While it is true that many Talent Managers don’t have time to respond to every email, from every candidate, for every job they are working on, that does not mean they are working against you.
In fact, it makes sense to avoid thinking of them as an impediment or adversary and instead do your best to make them your advocate. But how do you do this?
Make a Connection
Assuming you have the name of the talent manager at your target company, your first step is to go through your network and determine if you are connected in any way.
Your goal is to get an introduction from someone the Talent Manager knows. This can strongly influence how you are perceived, especially if it comes from someone the talent manager respects. Getting an introduction is a powerful tool in all aspects of job hunting.
If you are unable to find a direct connection, reach out to the Talent Manager on LinkedIn with a brief, upbeat, professional note expressing interest in the company and letting them when you submitted your resume and for what position.
Let them know you understand the hiring process and stand ready to provide whatever information they may need. If you don’t know the name of the Talent Manager, it is easy enough to find them on LinkedIn.
Be Reasonable About Your Touch Points
Initially you can reach out to the Talent Manager as described above with a pleasant note. If a couple of weeks go by, a second touch point works here. But be careful how you word it. If a couple of more weeks go by and you are still hoping for news, a third touch point is acceptable.
Note: I am suggesting no more than three touch points between when you apply for a position and when the search is over.
Candidates that badger Talent Managers with an email every few days or even once a week will not benefit. With that many emails from just one candidate, you become more of a headache than a candidate.
Touch Points are Reminders of your Candidacy, Not Demands for information.
Your notes should always be friendly, upbeat, relatively short, and always professional. Keep in mind, Talent Managers do not owe you a call or an email so be mindful of your tone.
In fact, they sometimes find themselves seeking the same information you seek. They must be patient with their hiring managers, who have other fish to fry, so a barrage of emails demanding answers is just not okay.
Here is an example of an upbeat note you can use for a Touch Point.
Hi John,
Just wanted to let you know I am still very interested in the Operations role we discussed and hoping to move forward in the process soon.
I know you are likely waiting for answers yourself, so I just wanted to check in and let you know I am still interested.
Thanks, and enjoy the rest of your week!
Happy Hunting!