The key to a successful follow-up is personalization. Start by reminding the recruiter who you are, referencing your previous interaction or application. Try this: 'Hi [Recruiter's Name], I hope you're doing well. I recently submitted my application for the [Job Title] position and wanted to follow up to see if there's any additional information I can provide.' This approach shows initiative and keeps the conversation flowing. Personalization stands out against generic, mass-send messages, making you memorable.
Timing is crucial for follow-ups. LinkedIn sees higher engagement during mid-week, particularly Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Sending your message during business hours, ideally mid-morning or early afternoon, increases your chances of getting seen. Recruiters are more likely to be engaged and active during these times. Using tools like LinkedIn's 'Activity Dashboard' can help you estimate when a recruiter might be active online, maximizing the chance your message gets a timely response.
LinkedIn rewards engagement. By consistently engaging with a recruiter's posts or company updates—even liking or sharing them—you improve your visibility in their feed. This naturally increases the likelihood they will engage with your message when it arrives. Start engaging at least a week before you plan to send your follow-up message, ensuring your name is familiar when it pops up in their inbox.
Taking the time to research the recruiter or the company can drastically improve your follow-up message. Mention a recent company achievement or article they've published to add context to your message. Example: 'I noticed [Company] just launched a new product. Congratulations! I’m excited about the potential this brings and would love to contribute my expertise in [relevant skill].' This positions you as both interested and knowledgeable.
Staying informed about your connections can lead to timely follow-ups. Adjust your notification settings to alert you of posts, job changes, or articles from the companies or recruiters you're interested in. Go to 'Settings & Privacy' > 'Communications' > 'Notifications' and customize alerts to keep you looped in. This proactive approach helps you strike while the iron is hot, commenting or reaching out at relevant times.
Balance politeness with persistence. Follow up once initially, then wait a week before contacting again if needed. Use tools such as LinkedIn's Active Status (the green dot) to see when someone was last online. Tailor your frequency based on their online activity. Respect the recruiter’s space, knowing that over-messaging can lower your chances. Aim for consistency over pestering, showing you’re interested without overwhelming their inbox.
Just as a well-crafted message is key to effective follow-ups, a consistent professional presence across platforms is critical. Your LinkedIn should mirror the quality and professionalism of your resume, as recruiters will likely review both during the vetting process. Let's turn your frustration into opportunity—ensuring every aspect of your application, from resume to LinkedIn, tells a cohesive story that stands out. Consider utilizing tools such as Ghosted's free resume diagnostic to refine your approach.
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