Why Job Candidates Should Follow Up With The Hiring Manager After Submitting Their Resume (2024)

I sat across from a client a few weeks ago and suggested that he follow up with the hiring manager after submitting his resume through formal channels.

He looked a bit confused as to why I would suggest that.

I told him that he has no idea who (or what!) is reviewing his resume. He has no idea if the person reviewing his resume is inexperienced in their role. If the person is any good at his or her job. If the person has more than the typical amount of unconscious biases. If the person has adequate “matching skills.” If the person truly understands what the hiring manager is looking for.

I told him that the hiring manager would be the best person to determine if he is qualified to bring in for an interview. That the hiring manager is more likely to think “outside of the box” when it comes to candidates and resumes.

A lightbulb went off. He smiled and said that, as a hiring manager in his current role, he would often find resumes of candidates he wanted to interview, but that his HR department had neglected to send to him.

🗝 The actions of his own HR department were evidence of his own need to follow up with the hiring manager after submitting his resume through formal channels.

Here are some of the benefits of following up with the hiring manager after submitting your resume:

• It puts you in touch with the ultimate decision maker. The hiring manager is most likely the person who will make the decision about who to hire, not human resources. Getting connected to HR through formal channels is good. Getting connected to the hiring manager directly is better.
• It shows that you're truly interested in the position. When you follow up, you're essentially telling the hiring manager that your interest in the job is real, and that you didn’t apply just to apply. This can help you stand out from other, equally qualified candidates who don’t take this action.
• It gives you a chance to reiterate your qualifications. In your follow-up, you can remind the hiring manager of your skills, experience, and accomplishments, among other things.
• It gives you a chance to answer any questions. The hiring manager may have some questions about your resume or your qualifications. By following up, you can give them a chance to ask these questions and to get any concerns that they may have addressed.
• It keeps you top of mind. When you follow up, you have the chance to create a positive impression and memory, which can help you stay top of mind when they're making their decision about who to interview.

If you're not sure how to follow up after submitting your resume, here are a few tips:

• Be brief and to the point. Your follow-up should state your name, the position you're applying for, why you're interested in the job, your unique qualifications and value you can provide, and why you’d be a good fit for the role.
• Be professional. Your follow-up should be professional and error-free. Proofread it carefully before sending it.
• Be timely. Don't wait too long to follow up. A week after submitting your resume is a good time to send a follow-up email.

💯 When you apply for a job, it's important to follow up with the hiring manager after submitting your resume. This puts you in touch with the ultimate decision maker, shows that you're truly interested in the position, gives you a chance to reiterate your qualifications and to answer any questions that the hiring manager may have, and keeps you top of mind.

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