Recruiters and hiring managers receive countless connection requests and messages on LinkedIn every day. With so many people reaching out, it can be tempting to try getting noticed by sending an introductory note to the person in charge of hiring for the role you want. However, experts warn that this common tactic can backfire and hurt your chances if not done carefully and strategically.
The case for messaging hiring managers
There are some potential benefits to reaching out directly to the hiring manager on LinkedIn:
- It allows you to make a personal connection and get on their radar early in the hiring process.
- You can express interest in the open position and share why you’re a great fit.
- If the role hasn’t been posted yet, it gives you a chance to inquire about potential openings.
- Directly engaging with the hiring manager sets you apart from other passive applicants.
- It shows initiative to want to speak with the person who will ultimately make the hiring decision.
In some cases, a thoughtful personalized message to the right person can help move your application to the top of the pile. If the hiring manager is impressed with your message, they may proactively look for your application or even expedite the interview process.
Drawbacks of messaging recruiters
However, experts caution against assuming that messaging hiring managers will improve your odds across the board. Here are some of the potential drawbacks:
- They may ignore or delete your message without reading if they get too many LinkedIn messages.
- You may come across as too aggressive or overstepping boundaries.
- They might see your outreach as a distraction or annoyance.
- Your message could get lost in the shuffle and overlooked.
- It can backfire if your messaging strategy is not executed thoughtfully.
Hiring managers are busy, and a generic “I’m interested in this job, here’s my resume” type of note likely won’t create the impact you desire. In fact, some might even find those types of messages irritating.
Tips for messaging hiring managers
If you do decide to reach out to a hiring manager directly, here are some tips to help maximize your chances of getting a positive response:
- Personalize the message: Use their name, mention the company, and speak to details about the role that excite you.
- Highlight relevant experience: Quickly summarize 2-3 experiences from your background that make you a great fit.
- Pose thoughtful questions: Ask smart, insightful questions that show interest in the problems they’re solving.
- Compliment their work: If relevant, compliment a past project, achievement, or company initiative.
- Use a warm but professional tone: Be friendly but avoid over-familiarity or unprofessionalism.
A sincere, personalized message that reflects knowledge of their work and company is much more likely to get noticed than a generic blanket message. However, don’t overdo it either with a long-winded note.
When to message the hiring manager
Timing is also critical when reaching out directly to a hiring manager. Here are some recommended time frames:
- After you’ve applied for a job: Follow up to reiterate interest and make a connection.
- Before applying if you have a mutual connection: Ask the connection for an email introduction first.
- After you’ve interviewed: Thank them for their time and reinforce your fit.
- When you see a hiring need arise: Express interest in interviewing.
- After connecting at an event: Reference the conversation and share relevant information.
Avoid reaching out at the very start of the hiring process without a posted role or existing application. Cold contacting hiring managers without context rarely goes over well.
Alternatives to direct messaging
If you are worried about messaging hiring managers directly, there are some other alternatives to consider:
- Apply through the company’s online job portal when available.
- Network with other employees at the company who can make internal referrals.
- Connect with the recruiter listed on the job posting instead.
- Comment thoughtfully on the hiring manager’s LinkedIn posts to get on their radar.
- Look for chances to interact at industry events and conferences.
With these approaches, you can still express interest and get their attention without overtly messaging them directly on LinkedIn.
When is it inappropriate to message a hiring manager?
There are certain circumstances when it is best to avoid directly messaging a hiring manager on LinkedIn:
- At odd hours: Don’t message late at night or extremely early unless you already have an established relationship.
- Without a submitted application: Usually better to apply first before making direct contact.
- With an overly casual tone: It’s still a professional platform, so avoid being too informal.
- With a generic message: Personalized messages have a much higher chance of success.
- After being told they are not moving forward: Respect their decision and move on.
Use good judgment, and think carefully before reaching out toensure your message will be well-received. When in doubt, it’s often wiser to find alternative ways to get your credentials before the hiring team.
Can messaging the hiring manager hurt your chances?
There is some risk of messaging the hiring manager hurting your chances if not done carefully. Here are a few scenarios to be cautious of:
- Overstepping: Being too aggressive or not following proper channels may rub them the wrong way.
- Pestering: Messaging repeatedly if they don’t respond the first time comes across as pestering.
- Being unprepared: Vague, generic messages suggest you don’t know the details of the role.
- Demonstrating lack of judgment: Using overly casual language or contacting at odd hours demonstrates poor judgment.
- Appearing entitled: Giving the impression you should be hired because of who you know, not what you know.
