Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Case Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

I was late to my interview. Should I send a thank you email?

Hello everyone,

I had a very early interview this morning. Unfortunately, my alarm did not ring. I got late by 3 minutes to my interview and apologised. The interviewer said it was fine. The fit and the case went well.

I was thinking about sending him a thank you email for his understanding and to convey that I appreciate the extra time.

Is it a good idea? If yes, how should I approach it?

Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

6 Answers
400+ Views
78
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
on Nov 01, 2024
Ex-BCG Project Leader | Discounts available until Dec 31st | Free 15min Intro

Thank you emails are always a smart move! Don’t sweat it too much. If the conversation went well, you just have to hope your interviewer will show some grace. 

Your note should hit the following topics:

  1. Thank them for time and understanding
  2. Highlight what stood out to you about the firm and person’s background
  3. Reinforce your interest / fit 
Anonymous A
on Nov 01, 2024
Sounds great, thank you! I will keep it light
Souhail
Coach
on Nov 01, 2024
Ex-McKinsey Manager and Interviewer - Knows exactly what you need to do to break into an MBB (>90% MBB success rate)
  • 3 minutes is fine. Don't stress about it, it is a minor detail vs. the next hour you spent with the interviewer.
  • Sending a thank you email is never a bad idea but don't be too pushy or too needy. Keep it brief and simple
  • I would not mention/apologize again for being late on the thank you email. As I said, 3 min is fine, it is a detail so don't make it bigger than it is in the head of the interviewer. 

    Best
Anonymous A
on Nov 01, 2024
Makes perfect sense. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Florian
Coach
on Nov 01, 2024
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 500+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hey there,

While not ideal, 3 minutes is no big deal, and should not matter at all. 

Similarly, however, for most interview situations and firms, a thank-you note will not move the needle because the evaluation is based solely on the case and fit.

In a nutshell, feel free to send a thank-you note but don't expect it to make a difference. :-)

Fingers crossed!

Florian

on Nov 01, 2024
+600 Interviews | Free 30-min alignment call | Ex-Principal & Member of the Recruiting task force | 360° Coaching

Hi there,

No need to worry! A small delay like that is unlikely to impact their decision, especially if the rest of the interview went well.

Sending a thank-you email is always a great idea and a professional way. Having that said, the case is decisive for the final decision.

Best of luck,
Kairavee

on Nov 03, 2024
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: I was thinking about sending him a thank you email for his understanding and to convey that I appreciate the extra time. Is it a good idea? If yes, how should I approach it?

That’s totally fine. You can simply thank the interviewer for his time and reiterate your interest in the firm. I would not refer to the fact that you were late, as you already apologized during the interview and 3 minutes is not a huge delay.

Good luck!

Francesco

Ashwin
Coach
on Nov 03, 2024
Bain Senior Manager , Deloitte Director| Free 45 mins Strategy Session | 200+ MBB Offers | INSEAD

Yes, sending a thank-you email is a great idea. Keep it brief and genuine. Acknowledge the slight delay, thank them for their understanding, and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.

Thanks

Ashwin

Similar Questions
Consulting
Has anyone tried any of the AI Interview Tools for MBB before?
on Sep 28, 2024
Global
8 Answers
5.4k Views
Top answer by
Iman
Coach
Systemiq | Ex-BCG | 10 years experience with 8+ specialising in sustainability | Free Intro | Ex-PrepLounge candidate
328
8 Answers
5.4k Views
+5
Consulting
Employment Gap on Resume and How to talk about it during Interview
on Jul 29, 2024
Global
8 Answers
2.6k Views
Top answer by
Ariadna
Coach
BCG | Project Leader and Experienced Interviewer | MBA at London Business School
104
8 Answers
2.6k Views
+5
Consulting
What are the best tools to practice consulting maths?
on Jun 01, 2024
Global
9 Answers
3.2k Views
Top answer by
Anonymous
Top Performer: From Science to working for BCG's C-suite
181
9 Answers
3.2k Views
+6
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely
You are a true consultant! Thank you for consulting us on how to make PrepLounge even better!