Post-Interview Reflection Sample 2
Post-Interview Reflection
As I reflect on my interview experience, I want to first thank you for the time you took in getting to know me through your comprehensive approach and genuine curiosity throughout the interview. It was a pleasure meeting you – I definitely felt heard through the process, and greatly appreciate being given the opportunity to tell you a little bit more about my story and background, and how this has shaped who I am today. I was happy to hear that Frances Frei is one of your favorite professors; I’m looking forward to hearing from her directly during the virtual event next week.
We first talked briefly about the supper clubs I put together at [SCHOOL], before moving on to my time in the [SERVICE BRANCH], particularly my time planning airlifts for the Department of State, US Army, and The Republic of Eswatini Navy, and how I applied my experiences at [SCHOOL], to this work. In retrospect, I feel that I could have articulated more clearly what I learned from the [SERVICE BRANCH], experience: that showing authenticity by connecting with stakeholders outside of our formal planning sessions was key to developing a sense of rapport, for example through informal gatherings, where we taught each other bits from our respective cultures or helped each other manage the grill at the [GEOGRAPHY] barbecue. While it may have seemed easy to apply those lessons to the airfield risk mitigation program, it took repeated formal and informal meetings to build trust amongst all stakeholders.
I believe that my passion for building pathways for students of all backgrounds to access education came through. I utilize my intensity to help inspire my team and communicate the importance of our mission, and this intensity also shows in the care that I put into everything I do, from making sure my airmen had someone advocating on their behalf, to meeting our students’ evolving needs as we transitioned learning models in response to COVID-19. This care extends to ensuring I have as many tools as possible to address challenges in education, which I think would be best gained in consulting before returning to edtech. I mentioned gaining experience with mergers and acquisitions through working in a post-merger office because I have been following some of the challenges from the merger of [Tech Company 1] and [Tech Company 1].
When we talked about what I was looking for in a role after I left [SERVICE BRANCH], I mentioned that a tight-knit team with a strong sense of camaraderie was at the top of my list. I know that the section experience at HBS will provide me with that camaraderie, as I learn from my peers and their diverse perspectives and share my own experiences. Watching videos of the dynamic and collaborative learning environment has reinforced my belief that at Harvard, I will develop my strategic mindset, deepen my analytical skillset, and broaden my business perspective, preparing me to help others transform their own lives through education. Thank you again for the opportunity to interview, your time, and your consideration.
[insert comment about the weather here]
Sincerely,
CLIENT