7 Ways to Get Noticed After Applying Online

1. Send a Thoughtful Follow-Up Email (The Right Way)

Most applicants never follow up after submitting an online job application. According to a survey by Robert Half, only 22% of applicants send a follow-up email. Yet a polite, well-crafted message can make the difference between being overlooked and landing an interview.

Timing matters. Wait at least 3 to 5 business days after submitting your application before reaching out. This gives the recruiter or hiring manager time to review applications. Look for their direct email address on the company website or LinkedIn. If you can't find it, use a general HR or careers email. Avoid sending your message to multiple people at the company to prevent looking careless or intrusive.

• Personalize your subject line (e.g., 'Following up on [Job Title] application')
• Address the recipient by name, not 'To whom it may concern'
• Briefly remind them of the role you applied for and the date
• Mention one or two key reasons you’re a strong fit
• Express genuine interest in the company or team
• Keep it concise (under 150 words)

For example, you might write: 'Hi [Name], I recently applied for the [Job Title] position on [Date] and wanted to express my enthusiasm for the opportunity. My experience in [Relevant Skill/Industry] aligns well with your team's needs. I’m excited to contribute to [Company] and would love to discuss my application further. Thank you for your time.'

Never use a generic template. Recruiters can spot them instantly. Proofread for grammar errors, and don’t send multiple follow-ups unless you receive a response.

2. Connect With the Hiring Manager on LinkedIn

Making a direct, respectful connection with the hiring manager or recruiter on LinkedIn can help you stand out, especially since many applicants never do this. But there is a right way and a wrong way to approach it.

First, identify the correct person. Look for the recruiter or manager listed in the job posting, or search LinkedIn for employees in HR, talent acquisition, or in the department you’re targeting. Once identified, send a connection request with a short personalized note. LinkedIn allows up to 300 characters in connection requests, so use them wisely.

• Mention the job you applied for and when
• Briefly explain why you’re interested in the company/role
• Avoid asking for favors or an interview in the request
• Keep your tone friendly and professional

Example: 'Hi [Name], I recently applied for the [Job Title] role at [Company] and am genuinely excited about the opportunity. I’d love to connect and learn more about your experience at [Company].'

After connecting, don’t immediately message again unless they reply. If they do respond, thank them and briefly ask if they have any advice for applicants. This shows initiative without being overbearing.

3. Engage With the Company's Content and Employees

Hiring teams often notice candidates who actively engage with the company’s brand online. This signals genuine interest and helps your name stand out in a sea of applicants. Interacting thoughtfully with company content can be a subtle but effective way to get noticed.

Start by following the company’s LinkedIn page and liking or commenting on recent posts. Don’t just write 'Great post!' Instead, add value: share a relevant insight, ask a question about the post, or reference something from your own experience. This can catch the eye of recruiters or employees who monitor engagement.

• Comment on recent company news or product launches
• Share the company’s posts with a brief thought or question
• Congratulate the company on awards or milestones (with specifics)
• Engage with posts or articles from employees, especially those in your target department

You don’t need to overdo it. Two or three thoughtful interactions over a week is enough. The goal is to demonstrate real interest, not to spam their feed.

For example, if you’re applying to a marketing role and see the company launched a new campaign, comment with a specific compliment or ask a question about their strategy. This approach makes your engagement memorable and relevant.

4. Use Employee Referrals or Internal Connections

Referrals are one of the most effective ways to get your application noticed. According to Jobvite’s 2023 Recruiting Benchmark Report, referred candidates are four times more likely to be hired than those who apply online without a connection.

If you know someone at the company, reach out and ask if they’d be willing to refer you or pass your resume to the appropriate person. Be specific about the role and provide your resume and a short summary of why you’re a good fit. Keep your ask polite: Thank them for considering it, and don’t pressure them if they decline.

• Check LinkedIn for first- or second-degree connections at the company
• Ask your network (on LinkedIn or by email) if anyone can introduce you to someone inside
• If you don’t know anyone, look for alumni from your school who work there and reach out politely

When reaching out, be transparent about your intentions. For example: 'Hi [Name], I noticed we both went to [School], and I recently applied for the [Job Title] role at [Company]. If you’re comfortable, would you be open to referring me or sharing any advice about the application process?'

Referrals not only boost your chances but also provide valuable inside information about the company’s culture and hiring process.

5. Submit a Tailored Work Sample or Value Add

Going beyond your resume and cover letter with a tailored work sample or a value-driven proposal can set you apart from other candidates. This approach works well for roles in marketing, design, writing, product, or any field where you can show relevant skills concretely.

Here’s how to do it without being over the top: After applying, research a current challenge the company faces (from recent news, blog posts, or public reports). Create a relevant, brief sample, such as a short case study, a mock campaign, or a one-page analysis. Email it to the recruiter or hiring manager, referencing your application and explaining how your sample could help the team.

• For a marketing job: Draft a quick outline for a campaign relevant to their industry
• For a product role: Suggest a feature improvement with a one-page spec
• For a content job: Write a short blog post or social copy tailored to the company
• For an analyst role: Share a mini-report on a recent industry trend affecting the company

Don’t send lengthy documents or unsolicited attachments. Instead, link to a Google Doc or portfolio page, and keep your sample under one page. Mention in your follow-up email why you created it and how you think it could add value.

This tactic takes extra effort, but it demonstrates initiative, creativity, and a true understanding of the company’s needs. It works best for competitive roles where most applicants just send a resume and hope for the best.

6. Track Your Applications and Follow Up Strategically

Organization is key if you’re applying to dozens of jobs each week. Losing track of where you’ve applied, who you’ve contacted, or when you followed up can lead to missed opportunities and accidental double messaging. Tracking lets you follow up at the right time and avoid looking disorganized.

Use a spreadsheet or a simple job tracker to record details for each application: job title, company, date applied, contact person, follow-up dates, and status (e.g., submitted, followed up, interview scheduled, rejected). Tools like Google Sheets, Notion, or dedicated job tracker apps work well for this.

• Mark a follow-up date for each application (typically 5-7 business days after applying)
• Record when and how you followed up (email, LinkedIn, referral)
• Set reminders to check back if you haven’t heard back in 10-14 days
• Archive jobs you no longer want or have been rejected from

Keeping your job search organized increases your chances of timely, professional follow-up. It also helps you spot patterns, such as which types of roles or companies are more responsive, so you can adjust your strategy over time.

How Appycan handles this

Manual tracking adds up fast when you’re applying to 20 or more jobs a week. Appycan, a Chrome extension, auto-applies to jobs on LinkedIn and saves your progress, including which roles you’ve applied to. This helps you follow up on the right jobs at the right time, especially if you’re juggling high volumes.