Reaching out to a hiring manager on LinkedIn can be an effective way to get your resume noticed and land an interview for a job you want. However, crafting the right message takes thought and strategy. You need to grab their attention, demonstrate your fit for the role, and convince them to take the next step of reviewing your application or setting up a meeting.
In this article, we’ll explore how to write an effective LinkedIn message to a recruiter or hiring manager. We’ll cover tips on length, tone, formatting, and content so you can maximize your chances of a positive response.
Keep It Short and Focused
When reaching out cold over LinkedIn, you want to be brief and direct. Hiring managers and recruiters are busy and may be contacted by dozens of applicants daily. A long, meandering note full of niceties is likely to be ignored.
You should be able to communicate the key details in 2-4 sentences. Anything longer risks not being read thoroughly. Save more detailed information for your resume and cover letter.
Here are some tips for keeping your LinkedIn outreach focused:
- Mention the specific job title or role you are applying for
- Note where you saw the opening posted
- Explain briefly why you are a great fit for the role
- End with a call to action such as requesting they look at your application
Being able to succinctly summarize why you are a strong candidate shows confidence and understanding of what the hiring manager is looking for in applicants.
Use a Professional But Friendly Tone
While you want to be brief in your LinkedIn message, you also need to strike the right tone. You aren’t texting a friend, so use proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Show you can communicate professionally.
At the same time, avoid sounding overly formal or stilted. Building some rapport with the hiring manager can increase your chances of connecting. Starting with a friendly salutation like “Hi [Name],” and ending with a polite sign-off such as “Thank you for your consideration” can help strike the ideal balance.
Throughout the message, be positive and avoid sounding demanding or entitled to an interview. Express enthusiasm for the company and role, which builds goodwill.
Here are some tips for the right tone:
- Use a warm but professional greeting like “Dear [Name]”
- Say “please” when making requests
- Express appreciation for their time and consideration
- Avoid exclamation points, emojis, or informal language
Projecting an upbeat, courteous attitude makes a good impression compared to messages that feel cold or presumptuous.
Customize Each Message
While the structure of your LinkedIn outreach may stay relatively similar across applications, take care to customize the specifics for each role. Generic messages that could be sent to any recruiter are easy to detect and disregard.
Tailoring the message shows you have done your research on the company and given real thought to how you are a fit for that particular position. Use the job description to highlight relevant skills, achievements, certifications, or past experiences you have that match their current needs.
Here are some tips for customization:
- Mention projects from your background that align with work they do
- Reference corporate values you share that are emphasized on their About page
- Speak to required skills in the job listing that you possess
- Avoid vague language that could apply to any applicant
Demonstrating alignment between your background and the role builds a compelling case for why they should select you over other candidates.
Close With a Clear Call to Action
Rather than letting your LinkedIn message trail off vaguely, close by telling the hiring manager exactly what you want them to do next. You can request that they review your application, set up a phone screen, or let you know if they need any additional information from you.
Providing clear next steps gives the recipient direction and makes it easy for them to comply with your request if interested. Follow up in a few days if you do not receive a response, as they may have just overlooked connecting back the first time.
Some examples of strong calls to action include:
- “I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview.”
- “Please let me know if you would like me to provide any additional information.”
- “I look forward to hearing your feedback on my resume and application.”
Knowing exactly what you want the hiring manager to do removes confusion and indicates confidence.
Proofread Before Sending
With such a brief message, there is no excuse for typos, grammatical errors, or inaccuracies. Read over each customized note carefully before hitting send. Look up the correct spelling of any names and titles mentioned. Review that you have included all critical details.
Having to clarify or resend due to avoidable mistakes undercuts your goal of showcasing your communication abilities. It also prevents the hiring manager from easily acting upon your request, delaying a potential interview.
Designate a few minutes to carefully proofread for:
- Correct recipient name and title
- Accuracy of company and role details
- Proper spelling and grammar
- Logical flow and clarity
Catching minor errors that could distract or confuse the reader ensures your note conveys the professionalism and attention to detail they expect from strong applicants.
Sample LinkedIn Message to Hiring Manager
To see these tips in action, here is a sample LinkedIn message applying for a Social Media Manager role at a retail company:
Dear Ms. Jones,
I was excited to see your opening for a Social Media Manager on LinkedIn, and I think my experience would make me a great fit for your team at Retail Company.
As you can see from my resume, I have 5 years experience creating and managing social campaigns that have helped grow brand audiences and engagement. I excel at developing creative content and partnerships that reflect brand voice.
For example, at my current position at Agency LLP, I spearheaded a social media partnership with several influencers that increased our Instagram followers by 10% in just 3 months. I’m confident I could have similar success driving strategy and growth for Retail Company.
I would love the chance to further discuss the role and my qualifications. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide. I look forward to your feedback.
Best,
[Your name]
This highlights relevant social media experience, quantifies past success, and demonstrates an understanding of their brand needs. The tone is warm and polite while directly asking for next steps. Following a template like this can help your own messages come across clearly and effectively.
Additional Tips for Connecting on LinkedIn
Beyond the initial outreach message, there are additional ways you can increase your chances of connecting with hiring managers on LinkedIn:
- Only contact recruiters for jobs that are a strong match for your background
- Personalize your profile summary and headline for each application
- Connect with current employees at the company for insider insights
- Comment on hiring manager posts to get on their radar before applying
- Follow up a week later if you haven’t received a response
- Avoid generic invitations that aren’t personalized
Proactively enhancing your visibility and building connections within your target companies can help complement a solid application message.
Key Takeaways
Reaching out directly to recruiters and hiring managers on LinkedIn can help fast track your candidacy, but you need to do it strategically. Follow these best practices:
- Keep the message brief (2-4 sentences) and focused on the specifics of the role
- Use a warm but professional tone that builds rapport
- Customize each note to highlight your relevant qualifications
- End with a clear call to action on next steps
- Proofread carefully before hitting send
With a well-crafted note tailored to the job and company, you can effectively grab a hiring manager’s attention and get your application prioritized. Just be cautious about overselling yourself or sounding generic. Show you’ve done your research and can concisely communicate how you are a strong match for the position.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have the hiring manager’s direct contact info?
You can still send a note using the general email or inbox for the recruiter/talent team associated with the job listing. Mention the specific role title so they can forward your message accordingly. You can also see if current employees can provide an introduction.
Is it okay to message hiring managers at multiple companies?
Yes, just be sure each message is tailored and relevant to the specific company and role you are applying for. Avoid duplicate or generic outreach.
What if I’m uncomfortable messaging recruiters directly?
It’s fine to only apply through official channels if you prefer. LinkedIn outreach simply helps fast track connecting with decision makers. Focus on crafting a strong resume and cover letter instead.
How soon after applying should I send a LinkedIn message?
Try to send your message within a few days of applying to maximize visibility. But avoid messaging too frequently, which can come across as pushy.
Should I re-message a hiring manager if they don’t respond?
One follow up is reasonable if you don’t hear back after 1-2 weeks. But avoid repeatedly messaging if they don’t respond, as that signals they aren’t interested.
Conclusion
Messaging hiring managers directly on LinkedIn can help get your foot in the door for an interview. But avoid sounding salesy or overly aggressive. Keep it focused on your fit for the role, qualify your background, and make clear requests for next steps. With a tailored, professional outreach note, you can stand out from the crowd. Just be patient if you don’t immediately get a response, and use other application materials to showcase your qualifications.