Any of these missteps can certainly sour the hiring manager on considering you for the position. Use good judgment to carefully craft your message and avoid these pitfalls.
Should you message the hiring manager if already rejected?
As a rule, it is best not to message the hiring manager on LinkedIn if they have already rejected your application for a role. Here’s why it’s rarely advisable:
- It can come across as not accepting the decision or inability to take feedback.
- You may seem desperate rather than professionally persistent.
- The hiring manager already closed the door on considering you further.
- Your message will likely be perceived as pestering.
- It’s unlikely to change the outcome of their hiring decision.
Instead of messaging the hiring manager again, it’s better to send a polite thank you message, accept the rejection gracefully, and refocus your search efforts elsewhere. Continued outreach will likely only hurt you in their eyes. Move forward and apply your efforts where they still might pay off.
Messaging etiquette: what to avoid
When reaching out to a hiring manager on LinkedIn, there are several messaging faux pas you’ll want to avoid:
- Typos or poor grammar
- Using overly casual language or slang
- Asking about salary or perks too early
- Getting too personal or familiar
- Aggressive hard sell of your qualifications
- Generic messages with no personalization
- Long-winded messages
- Irrelevant questions that show lack of research
You want your message to come across as warm but professional. Make sure to proofread for typos, demonstrate knowledge of their work, and sell yourself in a subtle, polished way.
Sample message templates
When crafting your personalized note, it can help to start from a template to ensure you hit the right notes. Here are a few sample message templates to follow when messaging a hiring manager on LinkedIn:
After submitting an application:
Hi [Name],
I recently applied for the [role] position at [company], and I wanted to reiterate my strong interest in the role. As a [ summarize qualifications], I believe I would be a great fit to help [their goals for role] based on my background in [relevant experience]. I greatly admired your work on [project/initiative] and would be thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with you directly and discuss how I could contribute to future projects like that.
Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
[Your name]
After connecting at an event:
Hi [Name],
It was a pleasure speaking with you at [event] last week. Per our conversation about [topic discussed], I wanted to share [relevant information, articles, examples etc]. Let me know if you would be open to continuing the dialogue, as I greatly enjoyed learning from your insights on [topic].
Additionally, I noticed [company] posted a new opening for [role]. As we discussed, my background in [relevant experience] would be a great match for that type of position. Please keep me in mind, and do let me know if there is any other information I can provide. I look forward to staying in touch.
Best,
[Your name]
Before applying with a mutual connection:
Hi [Name],
[Mutual connection] suggested I reach out to you regarding my interest in [company/role]. As a [your experience] with expertise in [relevant skills], I believe I would be a great fit for the [role] position for several reasons:
– [Reason 1]
– [Reason 2]
– [Reason 3]
I greatly admire the work you’ve done with [project/initiative] and would love to contribute my skills to similar projects. Might you have a few minutes this week or next for a quick phone call to discuss? I’m happy to work around your schedule.
Looking forward to your response.
Best,
[Your name]
Key takeaways
Here are some overarching things to keep in mind when considering messaging the hiring manager on LinkedIn:
- Use a warm but professional tone
- Personalize the message with specifics
- Make it focused and succinct, not long-winded
- Highlight relevant experience and knowledge
- Consider timing carefully
- Follow up if you don’t hear back after 1-2 weeks
- Thank them for any response even if it’s a rejection
- Accept any decision gracefully
With a thoughtful, strategic approach, messaging hiring managers directly can sometimes pay off. But it’s generally wise to use it selectively versus a spray-and-pray approach. Structure your message carefully, follow etiquette guidelines, and don’t overdo it. Finally, if it’s clear they’re not interested, move on and refocus your efforts where they still might make an impact.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
When to Message
- After applying for a posted role
- Before applying if you have a mutual connection
- After interviewing to reinforce interest
- When a hiring need arises organically
- Following up after connecting at an event
When Not to Message
- Without context like an existing application
- At odd hours or excessively early/late
- After being rejected for consideration
- Using an overly casual tone
- With a generic message
Conclusion
Messaging hiring managers directly on LinkedIn can be an effective way to get on their radar, make a personal connection, and express interest in opportunities at their company. However, it also risks backfiring if you overstep or don’t follow proper messaging etiquette. Carefully consider the pros and cons, optimal timing, and safeguards to ensure your outreach comes across professionally. With a strategic, personalized approach, messaging hiring managers may help advance you as a candidate. But be judicious, and be prepared to redirect efforts elsewhere if clear they are not interested.
