Ask Heather: Application submission, vacation and quarter systems

August 4, 7:42 AMEntry Level Careers ExaminerHeather Huhman

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Have a question about finding, landing or succeeding at internships or entry-level jobs? E-mail them to entrylevelexaminer@gmail.com to be included in an upcoming “Ask Heather.”

Q: I read about sending a second paper submission of applications after the original electronic copy, as a way of reinforcing my interest. My question is, who do I send the second application to if I don't know the name of the hiring manager? I'm afraid it will get lost in the shuffle of HR paperwork, and I don't want to be perceived as aggressive or unable to take directions.

A: I personally recommend submitting your application in whatever manner the job ad instructs, which is typically via e-mail or an online system. You are absolutely correct—sending a hardcopy will likely result in your application being lost.

As far as identifying a hiring manager, I recommend reading my article “Ask Heather: Identifying hiring managers.”

Q: Can you go on vacation while on probation?

A: Typically, no. The idea behind probation is to keep you focused on your work so the organization can evaluate if you’re truly the good fit they thought you were when they made you an offer. Probation period can be anywhere from three months to one year. Unfortunately, you’re just going to have to wait it out!

For more information, I recommend reading my article “Great vacation expectations.”

Q: My school is on a quarter system, so I don’t go back until the end of September. How do I land an internship in the meantime?

A: That is an excellent question—and I’m sure one everyone on a quarter system struggles with.

I recommend putting together a list of nonprofits, small businesses and start-ups in your area for which you would like to work—organizations that don’t have formal internship programs. Then, draft a proposal for each—it doesn’t have to be long—about what you would do during your internship, how many hours per week you would be working and how you recommend you be supervised (in other words, the resources the organization would need to make this a reality).

You can find contact information on the organization’s Web sites, social networking sites, etc. I strongly encourage your initial outreach be via e-mail because it’s less intrusive. Contact the organizations one at a time (so you don’t get a “yes” from two or more and then back out), and go from there! Good luck!