Hi!I am specifically hoping to get advice from women who have DONE what I'm asking about, so thank you in advance.

75 Comments

1. Heather CutlerSeptember 27,2021 at 5:01PM UTC

   Sounds like you're prospecting a bit with this position because your background is in different areas, which is awesome! If this were me, I'd submit my application and then reach out to the supervisor with the resume and cover letter you submitted to their job portal. You really have nothing to lose and it sounds like your application wouldn't necessarily fit the traditional candidates they'll see in an ATS. I would only do this (reaching out to the supervisor) AFTER you formally submit your application because telling her to "look for my application" creates work for her and I'm sure she's very busy.

   I have done cold calls like this in the past for both informational interviews and actual positions. For informational interviews or networking requests, 100% of the people I reached out to responded and took a call from me. Total strangers scheduled time with me to talk, for me to ask them questions about their role or organization.

   As for actual positions, I've had a favorable response there, too. Best of luck!

2. AnonymousSeptember 27,2021 at 8:01PM UTC

   VERY smart idea, thank you! I hadn't thought to find her email address and try to reach her that way (it's so much harder than you'd think it would be b/c directories are usually behind a firewall). That's not a bad approach. I can send it off, and then leave it there. No need for her to respond, but also more helpful to her than just me sayin 'pls keep an eye out' which does require her to do something. thanks again.

3. Heather CutlerSeptember 29,2021 at 5:35PM UTC

   Also consider the LinkedIn Premium feature which allows you to send inbound messages to recruiters through their platform. So worth the $100 or so a year for this service.

4. AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 8:53PM UTC

   Can you tell me what a recruiter means here please? The person I've identified is the woman who heads the program I'd like to work for. She's not in HR. Thanks.

5. AnonymousSeptember 27,2021 at 6:14PM UTC

   When I was in the position of hiring, I had the utmost respect for candidates that reached out to me directly on Linked In, regardless of the stage of their candidacy.

6. Georgene HuangSeptember 30,2021 at 11:41AM UTC

   I totally agree. I like seeing a candidate hustles, invests time and has tried multiple avenues.

7. AnonymousSeptember 27,2021 at 6:43PM UTC

   Does anyone have some language I might consider using? I want to make it clear that I am just hoping for visibility and not trying to make the hiring mgr engage with me beyond that. thoughts?T hanks.

8. AnonymousSeptember 27,2021 at 6:52PM UTC

   I this you should definitely send a message to at least the recruiter stating all three of those things, and including your application and why your background would be an asset.

   If you know who the hiring manager is, maybe try to engage with him/her in a way that's indirectly related to the job first so it doesn't feel like a cold contact, then mention that you're interested in the job and send him/her your application directly if you can... you can do this via email or LinkedIn.

   In general there's no obligation to respond, and people are so busy anyways that that they are more likely not to unless your reaching out helps them out somehow...which you can certainly code into your message!

   Best of luck! Keep us posted!

9. AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 3:03PM UTC

   How is the recruiter dif than the hiring manager? In my academic experience you're dealing with HR in the school or program the job is in. I'm sure they work with an ATS, and that bongs some people but it's not a separate person looking, it's HR. And on the committees I was on, HR did the sweep, but would not have made any major decisions alone. That was for the hiring committee to do. Meaning: if I could find out who was HR for this school (within the univ--like the school of nursing, or school of business or whatever), that person will most likely not have that much say in the process. Again, that's how it's worked for me, and it may be different other places. BUt if anyone knows, please share!

10. Shanna McCormickSeptember 29,2021 at 1:58PM UTC

    I don't think you have anything to lose!! WHY NOT!!!! And yes, I have done this!!! DO IT!!!!! It shows you are serious about this position!!!

11. Marjorie ZybleSeptember 30,2021 at 12:09PM UTC

    I will offer thoughts from the other side as I've received many of these messages from potential candidates. Generally, I do check them out if someone messages me on LinkedIn - it gives them more attention than they might receive if it came through the typical ATS channel. I do not always respond though, particularly if I don't think their background is a fit. I've also received direct emails from candidates...I personally find that more invasive than LinkedIn unless it's a referral and the referring party has given me a heads up/recommendation for the individual.

