Follow Up Appropriately

Follow up is a hugely important part of applying to anything today, especially internships. People are busy, companies are ever-changing, and recruiters can be forgetful. In many cases, they might not get back to you. However, you can’t fault them for this because it is entirely in your control to follow up with them. It’s free, available to you, and even expected.

There are multiple ways in which you can follow up after an initial interview. However, you want to tread lightly, as aggressive follow up can completely annoy the recipient. Here is how we recommend you approach this chase:

1. The Thank You Note:

After any company gives you an interview, a phone call, or any kind of opportunity for you to present yourself, you want to thank them. It is common practice to send an email in which you thank them for the opportunity to interview. In this thank you, state your eagerness to work with them, as well as ask if there is anything else they would like to see in the coming days. Keep it brief, wrap it up with one more thanks and acknowledgment to the time they took to meet you, and click send.

2. The Check-In:

Sending a thank you note is the easy part; it’s expected and it’s not awkward. However, after 2 or 3 weeks goes by, and you still haven’t heard anything, then it’s time for a check in. I will be honest, checking in is going to feel strange and annoying. But, it’s the difference between you and the other person who doesn’t want the internship quite as badly.

First, wait for the established timeframe to pass. If they told you to expect a call in 2-weeks, do not email them within 14-days. If it hits the 17-day mark, then it’s time for a check in. Don’t assume you didn’t get the job; many recruitment professionals can end up behind deadlines. Therefore, keep a positive attitude in the language of your check-in.

A great sample check-in note could be: “Hi there, I hope you are well! You had mentioned finalizing your decision for this internship program earlier this week. I am eager to hear your update, as I would love the opportunity to prove myself further. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you in the decision-making process.”

3. Stay Relevant:

This is where it’s great to have personal connections that understand your plight. After both of these contacts, if you still don’t hear anything, message your personal contact. They will definitely tell someone at the organization to answer your question. I highly recommend having a personal contact or two for this reason.

You can write something like this to them: “Hey! Sorry to bug you – have you heard regarding the decisions for the internship program? I was supposed to hear last week. I am just so excited to be afforded this opportunity, so I couldn’t help but ask! Thank you again for all of the time you have taken to write to me.”

Be sure to thank them, again, as you ask another favor from them.

Don’t Put All of Your Eggs in One Basket

You know the phrase; sometimes, applying to just one program and waiting to hear from one person can be seriously stressful. I recommend applying to a few programs so that your chances of securing one are more likely. You only have so many collegiate summers. Or, if you are a new graduate, you probably want to get your career moving.

Since it can look bad to make people run around for you, only to decline the offer, I would stick to 3 programs at a time. The odds are in your favor that one calls back. You might have to turn down one or two along the way (best case scenario), but it is your life and your time at the end of the day.

Placing less pressure on one program will make the entire experience more enjoyable for you!