Here's something most students don't know: following up after an internship application actually works. I used to think it was annoying or pushy. Then I started doing it, and my response rate went from maybe 5% to closer to 20%. That's not a typo. Following up can triple your chances of getting a response.
Why Follow-Ups Work (The Data)
Recruiters get hundreds of applications. Your resume gets lost in the pile. A follow-up email does two things: it reminds them you exist, and it shows you're actually interested (not just mass-applying). Studies show that candidates who follow up are 3x more likely to get an interview. That's because most people don't do it, so when you do, you stand out.
The Reality
About 70% of students never follow up after applying. That means if you do, you're already in the minority. Recruiters notice people who show initiative - and a well-timed follow-up email is exactly that.
When to Follow Up (The Timeline)
Timing matters. Too early and you look impatient. Too late and they've already moved on. Here's the sweet spot:
- After 10-14 days: This is the standard follow-up window. Give them time to process applications, but not so much time that they've forgotten you.
- After an interview: Within 24 hours, send a thank-you email. Then follow up again after 1-2 weeks if you haven't heard back.
- If the posting is still up: If you see the job is still posted 3+ weeks after you applied, that's a good sign to follow up - they might still be looking.
- Never: Don't follow up multiple times in a week. Don't follow up if they explicitly said "no phone calls." Don't follow up if it's been less than a week.
💡Pro Tip
Use an application tracking tool to set reminders. Tools like Internship Grabber can automatically remind you when it's time to follow up, so you don't have to remember dates for 20+ applications.
The Follow-Up Email Template (Copy This)
Here's a template that actually works. I've used variations of this and gotten responses:
Follow-Up Email Template
Subject: Following Up on [Position Name] Application - [Your Name] Hi [Recruiter Name or Hiring Manager], I applied for the [Position Name] internship on [Date] and wanted to follow up on my application status. I'm particularly interested in this role because [one specific reason - mention something from the job description or company website]. My experience with [relevant skill/project] aligns well with what you're looking for. I'd love the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to [Company Name]. Please let me know if you need any additional information. Thank you for your time and consideration. Best regards, [Your Name] [Your Email] [Your Phone Number]
What Makes This Email Work
Notice what this email does right:
- It's short: Recruiters are busy. Get to the point in 3-4 sentences.
- It's specific: Mention something about the role or company. Show you actually read the job description.
- It's professional but not robotic: Sound like a human, not a template.
- It includes your info: Make it easy for them to contact you.
- It doesn't sound desperate: You're following up, not begging.
Common Mistakes (Don't Do These)
Here's what kills follow-up emails:
- Being too pushy: "I need an answer by Friday" is not going to work.
- Sounding generic: If you can swap out the company name and it still works, you're doing it wrong.
- Following up too often: Once every 2 weeks is plenty. More than that and you become annoying.
- Not personalizing: "Dear Hiring Manager" is fine, but if you can find the recruiter's name on LinkedIn, use it.
- Making it about you: Focus on what you can do for them, not what you want from them.
How to Find the Right Person to Email
Sometimes the job posting doesn't include a contact. Here's how to find someone:
- Check the company's careers page: Often there's a general email like careers@company.com or internships@company.com.
- Use LinkedIn: Search for "[Company] recruiter" or "[Company] talent acquisition." Many recruiters list their email or accept messages.
- Check the job posting again: Sometimes the contact info is buried in the description.
- If all else fails: Use a general company email and address it to "Hiring Manager" - it still works.
Building Recruiter Relationships on LinkedIn (The Long Game)
Following up on applications is great, but there's an even more powerful strategy: building relationships with recruiters before you even apply. The move is simple - search for "[Company] university recruiter" on LinkedIn, send a connection request with a personal note introducing yourself, and ask for a quick coffee chat after they accept. This puts you on their radar months before the application window opens.
And here's the part most people miss: keep those connections alive. Even if you end up accepting an internship somewhere else, send a message like: "Hey, I just wanted to keep you posted - I got an internship at [Company X] this summer, but I'm still really interested in [Their Company] and would love to stay connected." This shows genuine engagement and professionalism. Recruiters remember students who do this, and it makes you a familiar name when you apply again later.
💡Recruiter Relationship Tip
Don't wait until fall to connect with recruiters. Reach out in the spring when their inboxes aren't flooded with hundreds of applications. You'll get more responses, more coffee chats, and more face time when competition is low.
The Follow-Up After an Interview
If you've already interviewed, your follow-up is different. Send a thank-you email within 24 hours, then follow up about status after 1-2 weeks if you haven't heard back.
Thank-You Email Template
Subject: Thank You - [Position Name] Interview Hi [Interviewer Name], Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today about the [Position Name] role. I really enjoyed learning about [specific thing you discussed] and how [Company Name] approaches [relevant topic]. I'm particularly excited about the opportunity to [specific thing you'd do in the role]. I believe my experience with [relevant skill] would allow me to contribute to [specific project/goal mentioned]. Please let me know if you need any additional information. I look forward to hearing from you. Best regards, [Your Name]
Tracking Your Follow-Ups
When you're applying to 20+ internships, remembering to follow up on each one is impossible. That's where application tracking tools come in. Tools like Internship Grabber can:
- Set automatic reminders: Get notified when it's time to follow up (usually 14 days after applying)
- Track who you've contacted: Know which companies you've followed up with and when
- Store email templates: Keep your follow-up templates ready to customize
- Log responses: Add notes to each application to track recruiter replies and follow-up outcomes
This is especially helpful when you're managing multiple applications and don't want to accidentally follow up twice or miss the window entirely.
The Bottom Line
Following up after an internship application isn't pushy - it's smart. Most students don't do it, so when you do, you stand out. Use the templates above, time it right (10-14 days after applying), and track everything so you don't lose track. Your response rate will thank you.