Many job seekers wonder if it’s acceptable to reach out directly to a hiring manager on LinkedIn during the job search process. There are differing opinions on this. Some experts say it shows initiative and can help you stand out from other applicants. Others argue it’s too aggressive and risks annoying the hiring manager. There are pros and cons to consider when deciding if and how to message a hiring manager on LinkedIn.
Quick Answers
– Messaging the hiring manager directly can be beneficial if done correctly, but proceed with caution.
– Only message if you’re truly qualified for the role and have a specific, thoughtful message to share.
– Be professional and polite in your message. Don’t overshare or ask for special favors.
– It’s generally better to message after submitting an application rather than before.
– Messaging before applying can work if you have a connection or they posted the job.
– Focus on showing your interest in the company and how you’d be a great fit. Don’t explicitly ask for an interview.
– Follow up if you don’t hear back, but don’t be overly persistent.
– Consider if a recruiter or HR contact might be the better option before going directly to the hiring manager.
Pros of Messaging the Hiring Manager
Here are some potential benefits to messaging the hiring manager on LinkedIn:
Gets Your Name on Their Radar
Messaging the hiring manager directly allows you to introduce yourself and share information about your background and experience before submitting a formal application. This gets your name in front of them early in the process.
Shows Initiative
Reaching out first demonstrates ambition, drive, and interest in the role. Many hiring managers appreciate when applicants make the effort to directly contact them.
Lets You Make a Personal Connection
A message creates the opportunity for a real human interaction and relationship with the person who may ultimately hire you. This personalizes you versus just being another resume in the applicant pile.
Helps You Stand Out
Very few applicants take the initiative to directly contact the hiring manager. Doing so makes you memorable compared to other applicants who just apply through the company website or job board.
Allows You to Pitch Your Fit
Messaging enables you to explain why you’re an excellent fit for the company and position. You can share key details about your experience and skills that may not come across in your resume alone.
Gives You a Chance to Ask Questions
You can use the message to ask thoughtful questions about the open role, team, or company to demonstrate your interest and learn more about the opportunity.
Opens the Door for Further Discussion
Making first contact creates the opportunity to potentially continue communicating with the hiring manager via LinkedIn messaging. Ongoing dialogue can strengthen your candidacy and relationship.
Cons of Messaging the Hiring Manager
While there are benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks or risks to direct outreach to a hiring manager:
May Be Seen as Overstepping
Some hiring managers prefer all candidates go through the formal application process only. Messaging first can be perceived as overstepping or ignoring the rules.
You May Annoy or Pester Them
Well-meaning messages sometimes end up aggravating hiring managers who get inundated with outreach. Persistence can easily cross the line to pestering.
Violates Company Policy at Some Organizations
Some employers prohibit candidates from contacting hiring managers directly and require going through approved HR channels only. Doing so anyway can hurt your candidacy.
Puts Hiring Manager in an Awkward Position
Your message may pressure the hiring manager to reply. They may not be able to respond substantively for legal or company reasons.
Communication Is Outside Normal Channels
LinkedIn messaging provides no record or oversight of communication between candidate and hiring manager. Improper messaging could open legal risks.
You May Message the Wrong Person
It can be hard to confirm the right hiring manager on LinkedIn. Contacting the wrong person wastes their time and hurts your credibility.
Gives Unfair Advantage over Other Candidates
Some hiring managers may feel that corresponding directly with you before you apply gives you an inappropriate leg up on other applicants.
Comes Across as Desperate or Pushy
Very eager, overly-assertive messages can make you seem desperate for the job rather than calmly confident you’re qualified.
Best Practices for Messaging Hiring Managers
If you decide to reach out to a hiring manager directly on LinkedIn, follow these best practices:
Only Message if Appropriate
Make sure you have the right hiring manager identified. Only message about jobs you’re very qualified for and interested in.
Use a Polite, Professional Tone
Be formal and polite in your outreach. Use a conversational but business-like tone. Avoid unprofessional language.
Introduce Yourself and Why You’re Contacting Them
Briefly share who you are, which role you’re interested in, and why you’re reaching out directly to them about the opportunity.
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications
Succinctly explain 1-2 of your top strengths or qualifications that make you a strong match for the role. Provide context, not just a list.
Demonstrate Knowledge of the Company
Show you’ve researched the company by referencing initiatives, values, or achievements that resonate with you and align with your background.
Express Enthusiasm for the Role
Convey genuine excitement about the position and interest in contributing your skills and experience to the team/company. But avoid sounding over-eager.
Pose Thoughtful Questions
Ask smart, strategic questions that demonstrate your understanding of the role, company, or industry rather than just asking about the hiring timeline or process.
Keep it Brief
Long-winded messages are hard to read fully. Keep your note clear, concise, and focused on key details. Bullet points can help summarize.
