Q: I applied one week ago for a summer newspaper internship at an 80,000 circulation daily. In the form letter they send to inquiring journalists, it says not to contact the newspaper to see if you've been selected. However, at an information interview with the internship director last month, he said it was OK to call him once or twice during the process to see where things were at. (I didn't ask; he volunteered the information.) They make their decisions by mid-March.

This is the newspaper where I would most like to work and I strongly believe I have the experience, skills, maturity, etc. to do the job. When, if ever, should I follow up? Will a phone call make someone more or less likely to hire me? And what can I say in a follow up call that doesn't seem quite as pushy as "So, are you going to invite me for an interview?"

Rachel

A: I generally advise journalists to go ahead and contact places if they need information, but this paper seems to have been pretty specific, sending you a letter asking you not to call and telling you that you'll have an answer in mid-March.

I wouldn't call to ask whether they've decided anything, but I might continue to send some stellar clips and, if I could get there, I think I'd ask for a chance to come in and see the place.