Updated November 4, 2026
You tailored your resume, wrote a cover letter, and submitted your application before the deadline.
Now you’re waiting, and you haven’t heard anything.
That silence can be frustrating. It doesn’t automatically mean you’re out of the running, but it can be hard to know what to do next.
Here are a few practical steps to keep your sports internship search moving.
Wait for the Timeline in the Job Posting
Before following up, review the job posting and any confirmation email. The organization may explain when it expects to contact applicants or ask candidates not to reach out.
If it gives a timeline, wait until that period has passed. If there’s no timeline, consider sending one polite follow-up about two weeks after applying, or about two weeks after the application deadline if the role has one.
Hiring timelines can shift, especially during busy periods. A delay by itself doesn’t tell you what the organization has decided.
Send a Short, Professional Follow-Up
If the posting allows questions or provides a contact, you can send a brief email or LinkedIn message to that person. Keep it professional, restate your interest, and ask whether there’s an update on the hiring timeline.
Follow-up template:
Hi [Name],
I’m following up on my application for the [Sports Internship Title] position, submitted on [date]. I’m still very interested in the opportunity to contribute to [Organization Name]. If you’re able to share an update on the hiring timeline, I’d appreciate it.Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]
If the posting says not to contact the organization, respect that instruction. If you don’t have a listed contact, check the organization’s careers page before reaching out to someone else. Avoid sending repeated messages or contacting several employees about the same application.
Review Your Resume and Cover Letter
While you wait, take another look at your application materials. If you’re not hearing back from several organizations, consider whether your resume and cover letter clearly show how your experience fits the roles you want.
Check that your resume:
- Is easy to scan and focused on relevant experience.
- Highlights skills related to the position, such as event planning, media, marketing, operations, or data analysis.
- Includes relevant experience from campus clubs, volunteer work, coursework, or local sporting events.
Your cover letter should connect your experience to the specific internship and organization. Ask a professor, trusted friend, or your college’s career development office to review your materials. If you want to go a step further, join TSI’s Break Into Sports module where we help you create a stronger resume, find your direction, and make your next application count. It even includes a personalized TSI Sports Resume Scouting Report™ reviewed by not one, but two actual humans – not just robots!
Don’t Read Too Much Into Silence
Some organizations send updates to every applicant. Others may only contact candidates moving to the next stage. Hiring can also take longer than expected because of scheduling, staffing, or budget changes.
You may not learn why you didn’t receive a response. Keep track of your applications, but try not to treat silence from one organization as a judgment of your qualifications.
Keep Building Experience While You Wait
Continue working toward your goals while you wait for a response. You can:
- Volunteer with campus athletics or at local sporting events.
- Join a sports-related student organization.
- Connect with professionals in sports through LinkedIn or campus events.
- Apply for other internships that match your interests and experience.
Keep a simple application tracker with the organization, role, application date, deadline, and any follow-up date (the TSI Application Tracker™ is also included in the Break Into Sports – Fall Sprint!).
The The Sports Intern Internship Job Board is updated with new opportunities to help you continue your search.
Keep Moving Forward
Not hearing back from an internship doesn’t tell you everything about your application or your potential. Follow up once when appropriate, keep strengthening your experience, and continue applying to roles that fit your goals.
