You sent in your resume. Now all you need to do is sit back and wait for the hiring manager to contact you, right?

Actually, there are some steps you still need to take to increase your odds of getting a job interview. Even better, most candidates don’t take them, so when you do, you’ll be further setting yourself apart from the pack.

Here’s a look at what to do next:

Follow up in a week or two.

If some time has passed after you sent your resume and you have not heard back, follow up. Try to connect with an actual person and not a generic email address. You might have to do some leg work to figure out who the hiring manager is. But LinkedIn is a great place to start, offering the Advanced People Search option so you can identify the person who’s most likely hiring for the position you want.

Once you do, follow up via email after sending your resume or submitting a job application. Here’s a sample:

Subject Line: Accountant Position

Dear Mr. Smith,

I hope you’re well! I’m following up on the Accountant Position with ABC Company that was advertised on XYZ.

I submitted my resume two weeks ago and was wondering about the next steps. I’m extremely interested in working for ABC Company and believe my background, including the fact that I am XYZ-certified and hold X years of experience, is an excellent match. I’ve attached my resume once again for your review.

If you have any questions or require further information, please let me know. You can email me or reach me at 111-222-3333. I look forward to hearing from you!

Best regards,

Your Name Here

Check your online reputation.

If you’re not hearing back for many jobs – even after you send a follow-up email after sending your resume or job application in – then check your online reputation. Go ahead and Google yourself to see what comes up in the search results. Hiring managers certainly will and if it’s anything questionable, it could be a mark against you in the hiring process. Also, make sure your profiles, like those on LinkedIn, are in line with your resume, so there aren’t any confusing discrepancies.

Look for opportunities with similar companies.

If one company in a certain industry is hiring, then chances are, so are their competitors. So do some research online to find out who those companies are and then submit your cover letter and resume to them, as well. When you do, try to find a specific name of a person who would be hiring for the department you’re interested in, so your information gets into the right hands.

Need more job search tips, advice, and help from one of Houston TX’s top employment agencies?

Murray Resources is here for you. We’re the name known and trusted by many leading employers across Houston and serve as their staffing agency. As a result, we can connect you with rewarding opportunities in a range of industries. Contact us today to get started or search our jobs now.