Why You Should Contact the Hiring Manager After Applying

The following post explores Why You Should Contact the Hiring Manager After Applying.

If there were more you could do to improve your chances after applying for a job online, would you do it? Once you've clicked "Submit," your application doesn't have to end there.

Read: Why Job Searching Feels Like a Full-Time Job

Related: What is Reverse Recruiting?

Contacting the hiring manager is a proactive strategy that can help reinforce your interest while giving your application another opportunity to be noticed.

Here's what you need to know.

Overview

Most applicants submit an online application and simply wait for a response. While there's nothing wrong with that approach, it also means you're sitting back and waiting.

Contacting the hiring manager gives you another opportunity to introduce yourself and reinforce your interest in the position. A brief, professional message can demonstrate initiative, enthusiasm, and persistence while helping distinguish you from other qualified candidates.

Finding the Decision Maker

Finding the correct decision maker is critical if you want this strategy to work. LinkedIn Premium is one of the best tools available for this type of research.

The best approach is to start with the company's LinkedIn page and explore the People tab to view employees by department and job title. From there, look for managers, directors, VPs, or team leaders whose responsibilities align with the position you applied for.

You won't always identify the exact decision maker, and that's okay. The goal is to find the person most closely connected to the role. Once you've identified the likely hiring manager, you're ready to take the next step.

Using LinkedIn InMail

Once you've identified the likely hiring manager, the next step is to introduce yourself using LinkedIn InMail.

InMail is a feature included with LinkedIn Premium that gives you a monthly allotment of messages you can send to professionals outside your network.

Unlike regular LinkedIn messaging, you don't have to be connected before reaching out. This makes InMail an ideal tool for job seekers because it provides a direct and professional way to contact hiring managers after submitting an application.  

Choosing Your Timing

There are two common ways to approach this strategy, and neither is necessarily right or wrong. The best choice comes down to your personal preference and communication style.

👉 Option #1:

• Send your InMail immediately after submitting your application. This is the more proactive approach and gives you an opportunity to introduce yourself while expressing enthusiasm for the position before the hiring manager begins reviewing candidates.

👉 Option #2:

• Wait seven to fourteen days before reaching out. This approach feels more like a professional follow-up and gives the hiring team time to begin reviewing applications before you introduce yourself.

Ultimately, there's no universally correct approach. One option is more immediate, while the other is more patient. Choose the strategy that best matches your style, and focus on sending a professional, respectful message regardless of when you decide to reach out.

Writing a Professional Message

Your message should be brief, personalized, and respectful of the hiring manager's time.

Introduce yourself, mention the position you applied for, explain why you're interested in the opportunity, and thank the hiring manager for considering your application.

👉 Here's a Basic Template:

Hello ,

I recently applied for the Marketing Manager position with and wanted to introduce myself. After learning more about your organization and the role, I'm very excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team. I appreciate your time and consideration and hope to have the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with your needs.

Thank you for your consideration.

Best regards,

Your objective isn't to repeat your Resume or ask for special treatment. Instead, you're simply reinforcing your interest while encouraging the hiring manager to take a closer look at your application.

Why This Strategy Works

Most applicants submit an application and wait. By taking the initiative to introduce yourself professionally, you're demonstrating qualities employers often value, including initiative, communication skills, professionalism, persistence, and genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Not every hiring manager will respond, and no strategy guarantees an interview. Even so, a thoughtful InMail can help your application stand out and may encourage the hiring manager to give your Resume another look before making a hiring decision.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, I hope you find this post helpful for Why You Should Contact the Hiring Manager After Applying. Clicking "Submit" doesn't have to be the final step in your job search. A thoughtful LinkedIn InMail to the hiring manager may be the extra effort that helps your application stand out.

If you need help navigating the job search process, my team and I are here to support you. For professional assistance with jump starting your job search, please use the Contact Us to express interest in learning more about how we can help you.