✨💡#AskLavender: If a Hiring Manager Handpicked Your CV/Resume… What Does That Really Mean?
This simple comment from a recruiter can say a lot about your likelihood of moving forward.
✨💡 #AskLavender
Q: “I had a first-round interview last week with an internal recruiter for a Talent Acquisition role. It went well, and toward the end, I asked, “What stood out to you from my CV?” The recruiter replied that my resume had been handpicked by the Hiring Manager. How should I interpret that in terms of my chances of moving forward?”
💼 For: 🟣 Candidates
A: Oh, I love this question — because it touches on something most candidates feel but rarely get to ask out loud.
When a recruiter tells you, “Your CV was handpicked by the hiring manager,” it’s not just a compliment. It’s a huge signal about your alignment — and your momentum in the process.
Let’s unpack what that actually means behind the scenes.
✨ First, Why Would a Hiring Manager Handpick a Resume?
This usually happens in one of two scenarios:
1️⃣ The hiring manager sifted through the applicants themselves.
This means they personally looked at the full applicant pool and chose you — often because your background aligned closely with what they want, or your CV/Resume made a strong, immediate impression.
2️⃣ A recruiter or coordinator pre-screened candidates and presented a short list — and the hiring manager picked you from that curated stack.
This is a common process in high-volume roles. But either way: your profile stood out.
🧠 Here’s What That Actually Tells You
When a hiring manager handpicks your resume, it usually means:
They’re excited about your background
They see something specific they want to explore further
They want to speak with you — and soon
In fact, in most companies, this fast-tracks you.
(It’s like getting a green light before the formal process even begins.)
The recruiter might be doing a quick screen to confirm things like:
Compensation alignment
Cultural alignment
Basic role requirements
But if you’ve already been picked by the person who makes the final decision?
You’re in a strong, strong position.
💡 So, What Are Your Odds?
Based on 20+ years of experience and 5,000+ hiring leaders I’ve worked with…
I’d estimate your chances of moving forward are well above 90%.
Of course, things can shift — people go on vacation, approval processes get delayed, timelines stretch. But the interest is already there. Your goal now? Stay engaged and prepared.
💡 Got a question of your own?
Submit it anonymously (or by name!) right here →
✅ What You Can Do Now
Be patient with timing — don’t read too much into delays
Send a warm, confident follow-up if you haven’t heard in 7–10 business days
Keep your momentum going — stay sharp, and prep for the next stage
And if you had customized or tailored your CV/Resume for this role?
👏 CONGRATULATIONS — that effort clearly paid off.
A Final Thought
Hiring managers don’t normally review every application.
So if yours was handpicked, it means you already aligned with what they’re hoping to find — before a single conversation took place.
That’s powerful.
💗 No Matter What, Remember:
This is confirmation that your story connected.
Let that fuel your confidence in the next step.
✨ And if something here in my reply helped you breathe a little easier or see your path more clearly? Consider supporting this work — even a small gift keeps the clarity flowing. 🙏✨
Until next time,
💜 Lavender
P.S. ✨❓ Have your own question
about your job search, career path, or hiring strategy?
Submit it to #AskLavender — I feature real questions from readers,
just like you read here.
You never know who else might be helped by what’s on your heart. 💜
Written by Lavender Loveway — career strategist, clarity guide, and creator of the Brilliance Sequence™.
”With 20+ years in hiring and over 55,000 hours of interviewing behind me, I’m here to help you see your path clearly—and walk it with confidence.”
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