How to Ask for a Full-Time Job After Your Internship

Quick answer: Ask your direct supervisor in a short, planned conversation, ideally at a mid-point check-in and again in your final weeks, or right after a strong result. Come with a list of what you achieved, say which role you want, and ask clearly if a full-time position is possible. Follow up the same day with a short email.

Hiring managers appreciate a clear, prepared ask. A vague "let me know if anything comes up" is easy to forget. A specific request, backed by your results, is easy to act on. This guide covers the ask itself. If you want the bigger picture of turning an internship into a job, read our guide on how to go from intern to employee.

When to ask

Timing matters. These are the three best moments:

• Mid-point check-in. Around the middle of your internship, mention that you are interested in staying long term and ask what the team would want to see from you. This gives you time to improve and shows early interest.
• The final weeks. This is the main moment for a direct ask. Do not wait for the last day. Your manager needs time to talk to their own boss, check budget and ask HR.
• After a strong result. If you finish a project, get praise from a client, or hit a clear goal, ask within a few days. Your results are fresh and your manager is in a good mood to say yes.

Who to ask

Start with your direct supervisor. They know your work best and can speak up for you inside the company. If there is an opening, they will usually tell you the next step, which often means talking to HR or sending a formal application.

Go to HR second, or only when your supervisor points you there. If you skip your supervisor, it can feel like you went around them. If your supervisor is hard to reach, ask a team lead you worked with closely.

How to prepare

Do this before you book the meeting. It takes one or two hours and makes the conversation much stronger.

1. List your results. Write down projects finished, tasks you took over, problems you solved and any feedback you received. Use numbers only if they are real, such as "I handled the weekly report" or "I built the first version of the tracker".
2. Know the team's needs. Listen in meetings. What is the team short of? What is slowing them down? Your ask is stronger when it solves a problem they already have.
3. Research the role you want. Look at the company's job posts and at what people in similar roles do. Pick one or two roles that fit your skills, so you can be specific.
4. Decide the basics. Know your earliest start date, whether you can work remotely, and what you would accept. You do not need a pay number yet, but be ready if asked.

What to say in the conversation

Ask for 15 to 20 minutes. Here is a simple script you can adapt:

"Thank you for making time. I have really enjoyed working with the team, and I would like to talk about staying on after my internship. Over the past [number] weeks I [your top two or three results]. I think I could keep adding value in a [role] position, especially on [team need]. Is a full-time role something the company could consider?"

Then stop talking and listen. Ask what they think you could improve, and what the next steps would be. If they say yes or maybe, ask who else needs to be involved and when you can expect an answer.

Copy-and-paste email template

Use this to follow up after the conversation, or to ask if you cannot meet in person. Change the words in brackets.

Subject: Following up on a full-time position

Dear [Manager's name],

Thank you for taking the time to talk with me today. I have really enjoyed my internship at [Company] and the chance to work on [project or area].

As we discussed, I am very interested in a full-time [role] position. During my internship I [result one], [result two] and [result three]. I would like to keep building on this with the team.

If there is anything else I can send you, such as an updated CV or a short summary of my work, please let me know. Could you tell me what the next steps would be and when I might hear back?

Thank you again for your support.

Best regards,

[Your name]

What if there is no opening

Sometimes the answer is no for now. Budget, timing or headcount may be the reason, and it is often not about you. Ask for these instead:

• A referral. Ask if they know other teams, partners or companies that are hiring, and if they would introduce you.
• A reference. Ask if they would be a reference or write a short recommendation you can share with future employers.
• To be considered later. Ask them to keep you in mind and to contact you when a role opens. Say you will check in again in a few months.
• A LinkedIn connection. Connect with your supervisor and teammates, and send a short thank-you note. Staying in touch keeps the relationship warm.

If you are still deciding how much experience you need before applying elsewhere, our guide on how many internships are enough may help.

What if they say yes

Congratulations. Do not rush to answer, but do reply politely and quickly. Then check the details:

• The offer in writing. Ask for the role title, tasks, pay, working hours, contract length and probation period.
• Timing. Confirm your start date and when you need to give your answer. If you need more time, ask politely. Our guide on how to accept an internship offer has useful wording that also works for job offers.
• Visa, if you are abroad. Converting an internship abroad into a job usually requires a separate work visa. The rules depend on the country, your passport and your degree or experience, so check the official immigration website early. Ask the company whether they can support the application and how long it usually takes.

Mistakes to avoid

• Waiting until the last day. Your manager needs time to get approval.
• Being vague. "Do you have any jobs?" is harder to answer than "I would like a [role] position."
• Exaggerating. Stick to real results. If it can be checked, it should be true.
• Going around your supervisor. Speak to them before HR or senior leaders.
• Reacting badly to a no. A polite reply keeps your reference and your network.
• Having no backup. Keep applying elsewhere while you wait.

FAQs

When is the best time to ask for a full-time job after an internship?

Aim for a mid-point check-in, then ask again in the final few weeks if there is no answer yet. The best moment is right after a strong result, such as a finished project or good feedback, because your value is fresh in your manager's mind.

Should I ask my supervisor or HR first?

Ask your supervisor first. They know your work and can speak up for you. If they say there is an opening, they will usually point you to HR or the hiring process. Go to HR directly only if your supervisor tells you to.

What if the company has no full-time opening?

Ask to be considered when something opens, and ask for a reference and a LinkedIn connection. You can also ask if they know other teams or companies that are hiring. A polite, professional exit keeps the door open.

Can I stay and work in the country where I interned?

Not automatically. Converting an internship abroad into a job usually needs a separate work visa, and the rules depend on the country and your passport. Check the official immigration rules early, and ask the employer whether they can support a work visa application.

What should I do if my manager says they need time to decide?

Thank them, ask when you can expect an answer, and send a short follow-up email. Keep doing good work in the meantime. If the date passes, check in once, politely, and keep applying elsewhere so you are not waiting on one answer.

Ready to build the experience that makes this conversation easy? See how an Asia Internship Program placement works.