Reaching out about a job application on LinkedIn can seem daunting, but it’s an important step in following up and showing your continued interest in the role. LinkedIn is used by over 90% of recruiters and leveraged for finding and vetting candidates, so it’s a critical platform for modern job search. With some preparation and finesse, you can use LinkedIn messaging to get yourself noticed by the hiring manager, stand out from the competition, and increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.
Should you reach out?
The first question to ask yourself is whether reaching out is advisable for the specific job you’ve applied to. Here are some factors to consider:
Type of job
– For formal job postings, especially at large companies, reaching out directly to the hiring manager may not be expected or appropriate. Larger organizations usually have set HR processes for managing applicants.
– For informal job leads, like if you discover an opening through your network, a personalized note is often appreciated. The hiring manager will likely have more autonomy in that case.
Stage of process
– If you just submitted an application, hold off on reaching out. Give the employer time to review applications before getting in touch.
– If it’s been over 2 weeks since applying, inquiries are more reasonable to check on status.
Existing relationship
– If you have a mutual connection who referred you or you know the hiring manager, a message is more natural.
– With no prior relationship, more care should be taken to craft an appropriate note.
When should you reach out?
Timing is important when contacting the employer. Here are some guidelines on when to get in touch:
– Wait at least 2 weeks after submitting your initial application before making first contact. This allows time for the employer to vet candidates.
– If you haven’t heard back after 2 weeks, follow up with a message checking on application status.
– After that initial inquiry, wait 1 week before any additional messages. Don’t bombard the employer with constant updates.
– If the job posting closes, reach out 1-2 weeks afterward to check if hiring is still open. Openings don’t always align with posting dates.
– When timing follow-ups, avoid major holidays when people are likely out of office.
– For final round interviews, follow up within 5 business days. This shows continued enthusiasm.
How to craft an effective outreach message
The key to an effective LinkedIn outreach message is being personal, brief, and thoughtful. Here are some tips:
Personalize the message
– Address the hiring manager or recruiter directly by name.
– Reference the specific position title you applied for.
– Mention any connections you have in common or interactions that make sense (like meeting at an event).
Keep it brief
– 3-5 sentences is ideal length. Avoid overly long notes.
– Get right to the point of your message.
– Use paragraph breaks to make the message easy to skim.
Mind the tone
– Sound professional but conversational. Don’t be too stiff.
– Express continued interest and enthusiasm for the role.
– Avoid sounding desperate or aggressive.
Highlight your fit
– Restate 1-2 top strengths or qualifications that make you a great match.
– Refer to anything from your application that you want to reiterate.
– Provide any meaningful updates like new accomplishments.
Sample outreach messages
Here are some example templates of thoughtful LinkedIn outreach messages:
Following up on application status
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope you’ve been well. I wanted to follow up on the [Position] role I applied for on [Date]. I’m very interested in the opportunity and a great fit for the position given my [top qualification]. Please let me know if you need any additional information from my end. I look forward to hearing from you!
Best,
[Your Name]
After application deadline passed
Hi [Hiring Manager],
I hope you’re doing well! I applied for the [Position] role at [Company] prior to the application deadline of [Date], and wanted to check if the team is still hiring for the position. It’s an excellent opportunity that I’m very interested in. My background in [Relevant Skill] makes me a strong candidate for the role. Please let me know if next steps are still open. I’m happy to provide any other details needed. Looking forward to your response!
Best,
[Your Name]
Following up after interview
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I wanted to thank you again for taking the time to interview me last week for the [Position] role. It was great to learn more about the growth plans for the team. The position seems like an excellent fit given my [Relevant Skill] experience supporting [Field/Industry]. I truly enjoyed our conversation and am extremely enthusiastic about the work. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide to help with your hiring decision. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
What to include in your message
To maximize your chance of a response, make sure to include these key details in your outreach message:
Subject line
– Put the position title and your name ([Position] – [Your Name]).
– This makes it easy for the hiring manager to identify your note.
Opening sentence
– Address the recipient by name and mention the specific role applied for.
Body of message
– Express your continued interest in 1-2 sentences.
– Highlight 1-2 top qualifications or strengths.
– Option to include new credential or achievement.
Closing
– Thank them for their time and consideration.
– Include your full name and contact details.
How to send the note
You have two main options for sending your LinkedIn outreach message:
LinkedIn messaging
– Send the note via LinkedIn’s internal messaging platform.
– This goes directly to their LinkedIn inbox.
– Use this if you lack the recipient’s email address.
– Obtain the hiring manager’s email address.
– Send the message from your professional email account.
– You can reference LinkedIn in the email text.
– Emails may have higher response rates than LinkedIn notes.
Following up if no response
If you don’t receive any reply to your initial outreach, here are some tips for following up:
– Wait at least 1 week before sending a follow up message.
– Keep the tone polite in your follow up note. Never sound irritated.
– Make the subject line more urgent like “Follow Up” or “2nd Attempt”.
– Reference your original message date in the text (“I reached out last week about…”).
