Sending a message to the hiring manager after submitting your job application can be an effective way to set yourself apart from other applicants. However, it’s important to approach follow-up communications professionally and strategically. Avoid pestering the hiring manager, and focus on providing valuable information that shows your interest and qualifications for the role.
Should I Contact the Hiring Manager After Applying?
In most cases, yes – following up with the hiring manager after applying is recommended. According to a survey from Jobvite, 44% of recruiters say they are more likely to consider a candidate who has engaged with them proactively. Sending a quick note to express your enthusiasm and reiterate your qualifications can help keep you top of mind as they evaluate applicants.
That said, you don’t need to contact the hiring manager for every single application you submit. Follow up when you have a particular interest in the company or role, or feel you have something meaningful to add beyond your initial application materials. Avoid contacting the hiring manager just for the sake of it if you have nothing new to say.
When to Follow Up
As a rule of thumb, wait about 1 week after submitting your application before reaching out to the hiring manager. This gives them sufficient time to review your initial application, without so much time passing that they forgot who you are. However, the best timing can vary by company and role – if the job posting states when the hiring manager expects to conduct interviews or make a decision, take that timeline into account.
Additionally, if you have already had an interview, wait 2-3 days afterward before following up. Thank the hiring manager for their time, and use the opportunity to reinforce your interest and address any remaining concerns they might have.
How to Find the Hiring Manager’s Contact
The key to directly contacting a hiring manager is finding the right person. Here are some tips:
- Check the job posting itself – some listings include the hiring manager’s name and contact information.
- Look for a “Contact Us” page on the company website with staff directories.
- Search for the company on LinkedIn to find employee profiles and contact info.
- Call the company’s front desk and politely ask to be connected or get the hiring manager’s email.
If none of those methods yield results, it’s fine to follow up with the general application email address or recruiter who posted the listing. Explain you are interested in contacting the hiring manager directly and ask if they can share the name and contact details.
How to Craft an Effective Follow-Up Message
When reaching out to a hiring manager, your message needs to demonstrate professionalism, enthusiasm, and value. Follow these best practices:
Use a Professional Email Address
Make sure to contact the hiring manager from an email address suitable for job applications – ideally your name or some variation. Emails like [email protected] don’t convey professionalism.
Include the Job Title in the Subject
Refresh the hiring manager’s memory right away by including the specific job title you applied for in the email subject line. For example: “Software Engineer Role – Follow Up from Jack Smith”.
Open With a Personalized Introduction
Quickly explain who you are, which role you applied for, and when you submitted your application. If you have connections in common, mention how you heard of the open position.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience
Succinctly summarize your background, focusing on one or two key qualifications that make you an excellent fit for the company and role. Provide examples or specifics that weren’t in your initial application materials to showcase your capabilities.
Express Enthusiasm for the Role
Let the hiring manager know you remain very interested in the position and working for the company. Speak to details that excited you about the job posting and show you understand the role well.
Close With Next Steps
Politely ask if the hiring manager needs any additional information from you, or would like to schedule a phone call to discuss your background further. Offer to re-send your latest resume and samples of your work upon request.
Thank the hiring manager sincerely for their time reviewing your application, and say you look forward to hearing back regarding your candidacy.
Follow-Up Email Templates and Examples
Use these message templates and real-life examples to craft an effective follow-up email:
Follow-Up Email Template
Subject: [Job Title] Role – Follow Up from [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I recently applied for the [Job Title] role with [Company Name] and wanted to follow up with you directly regarding my application.
[1-2 sentences summarizing your relevant qualifications and experience.] I was very excited to see this opening based on my background in [key skill area], and I believe my expertise could add value in this role.
I remain very interested in the [Job Title] position and working with your team at [Company Name]. Please let me know if I can provide any additional information, or if you would like to schedule a call to discuss my qualifications further.
