How to Get a Recruiter to Respond to Your Job Applications

We’ve all been there. Or at least most of us have. You send in a job application in the hope of getting the interview, but you don’t hear back. Recruiters don’t call to tell you if you were successful or not, and they don’t email. So you are left wondering what happened.

The reality is, a lot of things could have happened. But the bottom-line is; the recruiter didn’t find your job application to be that impressive. They didn’t think you were well qualified for the position and your CV didn’t have the direct experience they were looking for.

Not getting a response from recruiters can be annoying and frustrating. But it doesn’t have to be so. In this post, you will learn of 5 ways you can draw the recruiter to your job application and guarantee feedback. Are you ready?

How to Get a Recruiter to Respond to Your Job Applications

1. Make a Point of Knowing Who the Recruiter is

This can be a little difficult, but it’s not impossible. You know how you are advised to learn the name of the hiring manager so you can apply directly to them? The reason you are told to this is because it appeals to the good side of the hiring manager.

The same will apply when trying to get feedback on your job application. Your research on the name can start with the job advert. Look at the email address provided and if it includes a contact person. Then move on to LinkedIn and the company website. This is where you are most likely to find out who the recruiter is.

2. Build a Relationship with the Recruiter

Remember you are not waiting until 2 weeks to find out if the recruiter will email or not. The essence of this post is to ensure you get a response, no matter the outcome. After identifying who the recruiter in charge of the position you want is, it is time to reach out to them.

You can do this through email, phone call or LinkedIn message. All these are considered professional and will, almost always, lead to a response. When you reach out, avoid sending a generic email or message. You want to appeal to their good side and so whatever you say must be personal.

The message to convey: You have seen an advertisement for an opportunity you are interested in and wanted to confirm if it’s still available, so you can submit an application for consideration. Since job scams are becoming the norm, a recruiter will understand why you called or emailed and some will already take you seriously. Express your gratitude for their response, and add that you look forward to a further interaction about the position.

Remember to introduce yourself officially. It helps when they want to look up your CV at a later time. If you are reaching out on email, DON’T send your CV unless it is requested. However, you can CC them when you are making the actual application.

3. Don’t Allow Your Personal Opinion to Take Charge

Before applying for a job opening, I want to believe that you go through the job description and decide that you are qualified. But what does the recruiter think? Do they share the same opinion as you do?

In an earlier post here, we mentioned how your best is not necessarily the recruiter’s best. Just because you believe you are qualified for a position does not actually mean that you are. So when a recruiter tells you that you are not what they are looking for, don’t fight them about it. Instead, ask what it is that you lack.

Remember that recruiters work directly with employers and understand the type of candidate an open position seeks. By asking what you lack, it shows you are ready to learn more about your shortcomings and do something about it. This will make you likable to the recruiter, who could recommend you for future positions.

4. Embrace being Different

When we discussed how to show your personality on your CV, we asked you not to be afraid of your personal style. Sometimes embracing your uniqueness and not being afraid to show it, no matter what people say, is what counts. I’ll share with you a little secret.

A while back, Corporate Staffing Services was recruiting for a graphic designer position and asked that candidates send some samples alongside their CVs. One candidate decided to do more than send in samples. He sent in a CV that was written, edited and designed to match the job in question.

While others sent generic CVs, with attached samples, he decided to go the extra mile. The outcome? A job interview and a job application that has not been forgotten to date.

The secret to getting a response for every job application you make is to do more than sending your CV. Everyone sends their CV to be considered, but what else can you do to constantly ring a bell in the recruiter’s mind? Is it a follow-up phone call or email? Is it by showing your unique style? Choose one thing (that is not annoying) and make it a habit.

 The writer, Selipha Kihagi, is a Communications Officer at Corporate Staffing Services. Email:selipha@corporatestaffing.co.ke