NICE! You’ve gone through the initial screening process with your recruiter and you feel like you’d be a great fit for the role discussed. This is awesome! Your recruiter also agrees that you’d be a good fit, and states that they’ll send your resume over to the hiring manager right away. Also awesome! Step one: DONE.
And now comes the initial waiting period.
Let’s take a peek behind the scenes:
When starting a new search, one of the first questions that a recruiter asks the hiring manager is: “How many candidates are you looking to hire for this particular role, and how soon would you like to do so?”
Usually, the hiring manager states that they only need to hire one candidate, but they might put an emphasis on wanting multiple options to ensure that this one hire is the best possible choice. Even if you happen to be that “perfect candidate” and are one of the first candidates submitted for review, you may still end up waiting a little while for that first interview.
Here’s why:
1. Internal Delays: Companies often have internal processes like approvals, scheduling conflicts, or multiple decision-makers who need to coordinate. These can slow down the timeline.
2. Hiring Prioritization: The role you're applying for might not be an immediate priority, or they could be adjusting their hiring needs based on company changes.
3. Multiple Candidates: They are more than likely reviewing multiple candidate submissions and trying to find the best fit before scheduling interviews, even if you're highly qualified.
4. End-of-Year/Quarter Timing: If it's near the end of a quarter or fiscal year, companies sometimes pause hiring while budgets or plans for the next period are being finalized.
5. Administrative Overload: The hiring manager or HR might be overwhelmed with other tasks or open positions, slowing down the interview process.
So, what can you do during this waiting period?
It’s never a bad idea to send a follow-up note to express your enthusiasm for the role and inquire about next steps. If you don’t have the hiring manager’s info, your recruiter would be happy to forward your note to them. Sometimes a gentle nudge can bring you back to their attention. To inquire about your candidacy without appearing pushy or desperate, the key is to keep your tone professional, respectful, and patient.
Here's how you can structure your message:
Show gratitude: Start by thanking them for the opportunity and their time.
Express continued interest: Reiterate your excitement about the role and company.
Be understanding of their timeline: Acknowledge that you understand the process can take time.
Offer to provide more information: This shows you're proactive without being demanding.
Here’s an example:
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Subject: Follow-Up on [Position Name] Application
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I hope you're doing well. I wanted to briefly check in regarding the [Position Name] role and my candidacy. I understand that the hiring process can take time, and I’m very excited about the opportunity to potentially contribute to [Company Name].
If there’s any additional information I can provide or any updates on the next steps, please let me know. I remain very interested in the role and look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can add value to your team.
Thank you for considering my candidacy, and I appreciate your time.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your LinkedIn Profile (if applicable)]
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This message keeps the focus on your enthusiasm for the role while remaining respectful of their timeline. It shows interest without putting pressure on them for an immediate response.
Regardless of whether a particular opportunity works out, these little extra touches help you stand out as a candidate. Forging a bond between you and the recruiter is always a good move, and they will be more inclined to send you additional relevant opportunities in the future.
Written by: Emily Henion, Senior Search Consultant at Hunter Crown, LLC
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