Messaging a recruiter on LinkedIn after applying for a job can be an effective way to follow up and express continued interest in the role. Here are some tips on when and how to reach out to a recruiter post-application:
Should you message a recruiter after applying?
Messaging a recruiter after submitting an application can demonstrate initiative, excitement about the role, and help keep you top of mind. It can be a good idea to reach out in these situations:
- You have a previous relationship or existing LinkedIn connection with the recruiter
- The job posting specifically encourages candidates to follow up
- You have unique qualifications or experience that may not come across fully in your application
- Significant time has passed since applying without hearing back
However, if you have no relationship with the recruiter, follow up is not encouraged, or it has only been a short time since applying, messaging may not provide much benefit.
When should you reach out to a recruiter after applying?
Timing your follow up message well can increase the likelihood of a positive response:
- Wait at least one week after submitting an application to allow time for review
- Follow up after major milestones in the hiring process have passed, like interviews
- Touch base if the job posting closing date has passed
- Reach out if you saw the role was reposted or updated
- Connect 2-4 weeks after applying if you have not heard back
Avoid contacting the recruiter immediately after hitting submit or making repeated outreaches in a short timeframe.
How to message a recruiter on LinkedIn after applying
Crafting an effective post-application message involves personalization, brevity, and a positive tone:
- Personalize the message – Reference the specific role, the recruiter’s name, qualifications from your resume, etc.
- Keep it brief – A few sentences or short paragraph is sufficient. Do not resend your entire resume.
- Express continued interest – Say you are still excited about and interested in the opportunity.
- Add value – Provide new information about your experience or share relevant work samples if appropriate.
- Be gracious – Thank the recruiter for their time and consideration.
- Consider your tone – Be enthusiastic but professional.
Here is an example message structure you can follow:
Dear [Recruiter Name],
I hope you are doing well! I applied for the [Job Title] role at [Company] on [Date] and wanted to reiterate my strong interest in the position. As we discussed during my interview last week, my background in [X] and [Y] would enable me to [accomplish A, B, and C in the role]. I greatly enjoyed learning more about [Company] and the role, and think I could thrive in the position. Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide. I look forward to hearing from you!
Best,
[Your Name]
What to include in a LinkedIn message to a recruiter
Key elements to incorporate in your follow up recruiter message include:
- A clear subject line, like “Follow Up for [Job Title] Role”
- A warm opening and greeting by name
- Mention of the specific job and company
- Date when you applied or interviewed
- Brief recap of your top qualifications
- Added value like work samples or new accomplishments
- Expression of continued interest in the role
- Appreciation for their consideration
- Invitation to reach out for additional information
- Professional closing and signature
What not to do when messaging a recruiter
To have the best chance of a positive recruiter response, avoid these common missteps:
- Spamming recruiters with copy-pasted messages
- Being too aggressive or demanding in tone
- Repeating the same qualifications from your application
- Asking about timeline or competing candidates
- Including heavy attachments like resumes or cover letters
- Making exaggerated claims about interest in the company
- Forgetting to personalize each message
- Calling out the recruiter for not responding
Following up if a recruiter doesn’t respond
If a recruiter does not reply to your initial outreach, here are some tips for following up:
- Wait at least one week before following up again
- Double check you reached out to the correct recruiter
- Consider asking for an update through a different contact at the company
- Change the content or format of your message for the follow up
- If there is still no response, carefully reconsider if further outreach is worthwhile
However, lack of response likely indicates the recruiter is not interested at this time. Avoid harassing the recruiter with excessive follow up messages.
Following up after receiving a rejection
If you receive a rejection after going through the interview process, you may want to reach back out to the recruiter. This can demonstrate professionalism, open the door for referrals, and even get you re-considered if the selected candidate falls through. Here are some tips if reaching out after a rejection:
- Thank the recruiter for their time and consideration
- Ask for any feedback on why you were not selected
- Inquire about potential other suitable openings at the company
- Express interest in future opportunities down the line
- Offer to connect on LinkedIn or follow up in the future
However, avoid being pushy or demanding. Ultimately, you’ll have to accept and respect the rejection.
Maximizing your chances of a recruiter response
To increase the likelihood of a recruiter writing back:
- Leverage any existing connections or relationships
- Keep your outreach focused and brief
- Have the right mindset – they do not “owe” you a response
- Personalize each message extensively
- Role model persistence, patience, and professionalism
- Apply to roles well-aligned to your background
- Avoid spamming recruiters or employers
However, even with a flawless approach, many recruiters receive huge volumes of outreach. You may not always get a reply.
Alternative ways to contact the recruiter
If you are not getting traction messaging the recruiter on LinkedIn, consider other options to make contact including:
- Asking around your network for a warm introduction
- Inquiring about the hiring manager’s contact information
- Finding the recruiter’s email address or phone number through research
- Seeing if the recruiter is on other social platforms like Twitter
- Sending an InMail through LinkedIn Recruiter or Career pages
- Checking with your school’s alumni network for other options
However, cold calling recruiters without an introduction is typically not recommended.
Sample LinkedIn recruiter outreach messages
Review these examples for inspiration crafting your own follow up messages:
Subject: Following Up on Social Media Manager Application
Dear Jane,
I hope all is well! I applied last week for the Social Media Manager role at ABC Company and remain very enthusiastic about the opportunity. As a refresher, I have 5 years experience managing social strategies for retail brands. My background in digital marketing and my track record of success growing social media engagement could be a great fit for maximizing ABC’s social presence. Please let me know if I can provide any additional information! I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
John
Subject: Interview Follow Up for Sales Associate Role
Hi Tom,
I wanted to thank you again for taking the time to interview me last Tuesday for the Sales Associate position with XYZ Company. I enjoyed speaking with you and learning more about the role. As we discussed, my past sales experience and passion for customer service would enable me to thrive in this position. I am extremely interested in joining the XYZ Company team. Please let me know if there are any other materials I can provide or steps I can take to help move my application forward. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Mary
These examples demonstrate personalized, professional follow up messages that increase the chances of a positive recruiter response.
Key Takeaways
Following up with a recruiter after submitting an application can help advance your candidacy, but should be done strategically. Make sure your messaging is:
- Personalized and specific to the role
- Timed appropriately when the recruiter is likely reviewing applicants
- Focused on your interest and fit for the position
- Professional and gracious in tone
- Brief yet covering key qualifications
With the right approach, following up demonstrates initiative and could make you stand out from other applicants. But avoid over-messaging recruiters or continuing outreach after clear rejections. A bit of post-application persistence and professionalism can go a long way if done properly.