How can I get a faster decision for an internship position?

manpreet Best Answer 2 years ago

I did on-site interviews for an internship. I have a strong resume, but it's a competitive position.

They told me they would know of their decision by this week. Then they told me they would know by next week but they might know sooner, in which case they will let me know. I suspect that I've been deemed a second-choice applicant, where if someone rejects their offer I'll be given it instead.

I really need a decision soon. If I don't get this internship I'll be applying to a couple of other companies with approaching deadlines that require long essays about why I want to work there and academic references, which are a big time drain and will require me to bother my professors.

How can I ask this company for a decision sooner, and not alienate them or have them reject me? I want to work for this company, but I need to make plans for what to do if I don't get the position.

manpreet 2 years ago

If I don't get this internship I'll be applying to a couple of other companies

I suggest you apply to those other companies now, and don't wait until this internship replies back to start doing that.

How can I ask this company for a decision sooner, and not alienate them or have them reject me?

Realistically, you can politely write back to them periodically reminding them about the offer, with the downfall of possibly becoming annoying if done too often. But there are few things you can do to actually speed the process. This is why I recommend you start looking for other options now so you don't waste that precious time waiting for their response.

In case you actually get this preferred internship, you can politely turn down any other offer you may get, thanking them for their offer and consideration, and perhaps discussing the chance of leaving the door open for future opportunities.

If you don't, well then you can continue with the other recruitment processes, but don't halt the job-seeking process just for one response, as you may miss other great opportunities.