Communication Guide to Navigate Your Job Search during COVID-19

How do I follow up regarding the status of my internship or full-time position?

Reach out to your hiring manager via email or phone to inquire about the status of your candidacy. The more connected you stay with employers, the better.

My summer internship has been canceled due to COVID-19. What do I do?

Design your own experience. Review the ideas in Making the Most of Your Summer during COVID-19.

I applied for a position but have not heard back on the hiring process. What do I do?

Email your hiring manager and inform him/her you realize times are challenging and ever-changing but you want to touch base regarding the current status of your application. Reiterate you are still interested in the position to which you applied.

I am not comfortable pursuing my summer internship due to health concerns. What do I do?

Contact your hiring manager regarding the status of your candidacy as soon as possible. If you do not feel comfortable pursuing the role in-person this summer, inquire about the opportunity to work remotely (see suggestion below). If you would like to turn down your summer commitment but want to be considered for a future term, consider asking to adjust the term for which you can be considered.

I would like to ask my summer internship supervisor if there is an option to work remotely. How do I go about doing so?

Now is the time for transparency. Let your hiring manager know what you are comfortable with given the current environment. Most companies are allowing companies to work remotely if at all possible.

I applied to multiple positions at various companies and all of them stated hiring processes are postponed. What do I do?

Follow up and stay connected (without badgering). If you have not already done so, email your direct contact for the company thanking them for the update. Reiterate your interest in being part of the team. Ask about a timeline (if applicable) and when you can expect an update regarding your candidacy and/or the hiring process to continue.

How do I follow up regarding an upcoming interview that was scheduled in person prior to COVID-19 travel restrictions?

Contact the company with whom you are interviewing (email and/or phone call) to inquire about the format for the interview, mentioning you want to follow the organizational guidelines.