How to Get the Job You Applied For

Applying for a job can be a long and arduous process. You spend hours crafting the perfect resume and cover letter, only to submit them into the digital ether and never hear back. It's enough to make even the most qualified candidate give up. But don't despair! There are things you can do to increase your chances of hearing back from that dream job you applied for. So, how can you make sure that your application stands out from the rest? By doing outreach and follow ups, that's how!

Outreach is the process of reaching out to your network of contacts to see if anyone knows someone at the company you applied to. It's a great way to get your foot in the door and learn more about the company. Plus, it shows that you're resourceful and willing to go the extra mile.

Follow ups are just as important as outreach. After you've submitted your application, make sure to follow up with the hiring manager to express your interest in the position and thank them for their time. Again, this shows that you're resourceful and polite, two qualities that any employer would love to have on their team.

How to Outreach

Doing outreach is a great way to improve your chances of getting hired for the job you applied for. By connecting with your network, doing your research, and being polite and professional, you'll be one step closer to landing your dream job.

1) Find a contact at the company.

Do some research, this will help you determine how best to approach your contact and what to say. See if you can find a contact at the company you applied to. LinkedIn is a great resource for this. Once you have found a contact, reach out and introduce yourself. Let them know that you have applied for a job at their company and that you would love to chat with them about their experience working there.

When reaching out, always be polite and professional. Remember, this is a business relationship, not a personal one. Avoid sounding desperate or entitled in your communications. Instead, focus on how you can add value to the company and what makes you the best candidate for the job.

2) Ask for advice.

When you reach out, be sure to ask for advice rather than asking for a job outright. People are more likely to respond positively if they feel like they are helping you rather than being asked for a favor. Be specific in your request. For example, you could say something like, "I noticed that you work in the marketing department at XYZ Company. I am interested in pursuing a career in marketing and I was wondering if I could pick your brain about your experience working in the industry."

3) Offer something in return.

If you want someone to take time out of their day to talk with you, it's important to offer something in return. This doesn't have to be anything major; just something small like buying them coffee or sending them a thank-you note afterwards will suffice.

46% of recruiters say they've hired someone through LinkedIn. Once you've connected with someone, reach out and ask if they would be willing to put in a good word for you with the hiring manager.

Why Follow Up?

When you follow up with a hiring manager after applying for a job, you're showing that you're truly interested in the position and that you're not just sending out dozens of applications and hoping for the best. Following up also gives you an opportunity to reiterate your qualifications and highlight why you would be the perfect candidate for the job. In short, following up shows that you're committed, enthusiastic, and eager to get started—exactly the kind of candidate any employer would want to hire.

How to Follow Up

There are a few different ways you can follow up with a hiring manager after applying for a job. The method you choose will depend on how much contact information you have and your comfort level. If you don't have any contact information other than an email address, your best bet is to send a brief email reiterating your interest in the position and thanking the hiring manager for their time. If you have a phone number, you could call or leave a voicemail expressing your interest in the position. The best way to guarantee that your follow-up will be well-received is to make it personal to the hiring manager—don't use a generic template or copy-and-paste from another email or voicemail message.

Follow ups are polite. Following up after submitting an application shows that you appreciate the hiring manager's time. It's a small gesture that can make a big impression. Plus, it demonstrates that you're organized and capable of keeping track of multiple tasks at once.