How long to wait before following up on an internship application
Wait one to two weeks after applying, then send one short follow-up. After an interview, send a thank-you within 24 hours, then follow up once the date they gave you has passed, or after a week if they gave none. If two follow-ups get no reply, move on and keep applying.
The timeline
| Stage | When to follow up | How many times |
|---|---|---|
| After applying | 1 to 2 weeks | Once |
| After an interview | Thank-you within 24 hours, then after the date they gave | Once or twice |
| After an offer | Before the deadline they set | Ask for more time if you need it |
| No reply to two follow-ups | Move on | Zero |
What to write
After applying:
Hi [Name], I applied for the [Role] internship on [date] and wanted to check in. I'm excited about [one specific thing about the team]. Happy to share anything else that helps. Thanks, [You]
Thank-you after an interview:
Thanks for the time today, [Name]. I enjoyed hearing about [something they said]. It made me even keener on the role. [You]
Checking in after the date passes:
Hi [Name], checking in on the [Role] internship. Still very interested. Is there an update on timing? Thanks, [You]
Where to send it
Reply to the last email from the recruiter if you have one. If you applied through a portal, find the recruiter or hiring manager on LinkedIn and send a short message.
Why companies go quiet
- They got hundreds of applications and only reply to the shortlist.
- The role was paused or its budget moved.
- They are waiting on their first-choice candidate.
Silence usually means no, even when nobody says it. Keep other applications going while you wait.
How internd tracks who replies
internd is building a reply-rate score from students who tell us whether a company answered. It only shows once a company has enough reports, and until then its roles say "No ghost score yet". Start swiping.
Questions
Is it rude to follow up on an internship application?
No. One polite follow-up after a week or two is normal and shows interest.
Should I call instead of emailing?
Email or a LinkedIn message is better. Calls put people on the spot.
What if the posting says not to follow up?
Respect it, and keep applying elsewhere in the meantime.
How long do internship applications take to hear back?
Often one to three weeks for a first reply, longer at big companies with fixed recruiting seasons.