Once you’ve submitted your job application, connect with the hiring manager or recruiter on LinkedIn. Send a brief message mentioning that you’ve applied for the role and are interested in the opportunity. Also, ensure you are following the company to stay updated and show your interest. These simple actions can help you get noticed.

You must network. Search for 3-5 current employees within the company who have the same or similar job titles. Send them a message on LinkedIn or use an email search tool to identify their professional email address. In your message, articulate your value for the role by calling out 1-2 specific parts of the job description that you align the best with. Bonus points if you can attach a resource, a visual or some other type of tangible proof that you have the skill required for the role (not a full resume). Always add value. If you show up to the conversation with ideas, solutions or plans already, you're more likely to make an impressive first impression for the role.

If a person is mentioned in the advertisement, I would telephone them if a number is given with a couple of questions about the role. If a number was not given I would search for that person on LinkedIn and send them the questions with an introduction. If there was no name provided, I would search on LinkedIn for a person that works in recruitment in that company and send them a message.

1. Connect with the hiring manager on LinkedIn with a personalized message. 2. Follow up with a brief, polite email expressing your enthusiasm for the role, summarizing your qualifications, and explaining why you’re a great fit. Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration to show initiative. 3. Wait a few days before following up with a call, but only if the application deadline has passed. Ensure your CV includes relevant keywords from the job description, not only in the cover letter but throughout your CV. Some CRM systems may highlight these for the hiring manager.

After submitting my online job application, my next move is to follow up with a personalized email to the hiring manager or HR team, reiterating my interest in the position and highlighting key qualifications. I also connect with the company on LinkedIn to express my enthusiasm and build rapport. This shows initiative and reinforces my commitment to the opportunity, helping me stand out from other candidates.

I suggest researching the company your applying to, check their social apps and connect with line managers. Contacting the hiring manager direct (or company manger) isn't always the right avenue to take. However, it shows initiative and allows you to stand out. I feel personalization has gone to the wayside and everyone is behind a keyboard - pick up the phone and make the call to connect and discuss the position in more detail. Find out why the role is available, about the team and the business. Also, a lot of applications these days don't bother to add a cover letter - these still work effectively and personalize the application. Be brief, to the point and ascertain the essential requirements to the position your applying to.

I came across a follow up technique a few years ago and have seen it work well. Follow up by phone. "Hi, my name is Patrick and I wonder if you might be able to help me? I have applied online for the position of Sales Rep with <your organisation> just yesterday, but I have been having some tech issues with my resume; it doesn't always upload to some systems. I am looking in it. I am so excited by this opportunity and feel I am a good fit, so I just need to be sure it has uploaded. Can you help me with that?" Often, a receptionist may not have access to the ATM or HRMS, so they put you through to a Talent Acquisition person who opens the resume and says, "Tell us a bit about yourself?" Your chance to become the benchmark candidate?

Submitting your application is just the beginning—now’s the time to show you're proactive! ✨ A thoughtful follow-up email to the hiring manager can set you apart and reinforce your interest. Engaging on LinkedIn by connecting with employees or commenting on the company’s posts shows you’re genuinely invested. And don’t forget to prep for the next step—research and rehearse to shine when the interview call comes.

𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐈 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐮𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐚 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫. At Engage Partners, I once applied for a key partnership role and sent a brief note highlighting my enthusiasm for the company’s mission and shared insights about their recent project. This not only demonstrated my genuine interest but also showcased my proactive nature. Engaging with the hiring team on LinkedIn can also be effective; I’ve seen candidates share relevant articles or comment on posts to keep themselves top of mind. Remember, it’s about building connections and showing that you’re invested in the opportunity!

After submitting an online job application, distinguishing yourself involves a combination of strategic follow-ups, engaging with the company, leveraging your network, and staying prepared and organized. Each step not only increases your chances of moving forward in the hiring process but also demonstrates your proactive, thoughtful engagement with your job search. By implementing these strategies, you ensure that you’re not just another applicant but a standout candidate eager to bring value to the prospective employer.