I was denied an internship and I would like to know why. Should I ask why? How do I go about it?

Question

I am a print journalism student in my junior year at college and I have to do an internship for Fall 2007, but I can't drive, and so I found out that there is a newspaper office on the bus route for this college. I called the newspaper office and the woman told me to email her. I emailed her my resume, and trying to be honest I wrote a message that said I do not really want to get a job working for a newspaper when I graduate because I am only good at writing and copy editing, but that I just need an internship and asking if they could offer me one. The next day she emailed me back and the message was just "no thanks" with her contact info underneath it. But she gave no reason why, no suggestions, nothing. So why was I denied an internship? Was it my resume? was it because of the message I wrote? I would like to know why because there is really nowhere else on the bus route where I can get an internship if I don't get one there. And I need an internship for Fall 2007!!! What do I do?

I am wondering if I should email the woman back and ask her why I was denied. Should I do it? And if so how exactly should I go about doing it? Like how should I start off the message?

Answer 1

You never know you may have enjoyed your internship so much you may have decided this was a career path you would consider.

Let this be a valuable learning experience for you. Do keep in mind that employers NEVER want to hear your "sad" story or that you need them more than they need you. This never works!! Oh and if I were you I'd leave out the part about you not having a car......too risky.

My advise is to just let it go and be much more positive and upbeat next time. You really should take a class on pulling off the best interviews. This is definitely a skill you will use for the rest of your life. Take care!!

Answer 2

You could ask but I'm pretty sure the part "I do not really want to get a job working for a newspaper when I graduate because I am only good at writing and copy editing," did it.

Don't email her. If you really want to try and salvage this go see her in person and tell her you realize you were wrong in making that statement without having any experience. Tell her you realize that to be a good journalist you should experience all areas of the career. All she can do is say no

Answer 3

I think saying you don't want a job with a newspaper might have killed it for you. It's still worth asking why you didn't get it though. You can say you would like to find out so you can work on it for your next application. Next time try coming across as really eager for the job even if you're not, and outline what you are good at, not what you can't do. Good Luck.

Answer 4

You should go in and ask to speak to her in person and see if you can salvage the internship. Why would she want to give the internship to someone who really has no intention of making this her career? Another person would lose out, and this is what they would be wanting and needing for their career. Loose lips sink ships. Also do not email her, you need to do this in person.

Answer 5

The answer to your question is in your question. You don't have to be so frank and honest. Sometimes little white lies goes a long way. Make the customer feel like a million bucks even if they are only worth $2.

Answer 6

that whole you have no intention of making it a career did it to you. they only have a limited amount of internships available, why should they give it to you if you have no interest in the career?

Answer 7

When you started with what you don't want, you blew it!