How do you follow up after an interview for an internship or volunteer position?

1 Send a thank-you note

One of the most important steps after an interview is to send a thank-you note to the interviewer or the hiring manager. This shows your appreciation for their time and interest, as well as your enthusiasm for the opportunity. A thank-you note should be brief, polite, and personalized. You can mention something specific that you discussed during the interview, restate your qualifications and fit for the role, and express your eagerness to hear from them. You can send a thank-you note by email, or by mail if you prefer a more formal touch. Ideally, you should send it within 24 hours of the interview.

2 Follow up on the next steps

Another key step after an interview is to follow up on the next steps of the hiring process. You should have asked about this at the end of the interview, so you know when to expect a response and what to do in the meantime. If you haven't heard anything by the expected date, you can send a polite and friendly email to the interviewer or the hiring manager, reiterating your interest in the position and asking for an update. Don't be pushy or impatient, but show that you're still engaged and available. You can also use this opportunity to share any relevant updates on your skills, achievements, or portfolio, if applicable.

3 Keep applying and networking

While you're waiting for a response from the interviewer or the hiring manager, you shouldn't stop your job search or networking activities. You never know how long it will take for them to make a decision, or whether they will choose someone else over you. Therefore, you should keep applying for other internships or volunteer positions that match your goals and interests, and keep expanding your network of contacts and referrals. This will help you increase your chances of finding other opportunities, as well as demonstrate your initiative and professionalism.