02/07/21 at 2:52AM UTC
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15 Comments
Meg Durcan
22
02/08/21 at 12:59AM UTC
I think that you need to take every opportunity to get through the online application gauntlet. Highlighting reasons who are excited about the role/company and mentioning what aspects of your work history make you a great fit might help you stand out.
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Anonymous
02/08/21 at 10:33PM UTC
Hi! I actually just had a conversation on this with a friend of mine who is a recruiter. They highly advise reaching out right before or directly after applying with a question or another form of conversation that is natural/memorable. That way, you aren't just expressing interest (which they get a lot!) but saying something that causes them to really engage. Doing it beforehand lets them flag that info for the future!
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Jessica Parker, PMP♦ Technology Leader ♦ Author ♦ Entrepreneur ♦
67
02/09/21 at 10:26PM UTC
Generally, I'd say don't reach out via LinkedIn but I like this suggestion.
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J AcharyaProject Manager
75
02/09/21 at 9:31PM UTC
I think it’s totally fine as long as you’re not just repeating info from the application and assuming their info was easily available (like their name was on the posting, vs if you had to ask someone to get it and it’s not something every applicant would know)
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Lily Oliver-TorresYale and Columbia Bschool; 15 yrs in media/tech
42
02/09/21 at 9:45PM UTC
Truthfully, I think that could be a bit awkward. Unless you are sure that you an unbelievable candidate with superior qualifications for that role, the hiring manager is not going to go out of their way to respond to you. In my last role, I hired dozens of people and was extremely strapped for time. I relied on my internal recruiting partners to screen candidates for me. At most, I might read this type of message and then pass on the name to the recruiter. In short, it won't hurt you, but I would keep low expectations about it taking you far in the process.
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C. KleinSecurity Consultant
608
02/09/21 at 10:02PM UTC
I don't like doing it because I find it awkward, HOWEVER I often DO do it because several recruiter contacts of mine have said that it's a good tactic. If absolutely nothing else, it puts your name in the hiring manager's mind, and will give you at least a bit of their memory real estate.
Be sure, however, that you're contacting the right/actual hiring manager OR the person to whom the position reports. It's better to be 100% sure rather than taking a shot in the dark.
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Elizabeth RagoneDirect to Consumer Leader
65
02/09/21 at 10:09PM UTC
I think it’s great—IF you aren’t asking for anything. A genuine BRIEF line about how much you love the company is optimal. I think that’s the sure win. Anything else is a gamble, as evidenced by the range of these answers.
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Lana MarkovicCommunications | Branding | Personal Development
54
02/09/21 at 11:50PM UTC
Connecting with the hiring manager via LI helped me land my current job, so I say, go for it! Had I not connected to them via LI, my resume most likely wouldn't have landed in front of the recruiter and I wouldn't have a job right now. Oftentimes hiring managers are too busy to respond, but I strongly believe that with a nicely crafted message there's nothing to lose by reaching out.
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Anonymous
02/10/21 at 12:29AM UTC
If you are focused with your ask and time it properly I don’t think it could hurt, it’s just another opportunity to put your name out there and try to get the attention your application deserves during the process. Best of luck!
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Farah BajwaManager | Mentor | Consultant | Coach
217
02/10/21 at 12:53AM UTC
From my own experience, I say do it but do so tastefully or in a way that draws unique attention to you. As a manager, I often groan when candidates reach out because that's one more thing I have to deal with in my day, or one more candidate I have to respond to. So as the candidate, keep your energy light and short. If you're reaching out after you've spoken to them directly, then recall a joke, or something you have in common, or come up with a witty afterthought based on the conversation to remind the hiring manager who you are and in a way that makes them smile and WANT to reply back to you.
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Sarah C.
12
02/10/21 at 2:51AM UTC
I think it’s a great idea to contact the hiring manager on LI messaging after applying for a role. This highlights a few things 1) your interest in the role (be sure to include a brief summary on why you are interested in this role & the company) 2) your resourcefulness on finding their profile 3) your initiative in reaching out.
Tip: keep the message brief while hitting the highlights as to why you are contacting them & remember to thank them for their time in reading your message.
Good luck!
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TracieHuman Resources - Houston area
28
02/10/21 at 5:28PM UTC
I think it's the former - a way to reinforce your enthusiasm and stand out against the crowd. Showing up at their door with a gift and a hard copy of your resume would be bothersome and intrusive. A friendly message that doesn't explicitly ask for a response is fine - and don't take it personally if you don't receive a response. Go for it!
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Cinzia IacovelliMarketing Project Manager, Digital Events
399
02/10/21 at 10:42PM UTC
I don't find it intrusive if you are really passionate about the job position and if you do it the right way. Go for it!
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Becca CarnahanCareer Coach | Writer | Mom of 2
63
02/12/21 at 12:17AM UTC
I always recommend reaching out. Application systems can go through any number of people, and a direct outreach to a hiring manager is a way to make sure you don't get lost in the shuffle. It shows your initiative and excitement for the job as well.
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Maura Danehey
23
02/21/21 at 5:28PM UTC
Echoing the above, it is all about how you reach out. If you are able to establish connections in your "goal" company before you apply, that is most ideal. Think about (1) who are the HR recruiters you will need to speak with, (2) who will be your peers, (3) who will be your boss/your boss' boss - Build relationships with them. In this case, I'd say feel free to contact this individual, with the tone the other women here have suggested. Good luck!
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