Samples Of Harvard Business School Post-Interview Reflections

MBA Student From A Technology Company

Dear [INTERVIEWER], and the Admissions Board,

While I know that “Thank you notes are (truly) not necessary,” my parents raised me to be grateful for every good thing that comes to me, and to give thanks continuously—so thank you! [INTERVIEWER], you certainly did not give me the interview I had wanted—the one that I had prepared for with four color-coded spreadsheets. I was ready to tell you about what wasn’t on my resume: my experience interning in six different industries over the last four years, how I organized [UNIVERSITY IN NORTH AMERICA] inaugural hackathon, my MBA classes at [PRESTIGIOUS UNIVERSITY IN NORTH AMERICA], and how I am working with [TECHNOLOGY COMPANY] to organize a competition on developing mobile apps for the elderly.

Instead, the areas you focused on and the questions you chose to ask gave me the opportunity to reflect on how I became the person I am today. By asking about my parents and our restaurant, you allowed me to show where my values and work ethic come from. We talked a lot about my unique relationship with my parents, and I would like to share with you the last photo we took together in the restaurant before we retired. This photo means a lot to me because it represents a major milestone in my life and a new start for all of us.

By asking about my experience being a first-generation student at [UNIVERSITY IN NORTH AMERICA], you gave me an opportunity to share the progress I have made in making my school a more diverse and inclusive environment. By asking about what I could give to my children that my parents could not give me, you helped me realize that the challenges I have faced were my greatest blessings.

Today, I got to know myself better through this conversation, and I thank you for taking the time to care about me in such a way that you would want to understand me in the context of my family and my passions. I was frank in my answers, and you got to know me remarkably well in thirty minutes. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share a portion of my journey with you.

Cheers,
[NAME OF APPLICANT]