Dear Ed,
I interviewed for an internship, and the editor seemed to like me. As soon as I made it back home, I e-mailed her to thank her for the interview, but I never got a response. So now that I haven’t heard anything in two weeks, would it be okay to call her? She gave me her business card with her number on it, but does that give me
the right to call her direct line?
Thanks,
Dara, New York City
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Dear Dara,
If the editor gave you her card with her phone number on it, it’s okay to call, but if the editor is interested in you, believe Ed, she’ll get in touch. But sometimes editors do need a reminder, and contacting her can put you back on her radar.
You shouldn’t worry about her not responding to your e-mailed thank-you card, but did you ever send a handwritten thank-you note? Some editors (and HR reps) will wait until they receive the handwritten note before they offer you a position. Thank-you cards show that you really care about the position, even more than a quick e-mail message could. So send one of those, too, next time!
Back to the call, though: If you’d like to follow up by phone, go for it (especially if you asked for permission to do so during your interview, and if you didn’t, ask next time!), but don’t leave multiple messages and don’t call several times a day. Wait patiently until you get her on the phone, and then ask if you’re still being considered for the spot. And if you don’t hear back, move on!
Love,
Ed