Thank you for your time reviewing my application. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Follow-Up After Interview Template
Subject: Thank You and Follow Up After [Job Title] Interview
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Thank you again for taking the time to interview me yesterday for the [Job Title] role with [Company Name]. It was great to learn more about the position and your team’s goals for this role.
Based on our conversation, I’m confident my skills and experience in [key skill area] would enable me to add value and achieve success in this position. I remain very enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my background in [experience/qualification] to [Company Name].
Please let me know if you need any additional information from me. I am happy to provide more details on my work history, samples of projects, references, or anything else that would be helpful. I look forward to your decision on next steps.
Thanks again for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Effective Follow-Up Email Example
Subject: Product Manager Application Follow Up – Samantha Lee
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I applied last week for the Product Manager role with Acme Software and wanted to follow up directly with you. After speaking with my colleague John Smith, who used to work for Acme, I’m very excited about the opportunity. I have five years of product management experience launching software across web, mobile, and AI platforms.
In particular, I believe my recent work guiding the development and go-to-market strategy for Carpe diem Analytics’ new predictive sales module could be very relevant for Acme’s expansion into data products. I also have experience collaborating cross-functionally and leading teams, which seems crucial for success in this role.
I’m confident I could quickly contribute value as a Product Manager for your new initiatives. Please let me know if you would like me to provide any other information, including work samples, as you evaluate candidates. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for your time, and I hope to speak with you further about this exciting opportunity!
Best,
Samantha Lee
Ineffective Follow-Up Email Example
Subject: Job application
Hi, this is Samantha Lee again. I applied for the product manager job last week and just wanted to check in and see if you’ve had a chance to look at my application? Let me know if you need me to resend anything or have any other questions. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Samantha
This example is too informal, doesn’t name the specific role, and asks an open-ended question unlikely to get a response from the hiring manager. The candidate should focus on providing valuable information about their qualifications instead.
Other Follow-Up Tips
In addition to a tailored email, here are some other ways to follow up effectively:
Connect on LinkedIn
Sending an invite to connect on LinkedIn is a light-touch way to stay on the hiring manager’s radar. Include a polite note referencing your application and interest in the role.
Follow Up by Phone
If you have the hiring manager’s number, call 3-5 days after emailing to reiterate your interest and make yourself stand out with a real-time conversation.
Check Application Portal for Updates
Sign into your account for the company’s careers portal to see if the status of your application has changed, which may provide hints on next steps.
Send New Examples of Your Work
Forward relevant writing samples, case studies, code repositories or other work product that highlights your abilities and didn’t make it into your initial application.
How Often Should You Follow Up?
Avoid pestering the hiring manager with excessive follow-up messages. Here are some guidelines on frequency:
- Send just 1 follow-up email 1 week after applying if you get no response.
- After an interview, follow up once via email, then again 2 weeks later if you still hear nothing.
- Wait at least 1 month before inquiring about an application again after multiple follow ups go unanswered.
If the job posting has been taken down or you receive a clear rejection, take the hint and do not continue reaching out.
Following Up After Accepting a Job Offer
It’s also important to follow up after accepting a job offer, both to seal the deal and start off on the right foot:
- Email the hiring manager within 24 hours confirming your acceptance in writing.
- Keep the hiring manager looped in on timeline for handing in your resignation, transition, etc.
- Add key team members and the hiring manager on LinkedIn to start connecting.
- Send a handwritten thank-you note to the team you’ll be working with.
This level of follow through demonstrates your commitment, excitement and professionalism as you prepare to begin working for the company.
Key Takeaways
Following up with the hiring manager is an important final step after submitting your job application. Keep these best practices in mind:
- Wait about 1 week before following up by email or LinkedIn.
- Craft a professional message that expresses continued interest and highlights your relevant qualifications.
- Avoid pestering the hiring manager with excessive unanswered follow-ups.
- Follow up promptly to confirm acceptance if you receive a job offer.
With a tailored, well-timed effort to stay engaged, you can boost your candidacy and set yourself up for success as you potentially launch your next career opportunity!