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Employers meet large numbers of students during Meet the Firms. One of the easiest ways to stand out is by following up afterward.
A thoughtful thank you note helps recruiters remember you, demonstrates professionalism, and reinforces your interest in their organization. It is also simply good etiquette.
Your message does not need to be lengthy. Introduce yourself, reference something specific from your conversation, thank them for their time, and express your continued interest in the firm. If appropriate, you can also ask a question about the recruiting process, upcoming events, or internship opportunities.
The best time to send a thank-you email is within 24 to 48 hours of the event. A later message is still appreciated, but a prompt follow-up is more likely to make an impression.
Components of a strong thank you note:
- Professional greeting (first names are typically fine)
- Brief reminder of who you are
- Reference to a memorable part of your conversation
- Expression of interest in the organization
- A question about next steps, recruiting timelines, or internship applications
- Resume attached for easy reference
- Professional closing
Here is an example (NOT A TEMPLATE - customize yours!). Avoid sending the same email to every employer. Recruiters can tell when a note is generic. Mentioning something specific from your conversation shows genuine interest and helps them remember who you are.
Dear John,
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me at Meet the Firms. I enjoyed learning more about John & John CPA Firm and hearing about the opportunities available to students through your internship program. I also couldn't believe that we both know Jim Bob Lewis from Selma. It really is a small world!
Our conversation made me even more interested in your firm and the experience interns receive. I was also curious if you have a timeline for when applications will open for the internship opportunities we discussed.
I've attached my resume for your reference and would love to stay connected. Thank you again for your time, and I hope to see you at future Auburn events.
War Eagle!
Bill Smith
There really is no wrong way to thank someone, but I have included some food for thought on each method below. It all depends on what you want to accomplish with your note and who is on the receiving end. Either way, your gratitude will be appreciated by the employers.
NOTE: If you are indifferent as to your preferred method, email is recommended due to the popularity of remote work (unless you have a confirmed mailing address).
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Hand-Written Notes |
Emails |
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Can take several days to reach the recipient (unless hand-delivered) |
Instantly delivered – no waiting for the postman to do his job or for that person to check their office mailbox. |
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Very personal – it has your handwriting on your stationery |
Not as easy to set the appearance of an email apart from other email messages |
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Appropriate for practitioners/recruiters that you know are frequently in the office to receive mail – i.e. recruiters, partners & tax folks |
Maybe best for practitioners that are not frequently in the office to receive mail – i.e. Auditors or other traveling consultants |
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You may not receive an acknowledgement that your note was received, so be sure that you don’t require a response |
Best to use if you are asking a question or need a response |