– If no response after 2 follow up attempts, it’s best to move on. Continued messages appear desperate.
What to do if they reply
If you get a response from the employer, here are some tips:
– Thank them for getting back to you if the reply warrants it.
– Answer any questions they ask completely and professionally.
– If they request supplemental materials, get those back to the employer promptly.
– Reiterate your interest and qualifications for the role.
– Don’t become overbearing or overly familiar. Maintain professionalism.
– If they invite you to interview, confirm your availability ASAP.
Message templates by type of job
The most effective outreach messaging will vary by the type of job you applied for. Here are some tailored templates:
Corporate job message template
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I’m following up regarding the [Position] role I recently applied for on your team. As a [Qualification] with [Number] years in [Industry], I believe I would thrive supporting [Company] in this position. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me. I look forward to hearing from you regarding next steps in the interview process. Thank you for your consideration.
Regards,
[Your Name]
Startup job message template
Hi [Hiring Manager],
I was excited to see [Company] has an opening for a [Position]. As someone with [experience] in the [industry] space, this seems like a great opportunity. I’d love to put my background in [skill] to work for a high-growth startup like [Company]. Please let me know if it would be possible to discuss the role in more detail. I’m happy to provide any additional information needed. Looking forward to networking more!
Best,
[Your Name]
Nonprofit job message template
Good morning [Hiring Manager],
I hope you’re doing well. I recently applied for the [Position] role with [Nonprofit Name] and wanted to reiterate my strong interest in the position. Having worked with [similar organizations] in the past focusing on [mission area], I believe I would be an excellent addition to your team. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide to support my application as you move forward with hiring. I greatly appreciate your time reviewing my qualifications.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Tips for connecting with the hiring manager
Here are some additional tips for increasing your chances of establishing a connection with the hiring manager via LinkedIn:
– Research the hiring manager beforehand to personalize your message and identify any shared connections.
– If you have a weak connection to the hiring manager, ask for an introduction through your network.
– Reference any groups or content you have in common as an icebreaker topic.
– If they accept your invite to connect, engage thoughtfully with any content they post.
– Consider following up with the hiring manager on LinkedIn after interviews or once hired to build the relationship.
Mistakes to avoid when reaching out
There are some common mistakes that will hinder your chances of getting a response. Be sure to avoid:
– Typos and grammatical errors – this reflects poorly on your communication skills.
– Using an overly casual tone in your outreach message.
– Asking about salary or benefits prematurely. Keep the focus on your qualifications.
– Getting aggressive with follow up messages if you don’t get a quick reply.
– Contradicting anything you said previously in your application materials or interviews.
– Sending overly verbose notes – keep messages brief.
– Reaching out at odd hours outside the normal work day.
Alternative outreach options
If reaching out directly to the hiring manager on LinkedIn isn’t feasible or effective, consider these other options to get yourself noticed:
Networking events
– Attend industry events to potentially interact directly with the employer.
– Follow up after the event with a customized LinkedIn message.
Employee referrals
– See if you have any connections working at the company who could submit your resume.
– Referrals often get priority treatment and extra visibility.
Job interview thank you notes
– Always send thank you messages after interviews.
– Reiterate your top qualifications and interest in the role/company.
Following up after the interview process
The job search doesn’t end once you’ve completed interviews. Here’s how to effectively follow up:
Send thank you notes
Get thank you messages out within 24 hours to every person you interviewed with. Personalize each note with details specific to the conversation. Reiterate your interest and fit.
Check application status
If you don’t hear back after 1 week, reach out to the main recruiter or hiring manager to check on an updated timeline for the hiring decision. Be polite and candid in your inquiry.
Provide additional materials
If the employer requests any additional materials like references, writing samples, or portfolios, get those submitted promptly. Attention to detail matters.
Connect with interviewers
Look up your interviewers on LinkedIn. If you don’t already have a connection, request to connect and personalize the invitation.
Notify on new developments
Update the employer if anything new develops that affects your candidacy – like a major project launch or a relevant certification completed.
What to do if rejected
Getting turned down for a job is always tough. If you receive a rejection, here’s how to move forward:
– Thank the employer for considering your application and briefly reiterate your interest. Don’t debate the decision.
– Ask for any feedback they are willing to share on why you weren’t selected. Demonstrate openness to improvement.
– Check if the company has openings for other suitable roles and inquire about applying.
– Consider connecting on LinkedIn with the hiring manager and recruiters involved for future opportunities.
– Reflect on the experience and identify what you would improve or refine in your next application/interview process.
Conclusion
Following up proactively after applying for a job on LinkedIn demonstrates continued enthusiasm for the opportunity and helps position you as a committed candidate. With a thoughtful, personalized message referencing your qualifications and fit for the role, you can stand out from the competition and get the employer’s attention when hiring decisions are being made. Avoid sounding desperate or aggressive, focus on your value proposition for the company, and time communications strategically. With finesse and care, following up via LinkedIn messaging can provide the visibility boost you need to land your next great job.
