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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
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Top answer
on Nov 01, 2024
Ex-BCG Project Leader - BOS, Exp. Hire, Energy/Climate & Sustainability | Trained Interviewer | Free 15min Consultation

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

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