Mind Your Manners
Use please and thank you, avoid demanding language, and don’t ask for special treatment. Maintain a polite, grateful tone.
Offer to Follow Up
Provide your contact info and offer to follow up if you don’t hear back after 1-2 weeks. But don’t overly persist if they don’t respond.
Watch Your Timing
In most cases, it’s better to message after rather than before applying for a posted role. But use judgment for timing that feels right.
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Introduce yourself | Make demands |
| Make a personal connection | Exaggerate your qualifications |
| Demonstrate your fit | Use overly casual language |
| Focus on their needs | Make it all about yourself |
| Be polite and professional | Be overly aggressive or pushy |
| Follow up respectfully | Become a pest if they don’t respond |
Should You Message Before or After Applying?
The ideal timing for messaging the hiring manager depends on the situation:
Better to Message After Applying When:
– The job listing follows a formal application process.
– You have no existing connection to the company or hiring manager.
– The hiring manager doesn’t encourage candidates to contact them.
– You need time to customize your pitch after applying.
Better to Message Before Applying When:
– The hiring manager actively solicits candidate outreach.
– You already have a connection to the company or know the hiring manager.
– It’s an unposted opening you heard about through a contact.
– You need key questions answered to decide if applying makes sense.
– You want to submit your application shortly after messaging.
The right approach depends on the norms of the company, field, and specific manager. When in doubt, try messaging after applying if possible.
Following Up After Messaging a Hiring Manager
If the hiring manager doesn’t respond within 1-2 weeks, it’s appropriate to follow up and reiterate your interest. However, avoid being overly aggressive in your follow up outreach.
Here are some tips for following up effectively:
– Send just one follow up message. Don’t continue messaging repeatedly.
– Wait at least 1-2 weeks before your follow up attempt.
– Briefly re-share who you are and which role you’re interested in.
– Reiterate your top 1-2 qualifications for the job.
– Politely ask if they received your original message and offer to re-send it.
– Provide your contact information again.
– Say you’d appreciate the chance to further discuss the opportunity.
– Thank them for their time and consideration.
– If they don’t respond after your follow up, it’s best not to continue messaging.
Continued lack of response signals they aren’t interested in further discussion at this stage. Pushing excessively can hurt rather than help your candidacy.
Alternatives to Messaging the Hiring Manager
Rather than directly contacting the hiring manager, consider these alternative approaches first in some situations:
Apply Through Formal Job Posting Process
For posted roles with a defined application process, follow the official instructions rather than messaging the hiring manager directly.
Contact a Company Recruiter
Larger companies often have dedicated recruiters who play a lead role in hiring. Reach out to them instead.
Leverage Your Network for an Introduction
Getting someone who knows you and the hiring manager to make a warm introduction can be more effective than cold outreach.
Connect with Other Team Members First
Message employees who work under the hiring manager to build connections to the team before contacting the decision maker directly.
Focus Efforts on Jobs That Fit You
Spend time finding roles closely aligned with your background rather than messaging hiring managers for any remotely related opening.
| Situation | Better to Message First? |
|---|---|
| Formal job posting | No |
| You have an internal contact/referral | Yes |
| The hiring manager encourages outreach | Yes |
| You’re reconsidering interest after applying | No |
| You have key questions before applying | Yes |
| It’s your dream job | Yes |
| You have limited qualifications | No |
Sample Message to a Hiring Manager on LinkedIn
Here is an example of a thoughtful LinkedIn message to send a hiring manager for a role you’re interested in and qualified for:
Subject: Application for [Role Name] Position
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope this note finds you well! My name is [Your Name] and I was excited to see the opening for a [Role Name] at [Company Name] recently posted on LinkedIn. I’m very interested in this opportunity given my background in [summarize your relevant experience].
In particular, I was intrigued by [Company Name]’s expansion into [mention a new market or initiative that interests you]. With over seven years in [your expertise area], I’m confident I could support and add strategic value to this effort. I also appreciated learning more about the company’s core value of [name a value you connect with] from researching your website.
I’ve submitted my full application for consideration through your company’s job site, but wanted to reach out directly to introduce myself and express my enthusiasm for the role. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide about my qualifications and interest. I welcome the opportunity to speak with you further about how I could contribute to your team’s success.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration! Please don’t hesitate to contact me at [your email] or [your phone number]. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
Messaging hiring managers directly on LinkedIn can be an effective job search strategy but should be approached carefully and selectively. When weighing the pros and cons, focus on what will make you stand out as an excellent candidate versus what may come across as pestering or demanding. With the right qualifications, strategic approach, and professional polite tone, contacting the hiring manager first can help you get your foot in the door. But make sure to follow proper etiquette and rules. Connecting with human beings authentically and respectfully, whether online or in person, should remain the priority rather than just seeing people as stepping stones.