Sending a message on LinkedIn after applying for a job can be an effective way to get noticed and stand out from other applicants. However, it’s important to craft your message thoughtfully and professionally to make a good impression. Here are some tips on what to include and avoid when messaging a recruiter or hiring manager on LinkedIn after submitting a job application.
Remind Them Who You Are
Don’t assume the person will remember your name or application. Briefly re-introduce yourself in the first sentence of your message. Mention the position you applied for and when you submitted your application.
For example: “Hi [name], I’m [your name] and I recently applied for the [position name] role at [company name] on [date]. I’m very interested in this opportunity and wanted to follow up with you directly.”
This helps provide context for your message and reminds them of your application. It also immediately signals that this is a follow up message related to a job, rather than a sales pitch or solicitation.
Express Your Interest and Fit
After the initial introduction, explain why you are interested in the role and how your background makes you a great fit. Share one or two sentences on what excites you about the company or position. Provide highlights that showcase how your skills and experience align with the job requirements.
For example: “I was very excited to come across this opportunity. The role seems like a strong match for my experience in [key skill area], and I’m drawn to [company name’s] mission of [mission statement]. I’m confident my background in [key qualification] would enable me to contribute to [core role responsibility].”
This gives the hiring manager key details about your candidacy and enthusiasm for the job. Focus on your relevant strengths and the aspects of the role you’re most passionate about.
Mention Any Connections
If you have any personal connections to the company or hiring manager, briefly mention this relationship in your message. For example, you may state: “In addition to my qualifications, I have a personal connection to [company name] through [connection name], who I’ve worked closely with in the past.”
Or: “I see that you and I are both connected to [shared connection name], who mentioned your strong leadership and exciting vision for the team.”
Name dropping a mutual connection can help get your message noticed. However, only do so if the relationship is substantive and positive.
Include a Customized Question
Asking a question tailored to the hiring manager, role, or company can show your interest and attention to detail. For example, you may ask: “I noticed on your website that [company name] values employee mentorship. Could you share more about the mentorship opportunities associated with this role?”
Or: “In the job description, developing [specific project] is listed as a responsibility. Could you provide more details on the goals and timeline for this project?”
This gives them an easy opening to respond and continue the dialogue. Make sure your question demonstrates knowledge of the role and company, not just trivial facts.
Suggest Next Steps for Following Up
Close your message by indicating your interest in further discussing the role and following up. For example, you may say: “I would love to find a time to speak by phone to share more about my background and interest in this opportunity. Are you available for a quick call later this week or early next week?”
Or: “Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide to strengthen my application. I look forward to hearing from you regarding next steps in the interview process.”
This shows initiative and willingness to have a dialogue. Don’t be overly pushy about requesting an interview though. Keep it friendly and optional.
Proofread Carefully
Before sending your message, triple check for any spelling or grammar errors. Read it aloud to make sure the tone sounds polite, professional, and enthusiastic about the job opportunity.
Ask a friend or career advisor to review the message as a second set of eyes. You want to come across as competent and detail-oriented in your communication.
What Not to Do
Avoid these common mistakes when messaging a recruiter or hiring manager:
- Sounding desperate or pushy
- Making it all about you and your needs vs. the value you offer
- Getting too casual or informal
- Asking about salary or benefits prematurely
- Making it too long (keep it succinct!)
- Including inappropriate personal details or jokes
- Having typos or poor grammar
- Sending a generic message that was not customized
Your message is your first one-on-one communication with the company. Make sure it encapsulates your professionalism, attention to detail, and fit for the role.
When to Send It
Timing your LinkedIn follow up message strategically can also help it stand out:
- 1-2 weeks after applying – Gives time for your application to be reviewed but shows initiative
- Monday morning or Tuesday afternoon – Less crowded inboxes compared to other days
- Avoid holidays or vacation seasons
- Connect your message to a trigger event like news about the company or a recent post by the hiring manager that you can reference
Follow Up Your Message
Don’t count on receiving a response to your LinkedIn outreach, especially if applying to a competitive role. Give them about 1 week to reply, then consider a follow up message if you still haven’t heard back.
In your follow up, politely ask if they had a chance to review your initial note on the job opportunity. Offer to provide any additional information needed. You can also suggest connecting by phone or scheduling a quick chat if it still makes sense.
At the same time, avoid becoming a pest by messaging repeatedly without any reply. If they engage in dialogue, great! But know when to move on if you’ve messaged 2-3 times with no response.
Example LinkedIn Message Template
Use this template as a model for crafting your own message:
Subject: [Your Name] – Application for [Position Name]
Hi [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope you’re doing well! I’m [your full name], and I applied for the [position name] role at [company name] on [date]. After reviewing the job description, I’m very excited about the opportunity and confident my skills make me a competitive applicant.
In particular, I was drawn to this opportunity because [describe 1-2 things that excite you about the company/role and align with your background]. As described in my resume, I have [x] years of experience in [key skill area required for the job], as well as expertise in [related skillset]. [Provide 1-2 concrete examples of relevant work/projects].
I see you and I are both connected to [shared LinkedIn connection], and I know from them how positive the work culture is at [company name]. I would love to have the opportunity to discuss the position and my qualifications in more detail. Are you available for a quick phone call next week?
Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide, and I look forward to hearing from you! Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best,
[Your full name]
[Your phone number]
[Your LinkedIn profile link]
Key Takeaways
Messaging hiring managers directly on LinkedIn can help get your candidacy noticed. To maximize your odds of a positive response:
- Remind them who you are and which role you applied for
- Highlight your interest and relevant qualifications
- Ask a thoughtful question to show engagement
- Suggest a call or meeting for next steps
- Avoid sounding desperate or entitled
- Carefully proofread for errors
- Follow up if needed, but know when to move on
With a professional, focused message personalized to the opportunity, you can stand out and get on a recruiter’s radar when applying through LinkedIn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about messaging hiring managers on LinkedIn:
Is it okay to message a recruiter directly if they haven’t viewed my application?
Yes, it’s fine to message a recruiter or hiring manager even if they haven’t viewed your application yet. Your message may actually help bring your application to their attention. Just keep the tone friendly and avoid sounding accusatory they haven’t viewed it yet.
Should I add the hiring manager as a LinkedIn connection when messaging them?
There’s no need to add them as a connection when you first reach out. Simply send your message directly without connecting. If you end up developing a dialogue and landing an interview, you can request to connect at that point.
What if the hiring manager doesn’t have their contact info available on LinkedIn?
If you can’t find an email or phone number for the hiring manager on LinkedIn, try looking up the company website for a staff directory. Or, you can send an InMail message directly through LinkedIn to them, which doesn’t require knowing their exact contact information.
How should I format the subject line of my message?
The subject line should include your full name and the position name, like “John Smith – Application for Senior Accountant Role”. This makes it easy for them to scan their inbox and identify your message.
What if I don’t have any mutual connections with the hiring manager?
It’s fine if you don’t have any shared connections on LinkedIn with the hiring manager. You can still reference being impressed by their background or the company’s work in your message. A personal connection reference can help but isn’t required.
Conclusion
Following up directly with recruiters and hiring managers on LinkedIn after applying for a job is an effective way to get noticed and advance in the hiring process. By crafting a thoughtful, professional message showcasing your fit and interest in the role, you can stand out from other applicants.
Pay close attention to the details – personalizing each message, avoiding errors, and providing relevant examples of your background. With the right strategy, connecting on LinkedIn after applying can help propel you towards landing that dream job.