In today’s competitive job market, landing an interview is only half the battle. The real secret to building strong career opportunities is staying top of mind with recruiters. Following up-done the right way-can keep your application moving forward, strengthen professional relationships, and help you stand out in a sea of candidates.
Whether you’re applying for a temporary, contract, or direct-hire role, here’s how to stay on a recruiter’s radar effectively.
Why Following Up Is So Important
- Shows professionalism: A thoughtful follow-up communicates reliability, initiative, and respect for the recruiter’s time.
- Keeps communication open: Recruiters manage hundreds of applicants at once. Checking in helps ensure your profile doesn’t get lost.
- Reinforces interest: Employers want candidates who are excited about the role. Consistent but polite follow-up underscores your commitment.
- Builds long-term connections: Even if one role doesn’t work out, staying in touch positions you for future opportunities.
When and How to Follow Up
1. After Submitting an Application
Wait 5–7 business days after applying to check in. A short, professional email or LinkedIn message can be as simple as:
“Hello [Recruiter’s Name], I recently applied for the [Job Title] position with [Company]. I wanted to confirm receipt of my application and express my continued interest in the role. Please let me know if there’s any additional information I can provide.”
2. After an Interview
Always send a thank-you email within 24 hours. Express appreciation, highlight one or two takeaways from the conversation, and restate your enthusiasm. This small step builds lasting positive impressions.
3. When Waiting for Updates
If a recruiter has given you a timeline, wait until that period passes before following up. For example, if they said “We’ll have an update in two weeks,” check in politely at the start of week three.
4. For Networking Purposes
- A new certification
- A recent project win
- A shift in career goals
This keeps you in their database for relevant opportunities.
Best Practices for Staying Visible
- Complete assessments promptly: Recruiters often send skills tests to confirm your qualifications. Finish them quickly to show reliability and enthusiasm.
- Keep your resume updated: Ensure your resume reflects your most recent experience, certifications, and skills. Always include current phone numbers and email addresses.
- Accept recruiter feedback: If your recruiter suggests tweaks to your resume, make the updates. This improves your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers.
- Return calls quickly: Missed a call? Call back as soon as possible. Delays can cost you an opportunity.
- Accommodate interviews: If asked to attend an in-person interview, make every effort to be available. Flexibility signals professionalism and commitment.
- Never “no call, no show”: Failing to attend an interview without notice damages your reputation with both the recruiter and the client. If emergencies arise, always communicate.
If You’re Not Actively Looking Right Now
- If the timing isn’t right, politely let the recruiter know and thank them for considering you.
- Stay open to connecting on LinkedIn or keeping your profile in their database.
- Share what you might consider in the future. Let your recruiter know what types of roles, industries, or salary ranges would interest you when the time comes. Recruiters keep very detailed notes on their strongest candidates, so giving them this information ensures they’ll only reach out when the right fit arises.
- See it as a compliment. If a recruiter contacts you—even when you’re not looking—it means they see value in your skills, experience, and career potential. That’s a professional nod worth appreciating.
- Remember: recruiters often have access to opportunities you won’t find on job boards. When you’re ready to start your search again, they may hold the key to your next great career move.
Maintaining a positive relationship—even when you’re not actively looking-keeps doors open for the future.
Show Appreciation for Your Recruiter
- Say thank you: A quick email or verbal acknowledgment after an interview shows respect for their time.
- Leave a Google review or LinkedIn recommendation: Public appreciation strengthens their reputation and builds trust with other job seekers and clients.
- Provide referrals: If you know someone who’s a good fit for a role, share their name. Not only does this help the recruiter expand their network, but the person you refer may be just as grateful for the opportunity — and appreciative of your role in supporting their job search journey.
- Celebrate wins together: If you land the job, a note of gratitude or even a short testimonial can make a lasting impact.
Supporting your recruiter is a two-way street. When you invest in the relationship, they’re even more motivated to advocate for you when the next opportunity arises.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Following up too frequently (e.g., daily emails).
- Using a generic “just checking in” without context.
- Forgetting to personalize your message to the specific recruiter or role.
- Showing frustration if there’s no immediate response.
- Ignoring recruiter instructions on assessments or interviews.
- Burning bridges if you’re not job searching at the moment.
Long-Term Strategy: Building Relationships
- You’ll be considered for future openings before they’re even posted.
- Recruiters will better understand your skills, goals, and cultural fit.
- You’ll have a career advocate who can coach you through hiring processes.
Think of staying on a recruiter’s radar as a career investment, not a one-time interaction.
Final Thoughts
Following up is more than a formality—it’s a strategic way to stand out, demonstrate professionalism, and create opportunities. Recruiters remember candidates who communicate well, keep their resumes current, complete assessments on time, and show reliability during interviews.
And even if you’re not looking right now, maintaining the relationship, providing insight into your future interests, showing appreciation, and recognizing outreach as a compliment ensures that when the timing is right, your recruiter will be ready to connect you with your next big career move.
If you want to maximize your chances in today’s job market, make follow-up part of your job search strategy. The candidates who stay visible—and dependable—are often the ones who get hired.
About Abel Personnel
For over 55 years, Abel Personnel has been connecting top talent with employers across Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region. As a WBENC- and WOSB-certified staffing firm, we specialize in administrative, professional, IT, finance, and customer service placements — from temporary assignments to long-term careers.
Marion Adams, Director at Abel Personnel since 2013, is a master talent matchmaker known for finding “Purple Squirrel” candidates across PA, MD, and VA. She leads a dynamic team, blending tech-savvy recruiting with a personal touch to create perfect placements.