Since joining SentinelOne nearly five years ago as a recruiter, I’ve had the privilege of helping more than 250 people find their next big opportunity. Connecting top talent with a mission-driven company is something I’m genuinely passionate about – and when that mission is to Secure Tomorrow as a true force for good, it’s easy to stay inspired.
If you do the math, 250 hires means I’ve reviewed thousands of applications over the years. And lately, I’ve noticed a growing trend I like to call the “application notification” message – brief follow-ups from candidates checking in on their application status, especially via LinkedIn.
While these messages usually come from a good place, they often miss the mark. Instead of sparking interest, they can sometimes do the opposite. So should you reach out to a recruiter after applying? It depends! If you want your message to leave a strong impression and maybe even speed up that interview invite, here are a few tips to help you stand out for all the right reasons.
Be Patient
First things first – don’t message the recruiter right after you hit “apply.” I know it’s tempting, especially when you’re excited about the opportunity, but here’s the reality: recruiting teams, including ours, review hundreds of applications daily.
If everyone followed up immediately, it would be overwhelming and counterproductive. Give it some space. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least a week before reaching out. That small bit of patience goes a long way.
Check Fit
Before sending the message, triple-check these two things: fit for the role, and fit of the person you’re about to message. First, make sure your experience aligns with the basic requirements listed in the job description. If it’s a stretch, that’s okay, but be honest with yourself about how closely you match.
Secondly, check that the person you’re messaging actually works on the role, or at least supports the right region, or function. I’ve seen plenty of messages from candidates applying for roles they don’t qualify for, or reaching out to me about U.S. based openings. Doing this quick check already puts you ahead of the pack.
Add Value
Once you’ve confirmed that the role is a fit, the next step is to bring something new to the conversation. Remember that we have your CV, so use your message to go beyond what we already know.
Get creative! Show your personality. Demonstrate your prospecting skills, or attention to detail. Summarise your unique selling points for this specific opening. Copy and paste the requirements for the job, and order them from your greatest strength. You could even create a video message. This is your chance to give us a glimpse of who you really are!
Build a Business Case
This ties in closely with adding value. As you write your message, ask yourself: Why should we hire you? What do you offer that others might not? A message that simply says “I applied, can we talk?” doesn’t give us much to work with. And if you’re applying for a sales role, that kind of message could actually work against you. If you can’t sell yourself, how can you sell what we do? Make it clear why you’re a strong candidate, and why you’re genuinely interested in this role at this company.
Make It Easy
Recruiters manage a high volume of applications, messages, and interviews every day. Keep that in mind, and help us help you. Make your message short, well-structured, and easy to follow. If we’ve interacted before, remind us how we’re connected. Include a link to the job that you applied for and clarify which location, or team it’s for. The more context you provide upfront, the faster and more easily we can engage.
Be Respectful
And finally – tone matters. All of the effort you’ve put in so far can be undone by a message that feels entitled, overly aggressive, or dismissive. Use names when you greet us, be polite, and show appreciation. A thoughtful, respectful message is a reflection of the kind of teammate that you’d be. At SentinelOne, we care deeply about culture, and we hire people who are not only great at what they do, but who also lift others up.
The conclusion? Reaching out to a recruiter after applying can absolutely work in your favor, if you do it thoughtfully! When done right, it adds value, builds connection, and puts your application in a stronger light. But if done carelessly, it can have the opposite effect and weaken your chances.
Follow these steps, and you won’t just increase your likelihood of landing an interview, you’ll also leave a memorable impression that can open doors down the line. Hiring is about timing and fit, but strong communication helps candidates stand out.
If you’re ready for your next big move and want to be a part of a company that’s shaping the future of cybersecurity, take a look at our open roles. And if you’ve applied already, thank you! Please allow us at least a week to get back to you.
Wishing you the very best in your job search, and I hope that we get to connect soon!