely about the decision timeline.
Sample Follow-Up Email for Status Update:
Subject: Follow-Up on [Scholarship Name] Application
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to follow up on the status of my application for the [Scholarship Name]. I remain very excited about the opportunity and appreciate the time you and the committee have taken to consider my candidature.
Please let me know if there are any updates on the selection process or if you need any additional information from me. Thank you once again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
5. Avoid Over-Contacting
While it’s important to follow up, avoid over-contacting the interviewers. Sending too many emails can come off as pushy or impatient. Stick to sending a thank-you email and one follow-up if necessary.
Tips to Avoid Over-Contacting:
- Follow the timeline: If they give you a decision timeline, trust the process and avoid sending unnecessary reminders.
- Be patient: Scholarship selection can take time, especially if multiple rounds of review are involved. Give the committee space to make their decision.
Tip: If you’ve already followed up once and still haven’t heard back, it’s best to wait patiently. Sending multiple follow-ups can create a negative impression.
6. Express Gratitude, No Matter the Outcome
Regardless of whether you win the scholarship, it’s essential to maintain a professional tone and show appreciation for the opportunity. If you are selected for the scholarship, send another brief message expressing your gratitude. If you are not selected, sending a polite email thanking the committee for their time still leaves a positive impression and keeps the door open for future opportunities.
Example for a Successful Outcome:
Subject: Thank You for the [Scholarship Name]
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I am thrilled and honoured to be selected as a recipient of the [Scholarship Name]. Thank you for this incredible opportunity. I am truly grateful for your support, and I look forward to using this scholarship to further my education in [field].
Please know that I will work hard to uphold the values and mission of [organisation Name] throughout my academic journey. Thank you once again for your trust and generosity.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Conclusion
Following up after a scholarship interview is a critical part of leaving a lasting, positive impression. Sending a timely and well-crafted thank-you email shows your appreciation, professionalism, and continued interest in the scholarship. By maintaining a respectful and courteous approach throughout the process, you not only enhance your chances of success but also demonstrate your commitment to the opportunity. Whether or not you are selected for the scholarship, a thoughtful follow-up can make a significant impact and build valuable relationships for future opportunities.
