Return Offer Playbook

Subject: Internship Goals — Clarifying Expectations

Hi [Manager Name],

Thanks for the warm welcome yesterday! I wanted to document the goals we discussed to ensure we're aligned.

Based on our conversation, here's my understanding:

PRIMARY GOALS:
1. [Specific project 1] — Target completion: Week X
2. [Specific project 2] — Target completion: Week Y
3. Learn and contribute to [team's codebase/process]

SUCCESS METRICS:
- Ship [project] to production by end of internship
- Contribute to [N] code reviews / design discussions
- Build relationships with [2-3 team members]

What I'd love from you:
- Weekly 1:1 for 30 min to review progress
- Direct, candid feedback at any point
- Introductions to 2-3 skip-level leaders

Please let me know if I'm missing anything or if my understanding needs adjustment.

Looking forward to a great summer!
[Your Name]

Subject: Weekly Update — Week [N] of Internship

Hi [Manager],

Quick recap of this week:

✅ COMPLETED:
- [Specific accomplishment 1 with metrics]
- [Specific accomplishment 2]

🚧 IN PROGRESS:
- [Project] — [X% complete, blockers if any]

🚨 BLOCKERS / NEEDS:
- [Specific blocker or ask — e.g., 'Need access to prod database for testing']

📅 NEXT WEEK:
- [Priority 1]
- [Priority 2]

Any feedback on my progress? Happy to adjust based on your priorities.

Thanks,
[Your Name]

Script for proactive feedback conversation with manager (Week 4-5):

YOU: "Hi [Manager], I'd love to get your honest feedback on my performance so far. I'm not asking for a formal review — just a 10-minute candid conversation."

MANAGER: [Positive feedback typically first]

YOU: "Thanks for the positive feedback. Now, I'd love to hear what I could do better. If I don't improve in these areas, what would prevent me from getting a return offer?"

MANAGER: [Gives constructive feedback — this is GOLD]

YOU: "Got it. Specifically for [area 1], can you give me an example of what 'better' looks like? What would an exceptional intern do here?"

MANAGER: [Clarifies expectations]

YOU: "Thank you. Would it be okay if I check in with you weekly on these specific items for the rest of the internship?"

OUTCOME: You now have specific, actionable feedback + a weekly check-in to course-correct.

Subject: [Position] Offer — Discussion

Hi [Recruiter Name],

Thank you so much for the offer to join [Company] as a [Position]! I'm genuinely excited about the opportunity and the team.

Before I finalize my decision, I wanted to discuss the compensation package. Based on my research of market rates for [Position] at comparable companies (via Levels.fyi, Blind, and recent public offers), I was hoping we could discuss:

1. BASE SALARY: Market data suggests $[X] - $[Y] for this role in [City]. Would you be able to adjust to $[X]?

2. SIGNING BONUS: Could we increase the signing bonus from $[current] to $[target] to help with relocation and transition costs?

3. [Other items if applicable: start date, equity, vacation]

For context, I'm also actively exploring offers from [Company 2] and [Company 3], and I want to make sure [Company] is competitive while also reflecting my strong summer performance.

I'm hopeful we can find a package that works for both of us. Happy to discuss over a call if easier.

Looking forward to joining [Company]!

Best,
[Your Name]