How to get an answer about an internship without being pushy Forum

[blong4133]

This may seem like a stupid question, but I've never had to deal with this particular issue. Last summer, I quickly secured an internship with the first firm I sent in a resume and cover letter to. This summer, I'm trying to secure an internship with a law firm that practices the type of law I plan on practicing upon graduation in the city I plan to practice. They also have hired interns, so I'm really hoping I can snag this internship.

I went in for an interview over spring break at the beginning of March. It was a laid back interview and we talked for a while and when the interview was over, I was asked to submit a writing sample. So I went home and the next day submitted a copy of a brief I wrote for Appellate Advocacy that got the highest grade in the class. In the e-mail, I asked to please send me an e-mail confirming they received the document, but never got that e-mail. So I called the firm yesterday and asked the secretary if they received the document and was told they had.

So I'm considering sending in a copy of the brief I wrote for the Moot Court competition I competed in this past weekend (We received a high score on the brief), and I also am trying to figure out the best way to try and get them to tell me whether or not my internship with them is still a possibility. I don't want to come off as desperate or pushy, or as though I'm rushing them, but I've got a month left until the semester is over and I need to know.

Also, I'm beginning to think that they aren't interested because I'm sure that if they wanted to hire me, they would have at least attempted to stay in contact. But I would at least like to be informed that they aren't going to hire me so that I can let the other firms that i have sent my resume to know if I will accept their offer.

Any suggestions are appreciated!

[Miller32]

Don't send in another writing sample. That would be weird. If they want another sample, they'll ask.

There's really no great way to go about this. You're probably right, if they wanted to hire you they would have given you some indication. But, sometimes, firms aren't as organized as you'd think. Maybe they are waiting to discuss you, maybe they are trying to figure out if they have the funds available. The best thing you can do is wait. Or, send a light follow up e-mail asking if there has been any progress regarding your candidacy. If they don't respond to this, don't email again.

[EliHBCU]

Don't send in another writing sample. That would be weird. If they want another sample, they'll ask.

There's really no great way to go about this. You're probably right, if they wanted to hire you they would have given you some indication. But, sometimes, firms aren't as organized as you'd think. Maybe they are waiting to discuss you, maybe they are trying to figure out if they have the funds available. The best thing you can do is wait. Or, send a light follow up e-mail asking if there has been any progress regarding your candidacy. If they don't respond to this, don't email again.

I was trying to figure out what to say to advise you, and I think this post pretty much says all there is to do. I would wait and continue looking, unless you have another opportunity which you don't want to pass up because you are still waiting to hear from them. In that case, then maybe consider the light email.

[blong4133]

Thanks for the advice. I did send a light e-mail asking if there has been any progress.

Hopefully I get a response to this one