<p><strong>Answer: </strong>(D) As soon as</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13.008px;">In this sentence, we are talking about a condition that needs to be fulfilled before the hiring manager takes a certain action. The action is "contacting the top 10 candidates who he thinks are qualified for the position." The condition is the receipt of all job applications for the marketing director position.</span><br></p>
<p>The phrase "as soon as" is used to indicate that the action will take place immediately or promptly after the condition is met. In this case, the hiring manager will contact the candidates as soon as all job applications are received.</p>
<p>Option (A) "Compared to" is incorrect because it does not convey the intended meaning. This phrase is used to compare two things and is not suitable for expressing a condition and action relationship.</p>
<p>Option (B) "So that" is incorrect because it is used to express purpose or intention, not a condition and action relationship. It is not appropriate in this context.</p>
<p>Option (C) "Not only" is incorrect because it is used to introduce an additional item in a list or emphasize a contrast. It does not fit the sentence structure and does not convey the intended meaning.</p>
<p>Therefore, the correct answer is (D) "As soon as."</p>