Unresponsive interns—What to do?

1. Send a gentle follow-up
   • Sometimes, a gentle nudge is all it takes. Try a friendly follow-up email/message along the lines of, “Hi [Intern’s Name], just checking in to see if you received my last message. Let me know if you need any clarification!”
2. Consider different communication methods
   • If they’re not responsive to your messages, try another channel like email or WhatsApp. Different generations may prefer different methods, and this small shift can make a difference.
3. Establish communication norms early on
   • When the internship begins, outline preferred communication methods and expected response times. It’s helpful for both sides to be clear about these norms.
4. Give them the benefit of the doubt
   • They may be adjusting to a professional setting and balancing their schedules. If they’ve missed a message or two, be patient and assume the best.
5. Reach out directly if there’s a pattern
   • If the lack of response becomes a regular issue, a direct but supportive conversation might help. Try, “I noticed there’s been a delay in your responses. Is there anything I can do to support you?”. 

By approaching the situation with patience and understanding, you’re setting a positive example and showing interns the importance of professional communication. Email us so we can help to investigate the issue.