Reaching out on LinkedIn can be an effective way to make connections and express interest in job opportunities, but it requires some strategy and finesse. In many cases, a LinkedIn outreach can supplement or bolster a job application, but is usually not sufficient on its own. There are pros and cons to consider when determining if and how to reach out on LinkedIn when applying for a job.
Pros of Reaching Out on LinkedIn
Here are some potential benefits of using LinkedIn to connect with recruiters and hiring managers:
Increases visibility
Reaching out directly allows you to get on the radar of key decision makers and stand out from the crowd of applicants. A message shows initiative and interest beyond just submitting an application.
Starts relationship building
Making a connection on LinkedIn, even if brief, can be the start of an ongoing professional relationship. You may be able to keep in touch over time and strengthen rapport.
Provides opportunity to share relevant info
In a message, you can include key details about your background and experience that make you a great fit for the role. This allows you to customize your pitch and go beyond just what’s on your resume.
Allows you to inquire about hiring timeline
Reaching out gives you a chance to ask questions about the hiring timeline, which can help inform your application strategy and follow up approach. This shows your enthusiasm about the role.
Direct contact method
For some roles, there may not be a formal application process and LinkedIn may provide the only avenue to express interest directly to the hiring manager.
Way to get introduced through connections
If you don’t already have a direct connection to the recruiter or hiring manager, you may be able to get introduced through your network to increase credibility.
Cons of Reaching Out on LinkedIn
However, there are also some potential downsides to be aware of when using LinkedIn for job applications:
Can come across as unsolicited
If you reach out completely cold without an opening, your message may seem intrusive and be ignored or rejected.
Need relevant reason for connecting
It can be difficult crafting a meaningful message if you lack a clear justification for reaching out, like shared connections or experiences.
Hiring manager may prefer formal application
Some hiring managers dislike being contacted directly and would rather have candidates go through official application channels.
Easy to make a negative impression
Typos, overly salesy pitches, or incorrect names can leave a bad taste that hurts your chances with a company.
Volume of outreach can be off-putting
If many candidates use the same strategy, a hiring manager may be overwhelmed by contact attempts. Yours may get lost in the mix.
Can take significant time and effort
Researching who to contact and crafting customized, effective messages requires significant work, especially when applying to multiple openings.
May not stand out as much as expected
Hiring managers are increasingly getting LinkedIn messages from hopeful candidates, so the tactic may not differentiate you as much as in the past.
Tips for Reaching Out
If you do decide to reach out on LinkedIn when applying for a job, here are some best practices to increase your odds of success:
Personalize the message
Always use their name and company, mention specifics about their role, and demonstrate knowledge of their business. Generic outreach is easy to identify.
Be transparent about the purpose
State upfront this is regarding your application for XYZ role. Don’t beat around the bush about your objective.
Highlight legitimate connections
If you have relevant experiences, education, or contacts in common, briefly note these links to establish credibility.
Send individual messages
Never copy and paste the exact same content in messages to multiple recipients. Tailor each note to be unique.
Show enthusiasm for the company
Express genuine interest in and knowledge of the company’s work, mission, and culture. Focus on their needs rather than just yours.
Keep it short
Long messages come across as rambling. Concisely make your key points and value proposition clear.
Use proper etiquette
Follow normal professional rules like using proper grammar, avoiding slang, and signing with a polite closing.
Suggest a conversation
Rather than directly asking for an interview or decision on your application, propose a brief chat or phone call to learn more.
Follow up appropriately
If you don’t receive a response within 1-2 weeks, consider a brief, professional follow up note or message.
Accept potential non-responses
Understand that even well-crafted messages may go unanswered at times. Avoid taking it personally.
Key Factors to Consider
When weighing whether or not to reach out on LinkedIn about a job application, consider these key factors:
Your existing connections
– If you already have 1st or 2nd degree connections at the company, reaching out may be more warranted and likely to succeed.
Type of job and level of seniority
– For more senior roles, targeted outreach is often expected, but may not make sense for entry-level openings posting high volumes of applicants.
Stage you are at in the hiring process
– Connecting early on to express interest may be beneficial, but avoid excessive messaging after submitting an application.
Norms for the company and industry
– Some corporate cultures and sectors take a more formal approach to outreach than others. Know the expectations.
Your bandwidth for customization
– If you’re applying to many openings simultaneously, you may not be able to craft tailored messages efficiently.
Whether you have other connections at the company
– If you lack any insider contacts, a LinkedIn note may be your only channel for getting directly in front of the right people.
When is Outreach Most Appropriate?
