Dear Ed,
In a couple of months, I will be wrapping up my internship. I have been informationally interviewing like a madwoman and have established a good relationship with one of the magazine’s editors. However, since there is a hiring freeze, it’s not likely that I will be handed a job at the end of all this. How should I go about keeping in touch with the editors without being obnoxious? I’ve left resumes with everyone I’ve met; what else should I do/say to have them remember me when the hiring freeze melts?
Cory, Birmingham, AL
Dear Cory,
With anyone you feel you’ve hit it off with, you should feel free to send occasional e-mails after your internship. Since the content of a check-in e-mail can be obnoxious, it’s important to show you’re not JUST interested in getting a job; you’re also interested in them!
Here’s a BAD e-mail:
Dear Mrs. Editor,
I met you during my internship which ended last month. I understand that there is a hiring freeze but I would still like you to hire me for a job. I know I gave you a resume, but I’m attaching it again. Please let me know as soon as you can give me a job. I am DESPERRRRATTTEEEE&*%@#!!!!9
Now, here’s an example of a GOOD check-in e-mail:
Hey Ed! (if you’re on a first-name basis)
I can’t believe a month’s passed since my internship ended! I hope you’re doing well and everything’s great at [name of mag]. [ask a sincere question, like, how are your kids doing, or how was your trip to Paris]
I’ve been keeping busy with [update her on what’s new with you—any new articles you’ve written or temp work you’ve done].
I also wanted to let you know that I’m on the hunt for [and tell her, in a few words, what kind of job you’re looking for, eg. “an editorial assistant position”], so if you hear of anything, I’d really appreciate it if you could let me know! Just in case there’s something open at [where she works], I’m attaching an updated resume.
[If you’d like to get together, ask her to meet up with you for lunch, coffee, dinner, or drinks]
Can’t wait to hear what’s going on with you! Hope to talk to you soon.
—————-
And after that first e-mail, it won’t be weird when you shoot her another e-mail later on. Unless you have new things to tell her, leave a couple of months between your e-mails.
Did you send a thank you card after your informational interview? That’s a surefire way to be remembered because who doesn’t love getting a thoughtful card? If it’s been a while, the opportunity may have passed, but if it was a week or two ago, send a hand-written note that lets her know how much you appreciated her time and advice. Include in your note a subject you talked about in your interview, if you can work it in without forcing it.
Love,
Ed
