The last few weeks have brought swift and expansive changes to the way you expected things to happen – the Spring Semester classes, activities and events, your living situation, your social life, your online life and now your summer and post-graduation plans may be changing as well. Employers are approaching the uncertainty of their next few months with a variety of responses – some are cancelling or freezing internship programs, postponing full-time hire and internship start dates, and some are making plans for remote work and training. Some employers have been proactive in their communication with potential and new hires, but what if you aren’t hearing back from the employers who hired or are considering you?
If you aren’t hearing from employers, it is appropriate to reach out and ask about the status of your situation. Below are some templates* for three types of situations that you can adapt and use as you communicate with employers.
Inquire about the status of a job or internship
Dear Hiring Manager: (Address to an individual if you have a contact)
Given the current situation with COVID-19, I am writing to inquire on the status of my position with {name of organization}. Has {name of organization} made any changes to the normal operating schedule? Will this affect my status and/or start date? I am excited to start as an {intern/full-time employee} and want to follow any guidelines put in place.
Thank you for any information you can provide; I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
{your name}
Ask about the status of an interview
Dear Hiring Manager: (Address to an individual if you have a contact)
Given the current situation with COVID-19, I am writing to inquire on the status of my interview with {name of organization}. Will this take place as scheduled in-person, or is there an option for a virtual interview? I am excited for the opportunity to speak with you, but want to follow any organizational guidelines put in place.
Thank you for any information you can provide; I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
{your name}
Request options for remote work for accepted opportunities
Dear Hiring Manager: (Address to an individual if you have a contact)
Given the current situation with COVID-19, I am writing to inquire on options for remote work for my {internship/full-time position} beginning on {date}. I am very excited at the opportunity to work for {name of organization} and hope we can mutually agree on a plan of action.
Thank you for any information you can provide; I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
{your name}
Thanks to our career counselor/coach Sarah Bell for these tips and suggestions. If you’d like to make an appointment to discuss more strategies for outreach (or anything career-related!), you can visit this page (myBucknell login required).
* adapted from University of Virginia Career Center