How to Follow Up on an Internship Application
How to Follow Up on an Internship Application
If you’ve submitted an internship application, chances are you’ve been waiting a while to hear back. It can feel like a never-ending cycle of waiting and hoping, but a follow-up can help you forge a more personal connection with the employer.
It’s also an excellent opportunity to refresh them on why you’re a good fit for the position, and show off your value beyond just your qualifications.
1. Email
Unless you’ve received a job offer, it’s best to wait about one to two weeks after you apply before you contact the hiring manager or recruiter with any questions. This gives the company time to process your application, as well as giving them a chance to review all the other applicants’ applications.
However, if you’ve been waiting for a response for more than a few days and haven’t heard from the company, it’s time to send them an email. This can help you stay on their radar and show them that you’re still interested in the position.
To send an effective follow-up, make sure to use clear and concise language that focuses on your key qualifications and experience. Be sure to reference the interview you had with them and reaffirm your interest in the position.
Always proofread your email before sending it, as spelling and grammatical errors can negatively affect your chances of securing the job. Be sure to address the employer by name and write in a professional, courteous manner.
It’s also helpful to include the job title you applied for in your subject line. This will help your email stand out from the rest and prompt them to open it.
Once you’ve written your follow-up, don’t forget to attach a copy of your resume. This will help the employer see all of your relevant information, including a detailed overview of your work history and accomplishments.
Finally, include a phone number or LinkedIn email that you can be reached at. This is a great way to connect with the hiring manager, which can lead to a faster decision-making process and greater likelihood of receiving an internship offer.
Generally speaking, it’s best to send an email one to two weeks after you apply. This allows the company to review your application and provide feedback. But if you have a job offer on the table and would like to get ahead of the pack, it’s okay to contact the employer sooner than this.
2. Phone Call
Taking the time to follow up on an internship application is a crucial step in the hiring process. Many job seekers submit an application, and then sit back and wait for a call-back or email response. However, following up early on the application process can lead to better job offers and more opportunities for networking.
In order to be effective at following up on your application, you need to understand the timelines that are in place for a particular position. For example, some companies will only begin contacting applicants within two weeks of receiving an application. This means you should avoid calling or e-mailing an employer before that time frame.
When you’re ready to follow up on an internship application, first review the job description to see if there are any dates or timelines listed. Then, check the company’s website to find the contact information for the team or department you are interested in.
Then, prepare a script for your phone call and practice it with friends or family before you actually make the call. This will help you feel more confident and ensure that you are delivering the best possible impression when you speak with the hiring manager on the phone.
Another great option is to contact a friend who works at the company you’re interested in and ask for their recommendation. This way, you can get a personal introduction to the person responsible for hiring for the role you’re applying for.
Finally, you should also read over the staff page on the company’s website to learn more about the organization. This will help you identify the right people to reach out to about your internship application.
A quick phone call can go a long way in communicating your enthusiasm for the position and the company. You can use this opportunity to thank the hiring manager for their time and share your positive experience of the interview with them.
When you make a phone call, it is important to remember to be courteous and professional. You want to avoid being pushy and using harsh words, as this will only annoy the recruiter and hurt your chances of getting hired. You should also be sure to leave a voicemail if the person you are speaking with doesn’t answer their phone, so that they can return your call later.
3. In-Person Visit
In-person follow ups are not only a great way to get an in-depth look at a company and its culture, but they can also help you build your network. Make sure to dress to impress, bring along a pen and notebook, and snag your resume and cover letter to show off to the hiring manager.
Ideally, you’ll want to follow up on your internship application within a week or two of sending it out. That will give you time to check the company’s website and call or email your prospective employer.
If your timing is right, you may even be able to schedule an in-person visit with the person you’re trying to meet. Be aware of their schedule and how busy they are, but try to arrange a time when you’ll be free to see them and explain that you’re looking for an internship with their organization.
Although an in-person follow up is probably more expensive than your average online or phone-based interaction, it can still pay off big time! You’ll likely get to know a lot more about the company and its people than you would with an online interview, and your face will be on their radar for future projects.
There are plenty of other ways to follow up on an internship application, but it’s important to choose the most appropriate method for you and your situation. It’s especially important to remember that it’s always a good idea to avoid being too pushy when it comes to your job search.
In-person visits can also be costly, especially if you’re not familiar with the organization’s business model. For example, if you’re seeking to work for a UN agency in Geneva, you’ll need to factor in costs like travel, accommodations and food, as well as your own stipend.
However, if you’re on a tight budget or are just not comfortable in the heat of the moment, it’s often better to go with the lesser known option that will still get your name out there. This is especially true if you’re a student or recent grad.
4. Social Media
If you have a LinkedIn or Twitter account, you can message the hiring manager directly and follow up on your application. This is a modern alternative to sending an email after you’ve sent your resume, which can be time-consuming and can make it harder for hiring managers to review applications on their normal schedules.
You can also send an email to the company asking when they’re expecting to start narrowing down their selection process and if you can schedule a visit. This will give the hiring manager a chance to review your resume and cover letter before scheduling an interview, which can make it easier for them to choose you over other applicants.
However, it’s important to note that it can take several days for a job application to be reviewed on a normal schedule. So, if you want to send a follow-up email to the hiring manager after they’ve received your application, it’s best to wait one or two weeks before you do so.
Many companies have social media accounts, so you should follow them on those platforms and comment on posts as a way of showing that you are interested in the company. This is a good way to show your interest in the company and demonstrate that you are an active member of their community, which can increase your chances of getting an internship.
While social media can be a great way to find internships, it’s important to use it responsibly and keep your accounts clean and professional. It’s important to remove any embarrassing pictures or videos from your Facebook account, for example, which can damage your reputation and lead to a potential employer seeing you in a negative light.
It’s important to understand the different types of social media so you can choose the right platform for your needs. These include social networking, blogging, wikis, video sharing, private web messaging and social news.
It’s also important to understand that social media can be used for a variety of purposes, including marketing and advertising. As a marketer, social media is an effective tool for connecting with potential customers and for promoting your products or services. It can also help you monitor cultural trends and incorporate brand-specific concepts that build on those trends to entice customers to engage with your content.