Following up after submitting an application for a government internship is a crucial step in the process. It shows initiative, professionalism, and continued interest in the position. While you don’t want to seem overly persistent or impatient, a well-timed, thoughtful follow-up can help you stand out and keep you on the agency’s radar.
Here’s a guide to help you follow up on your application effectively:
1. Know When to Follow Up
Why It’s Important: Timing is key. Following up too early may seem impatient, while waiting too long could signal a lack of interest.
What to Do:
- Wait for the Right Time: Typically, wait about 1-2 weeks after the application deadline before following up. This gives the agency time to review applications and assess candidates.
- Check for Follow-Up Instructions: Some internship programs include specific instructions about when or how to follow up in the application materials or on the job listing. Make sure you adhere to those guidelines.
- Be Patient: If the timeline is not provided, waiting 2 weeks after the deadline is usually an appropriate amount of time before sending a polite follow-up email.
Tip: If the job listing states that they will contact you within a specific time frame and that date has passed, it’s a good sign to reach out.
2. Craft a Professional Follow-Up Email
Why It’s Important: An email is the most professional and preferred method for following up. It’s concise, respectful, and provides a formal record of your communication.
What to Do:
- Keep It Short and Polite: Keep your message brief and to the point. Thank them for the opportunity and express continued interest in the internship position.
- Include Key Details: Include your name, the position you applied for, and the date you submitted your application. This helps the hiring manager quickly locate your materials.
- Express Gratitude: Politely express gratitude for their time and consideration. Avoid being demanding or pushy.
Sample Follow-Up Email:
Subject: Follow-Up on [Internship Position] Application – [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to follow up on my application for the [Internship Position] with [Agency/Department Name], submitted on [date]. I wanted to reaffirm my strong interest in the opportunity to contribute to your team and learn from your department.
I understand you may still be in the process of reviewing applications, but I would greatly appreciate any updates you can share regarding the status of my application or the next steps in the selection process.
Thank you again for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Tip: Customize the message for each application, making sure to reference specific details about the job and agency.
3. Be Polite and Professional
Why It’s Important: Even if you are eager to hear back, maintaining a polite and respectful tone will leave a positive impression and demonstrate your professionalism.
What to Do:
- Be Courteous: Phrases like “I understand you are likely busy,” “Thank you for your time,” and “I look forward to hearing from you” convey respect for the recipient’s time and workload.
- Don’t Be Pushy: Avoid following up more than once unless you’ve received a response. Sending repeated follow-up emails too soon may come off as overly persistent.
Tip: Remember, government agencies may take longer to respond due to their internal processes, so be patient and give them time to reply.
4. Send a Thank-You Note After Interviews
Why It’s Important: If you’ve had an interview, sending a thank-you note is an additional way to show appreciation, reaffirm your interest, and leave a lasting positive impression.
What to Do:
- Send a Thank-You Email: After an interview, send a thank-you email within 24 hours. Express gratitude for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your enthusiasm for the internship.
- Reiterate Your Fit for the Role: In your thank-you note, briefly mention key points from the interview that reaffirm your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position.
Sample Thank-You Email:
Subject: Thank You for the Interview – [Internship Position] – [Your Name]
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you very much for the opportunity to interview for the [Internship Position] with [Agency/Department Name] on [date]. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the work your team is doing and the goals of the department. I am even more excited about the opportunity to contribute to your efforts and gain valuable experience.
I truly appreciate your time and consideration, and I look forward to the possibility of working with your team.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
5. Keep Track of Your Follow-Ups
Why It’s Important: Keeping track of when you’ve followed up helps ensure you don’t miss any deadlines and that you are staying on top of all your applications.
What to Do:
- Log Follow-Up Dates: Record the date you submitted your application and when you followed up in your tracking spreadsheet (discussed in the “How to Stay Organized During the Application Process” section).
- Monitor Responses: Be sure to check your email regularly after following up, as the agency may respond quickly with next steps or further instructions.
Tip: If you haven’t heard back after a follow-up email, wait another week or two before considering whether to follow up again, unless the agency has provided a specific timeline.
6. Know When to Move On
Why It’s Important: While following up is a valuable step, it’s equally important to know when to stop. If you haven’t received a response after two follow-up attempts (or after the timeline has passed), it may be time to move on.
What to Do:
- Don’t Over-Follow Up: If you’ve followed up twice and received no response, it’s best to move on and consider applying to other opportunities.
- Stay Positive: Even if you don’t get the internship, keep a positive attitude and use the experience as a learning opportunity. A lack of response doesn’t necessarily mean you weren’t a strong candidate—government agencies sometimes have delays due to internal processes.
Tip: Consider sending a polite final follow-up email asking if the position has been filled. Keep the tone respectful and express your continued interest in future opportunities.
Conclusion
Following up on your application for a government internship is an important step in demonstrating your enthusiasm, professionalism, and organizational skills. By following the right timing, crafting a thoughtful follow-up email, and maintaining a polite and respectful tone, you can keep yourself on the radar of the hiring team while showing that you are proactive and genuinely interested in the opportunity. Be patient, organized, and professional throughout the process, and you’ll set yourself up for success in securing your internship.
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