Yes, you can message a job poster on LinkedIn if you meet certain requirements. LinkedIn provides a way for job seekers to directly contact and communicate with recruiters and hiring managers about open positions. However, there are some guidelines you should follow when reaching out to avoid coming across as unprofessional or inappropriate.
Should You Message the Job Poster?
Messaging the job poster directly can be an effective way to get your resume and qualifications in front of the right person. It allows you to express interest in the role, ask questions, and potentially move your application to the top of the pile. However, you should only message the job poster if certain criteria are met:
- The job posting explicitly states to contact the poster with questions or to apply
- You have a direct connection to the poster (they are a 1st level LinkedIn connection)
- The role is aligned with your experience and qualifications
If the job posting doesn’t encourage applicants to get in touch, then sending an unsolicited message may not be well received. Make sure the role is a good fit for you before reaching out.
How to Craft an Effective Message
When messaging a job poster on LinkedIn, you want to make a good first impression. Here are some tips for crafting an effective note:
- Keep it professional – Use a courteous tone and avoid overly casual language.
- Personalize the message – Mention why you are interested in the role and company.
- Highlight your qualifications – Include a brief summary of your most relevant skills and experience.
- Ask relevant questions – Have 1-2 thoughtful questions ready about the position or hiring process.
- Attach your resume – Provide your resume as a PDF so they can easily review your background.
- Close with next steps – Politely ask for a phone call or interview to further discuss the role.
Being thoughtful and professional can help your message stand out from other applicants.
What to Avoid When Messaging
There are also some common mistakes to avoid when reaching out directly to a job poster:
- Don’t use informal language like slang or emojis.
- Don’t ask questions that are already answered in the job posting.
- Don’t make demands or ask about things like salary and benefits prematurely.
- Don’t send a generic message – personalize each note you send.
- Don’t reach out repeatedly if you don’t get a response.
- Don’t apply if you don’t meet the core qualifications.
Being professional and thoughtful in your communication will go a long way.
When to Send the Message
Timing your message strategically can also help increase your chances of getting a response:
- Apply soon after the role is posted – within the first 24-48 hours if possible.
- Avoid messaging on weekends or holidays when people are likely offline.
- Follow up if you haven’t heard back after 1 week.
- Don’t continue messaging if they don’t respond after a few attempts.
Of course, if the job posting gives specific instructions on when or how to apply, always follow those guidelines closely.
Alternatives to Messaging
If messaging the job poster is not appropriate for a particular role, there are some other options to consider:
- Apply through the company website following the instructions in the job posting.
- Look for posted email addresses you can contact with your resume and cover letter attached.
- Connect with recruiters or employees at the company to inquire about openings.
- Attend networking events, conferences, or info sessions to make direct contact.
- Check to see if the company accepts applicants through LinkedIn Easy Apply.
With persistence and creativity, you can find other ways to get your application information to the right people.
Examples of Effective Messages
Reviewing example messages can help provide inspiration for crafting your own:
Example 1:
Dear [name],
I was excited to see your opening for a [position] at [company] posted on LinkedIn. As a passionate [profession] with [x years] of experience successfully [achievement], I think I could be a great fit for this opportunity.
I have long admired [company’s] mission to [mission]. In my current role at [company], I have honed skills in [relevant skills] and spearheaded [key initiative] – accomplishments that I’m confident will translate well to add value within your team.
Please find my resume attached. I’d welcome the opportunity to schedule a call to discuss the position and my qualifications whenever you have availability in your calendar. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best,
[Your name]
Example 2:
Hi [name],
Hope you are doing well! I saw the job post for a [position] on the [company] LinkedIn page, and I’m very interested in applying. As a [qualification] with [x years] of [relevant] experience, I believe I would be a great fit for the role.
I have successfully [achievement] and am adept at [key skill], both of which seem to align closely with your needs for this position. [Company] and its mission to [mission] are very appealing to me, and I would love to discuss how I could hit the ground running in this position.
Please let me know if you would have any time in the next week for a quick phone call to discuss further. I have attached my resume for your reference. Looking forward to your response!
Best,
[Your name]
Tips for Following Up
If you don’t receive a response within a week, it’s appropriate to follow up. Here are some tips if you need to reach out again:
- Send your follow up message 5-7 days after your initial note.
- Keep the tone polite and professional in your follow up.
- Mention your original message and date sent so they can reference it.
- Reiterate your interest in the role and fit.
- Consider adding some additional detail on your qualifications.
- Offer alternative contact methods like your phone number or email.
However, avoid contacting the poster repeatedly. If your follow up also goes unanswered, it likely means they are not interested at this time. Continuing to message excessively could come across as aggressive or desperate.
When Messaging Isn’t Effective
While messaging the job poster can be a successful tactic in many cases, there are times when it may not be effective:
- For extremely competitive roles or postings from large/recognized companies, they likely get flooded with messages and yours may go overlooked.
- If the hiring manager’s profile indicates they don’t accept messages from people they aren’t connected to.
- For job postings managed by 3rd party agencies who may not directly interact with the message.
- If you don’t yet have the skills or experience required for the role.
- When following up repeatedly with no response.
In these cases, you may have better luck pursuing other application methods. Don’t take a lack of response personally, and move on to applying for more suitable openings.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key tips to keep in mind when messaging a job poster on LinkedIn:
- Only message if the job posting explicitly encourages it.
- Craft a customized, professional message showcasing your interest and qualifications.
- Avoid informal language and only apply if you meet the requirements.
- Follow up once if you don’t hear back after 1 week.
- Focus on opportunities where you are a strong match for what they are looking for.
With a thoughtful approach, messaging the job poster can help you make critical connections and stand out from the applicant pool. But also know when to utilize other application methods if needed.
Conclusion
Messaging job posters on LinkedIn can be an effective way to express interest, make meaningful connections, and potentially accelerate your candidacy if done properly. However, carefully consider the job description and your qualifications before reaching out. Craft professional, personalized messages showcasing your fit and avoid applying for roles where you are not a strong match. With strategic communication and following proper etiquette, messaging recruiters directly gives you a chance to advocate for yourself and propel your application to the top of the pile. But be ready to gracefully move on if a lack of response indicates they aren’t interested at the present time. With persistence and a genuine interest in the companies and opportunities you are pursuing, messaging job posters on LinkedIn can provide a valuable boost to your search.