As a general rule, reaching out on LinkedIn regarding a job application tends to be most appropriate and effective in these situations:
– You share a connection with the hiring manager or employees at the company who can refer you
– The company actively encourages applicants to contact them through LinkedIn
– The role is for a more senior, specialized position where direct outreach is customary
– You have unique experiences or qualifications that are especially relevant for the company
– You are able to craft highly customized, value-focused messages to each recipient
– You have limited competition from other candidates likely using the same strategy
– You have the bandwidth to thoughtfully target just a few ideal roles for outreach
In contrast, mass sending generic messages to every job posting you find is unlikely to be a productive approach in most cases.
Sample LinkedIn Job Application Message Templates
If you do decide to reach out through LinkedIn about a job application, adapt a template like these:
Existing Connection Template
Hi [name],
I hope you’ve been doing well! I wanted to let you know that I recently applied for the [position] role at [company], which I believe could be a great fit given my background in [relevant experience]. I would sincerely appreciate any insights or advice you may have regarding the role or hiring process as I move forward in my application. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide, and I hope we can stay in touch!
Best,
[your name]
Referral Request Template
Dear [name],
I was hoping you might be able to connect me with the hiring manager for the [position] role at [company]. As a [relevant experience/background] professional with expertise in [key requirements], I believe I could be a strong candidate for this opportunity. I have applied through the company’s online portal, but wanted to inquire about the possibility of an introduction to learn more about [company’s] needs and discuss my qualifications further. Any assistance or advice you can offer is greatly appreciated!
Regards,
[your name]
Cold Outreach Template
Hi [hiring manager name],
My name is [your name] and I’m reaching out because I recently applied for the [position] role at [company] through [application channel]. As a passionate [profession] professional with [quantify relevant experience] of experience in [key area], the [position] role strongly appeals to me.
After reviewing the job description and your website, I’m impressed by [specific things that excite you about company mission, values, projects, etc]. I would be thrilled to have the opportunity to join your team to [describe how you could impact the company in this role].
If you have time for a brief 15-30 minute phone call to discuss the position and my qualifications, please let me know. I’d be happy to provide any additional information needed. Either way, I appreciate your consideration of my application.
Thank you,
[Your name]
Should You Connect with Hiring Manager on LinkedIn Before Interview?
Many job seekers wonder if they should try connecting with the hiring manager on LinkedIn before they have an interview scheduled. There are pros and cons to consider with this approach:
Potential Pros:
– Increases your visibility and likelihood the hiring manager looks at your profile
– Allows you to establish common ground and personalize outreach
– Shows extra initiative beyond just applying
Potential Cons:
– May come across as overly aggressive or desperate
– Hiring manager may prefer to wait until you have interviewed
– Adds pressure for the hiring manager to accept the request
– Common ground may be hard to establish without interviewing
Key Considerations:
– Do you share any obvious connections or experience?
– Is the hiring manager accepting connection requests on LinkedIn?
– Does the role warrant a direct introduction before interviewing?
– Is connecting consistent with industry norms and expectations?
There is no blanket yes or no answer, but in many cases it is better to wait until after you have interviewed for a position, or have at least scheduled the interview, before connecting on LinkedIn. However, with the right context and approach, connecting beforehand can be worth trying in some situations.
Following Up After No Response
If you reach out through LinkedIn about a job application and receive no response, here are some tips on when and how to follow up:
– Wait at least 1-2 weeks before following up to allow sufficient time for a reply. Avoid pestering.
– Double check that your original message actually sent successfully.
– When following up, keep the message concise and professional.
– Refer to your original message topic, date, and key details to remind them.
– If trying higher priority channels like email or phone, still mention your LinkedIn attempt.
– Consider asking for just brief feedback on status, not necessarily another message.
– Express continued enthusiasm and appreciation for any insight they can offer.
– Don’t take a lack of response personally or let it discourage you. Expect it at times.
– After 1 follow up, move on if there is still no response. Over-following up will not help.
Conclusion
Reaching out through LinkedIn on a job application can be worth trying in the right circumstances, but should be approached carefully and strategically. Focus on personalization, transparency on your objective, building connections, and concise, professional communication. Pay close attention to the context of the role, your relationship to the company and contacts, and industry norms. With the proper etiquette and mindset, a LinkedIn outreach can provide an additional way to stand out from the applicant crowd. But be prepared as well for the strong possibility of no response, and avoid taking an unanswered message as a definitive rejection.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Increases visibility | Can come across as unsolicited |
| Starts relationship building | Need relevant reason for connecting |
| Provides opportunity to share relevant info | Hiring manager may prefer formal application |
| Allows you to inquire about hiring timeline | Easy to make a negative impression |
| Direct contact method | Volume of outreach can be off-putting |
| Way to get introduced through connections | Can take significant time and effort |
| May not stand out as much as expected |