12. Nadia SobhanSeptember 30,2021 at 12:28PM UTC

    Reach out on LinkedIn. It shows you are really interested and that's what LinkedIn is used for - not like you're calling or sending her an email. I'm all for going the extra mile and making yourself stand out, in a professional manner of course.

13. Doris L WilliamsSeptember 30,2021 at 12:30PM UTC

    All I can say is I was in a similar situation and I sent a email to the hiring manager. Which got me the interview. So I say try it doesn’t hurt what can you loose?

14. Chiara DuffSeptember 30,2021 at 12:30PM UTC

    I’m on the fence about this. I personally wouldn’t reach out. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t do it. If you opt to connect with the recruiter via LinkedIn, stress that you’re not wanting to circumnavigate the process and communicate how excited you’d be to have the opportunity to further discuss the role. I also suggest submitting Word docs since ATS doesn’t respond as well to PDFs.

15. AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 2:59PM UTC

    WOW. I hae not heard this about pdfs That's kind of horrifying. Can you share more? Thanks.

16. AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 12:33PM UTC

    What’s the worst thing that can happen… you don’t get a response or they say no. But if you don’t try you’ll never know if it would’ve made a difference. I wouldn’t make the message too long but keep it to the point. I say go for it - you don’t really have anything to lose.

    Also, if interested Wonsulting/Jonathan Javier on LinkedIn talk about reaching out/messaging and using LinkedIn to network to get a job quite a bit.

17. AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 7:14PM UTC

    I think the worst thing that can happen is that you piss someone off and they feel annoyed enough to blacklist you. Is that extreme ? Yup. Does it happen Most probably. So that's what I'm trying to avoid. I have some time to think this through and appreciate all of the feedback.

18. Michele MaviSeptember 30,2021 at 12:36PM UTC

    I completely agree. You should absolutely reach out. There is nothing to lose. I’ve been on both sides of this scenario. I don’t think you need to worry so much about feeling like you’re imposing on them to engage. They can respond directly, pass your info on to the recruiters with instructions to reach out to you or not answer. But you should certainly be proactive in your outreach!

19. Maggie StoneSeptember 30,2021 at 12:44PM UTC

    I agree you should reach out to the hiring manager, but I would make sure you communicate interest and why you believe you are a good fit (e.g. You have skills or experience that transfer).

20. Jenn McFatter, aPHR, CCFPSeptember 30,2021 at 12:46PM UTC

    I had something similar… saw the hiring manager share the job posting on LinkedIn and did a direct message: let her know I had already applied but wanted to briefly introduce myself and reiterate my interest. She responded quickly and we set up a phone call! Now, in the end she was transparent with me about where I lacked what they were looking for, BUT I still got to ask some questions, get feedback, and make a connection in the area I’m interested in. Overall, still a win! Sounds like you’ve done your research… I’d say go for it!

    (Don’t write a novel! I recommend a brief intro expressing your interest)

21. Erin MooreSeptember 30,2021 at 12:46PM UTC

    Rather than use LinkedIn to message the hiring manager, I have searched for the person's work email address and emailed the hiring manager directly. I found this works better than LI because not everyone is active on LI. www.hunter.io is a site you can use to figure out comapny email addresses. Rocket Reach also allows for a few free searches each month. I have had success in the direct reach in two instances getting an immediate interview and in another hearing back that I was overqualified for the role. In all cases, I felt better at least knowing the hiring manager looked at my resume. Good luck!

22. AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 12:47PM UTC

    I’ve been in this circumstance and it’s really only compelling and successful if you have a real connection in common. Otherwise, you’re just wasting the supervisor’s time and are overthinking your value.

    Reaching out to the recruiter on LinkedIn is a much better idea if you write well and are truly compelling for why you’re a great option.

    If you can do a great job with the ATS and cover letter that is what you want to speak for itself.

23. AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 2:58PM UTC

    I don't understand what this means. What is 'the recruiter' in academia? The jobs for which I'm applying use workday, specific to the univ. You apply online, I'm guessing the system boots some people, someone looks through some of the rest and passes stuff on to the hiring committee. When I've been on a hiring committee, that's how it's worked--HR in our office looks through what comes in and picks a numer of apps we look at them and narrow them and we go from there. I don't know how recruiters function in Univs. Does anyone know?

24. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netSeptember 30,2021 at 12:48PM UTC

    Often the squeaky wheel gets the grease and i see nothing wrong with this as long as you do not stalk and do it only once. You may or may not get a response. In my world, candidates who have the experience with the titles on their resume get first call, not wannabes who believe they are capable. Sometimes they are not seeing what they want and could move to the next group. Hopefully, you have a great resume demonstrating job stability and that will get their attention.

25. MJSeptember 30,2021 at 12:48PM UTC

    As already said here, contact the supervisor.

26. Danielle HicksSeptember 30,2021 at 12:50PM UTC

    I have both done this and had candidates do it to me. There have been a few cases where it’s gotten me an interview and others where they never responded. On the other end as a hiring manager I interviewed a candidate that I otherwise probably wouldn’t have because of her reaching out. She didn’t ultimately get the job, but she at least got the chance to sell herself. I say go for it worst case she doesn’t respond.

27. AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 12:51PM UTC

    No way, do not contact the supervisor. You only do that when you have a strong contact in common. I’ve done this.

    If your cover letter can’t wake them up, you’re probably also not the best candidate for the position. It is what it is.

28. AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 2:55PM UTC

    Yeah it's a tough thing for me to decide. I spoke with a career coach yesterday at length; the coach said not to reach out directly, whether it's LI or email. At most, ask the contact to reach out and name drop, etc. I find all of this so hard to navigate. I was recently in a jo situation where I believe I did the exact wrong thing and it was disastrous. What if approaching the supervisor is exactly the wrong move? Damnit. How is anyone supposed to know?

29. AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 12:59PM UTC

    I am an opportunist, so I say: "You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain!" by contacting the person on LinkedIn. I've done this and have gotten job interviews AND job offers (following interview). I've also had a few instances in which my message did not receive a reply. But...at least I tried. Type up a great message telling this person exactly what you've told us here, and shoot it into the universe. Let us know how it works out!

30. Chéri SmithSeptember 30,2021 at 1:09PM UTC

    Have hired and known many to be hired because they reached out on LinkedIn. The key is to make the communication about what you can offer them…not that you would love the job. Your desire for the job only becomes relevant once you’ve demonstrated that you can do the job. Go for it!

31. Barbara Porter HutsonSeptember 30,2021 at 1:12PM UTC

    Explain how the other job experiences will help you in THIS job.

32. Karen Morris RushSeptember 30,2021 at 1:22PM UTC

    Reach out on Li. Explain how your skill set (even in a different field) will be a in for the company. Share your goal and vision. I would even ask for her email so you can forward your resume (and killer cover letter) to her direct. People do like people for show initiative and as someone who hires we can tell recruiters to hunt for a certain applicant.

33. DanielleSeptember 30,2021 at 1:24PM UTC

    I have done this before but to recruiters. I have found success in messaging them on linked in. It’s a delicate situation though. Don’t take it personally if they don’t respond. Be short and to the point. Thank you for the time and tell her you look forward to speaking with her.

    Good luck!

34. Amber TurleySeptember 30,2021 at 1:33PM UTC

    Reach out! I have done this (and ended up getting the role) and others have done this to me as well. As a hiring manager, if the person is qualified, I actually really appreciate it! Often times I end up doing much of the sifting work for my own reqs because the recruiters are backlogged and too slow. For reference, I can go in the system and see and rank every candidate and I work for a huge global company, so I’m better this hiring manager can as well. Go for it!!

35. Kasey CristSeptember 30,2021 at 1:40PM UTC

    Absolutely reach out! You have nothing to lose, by taking the initiative to contact this person shows you are a go-getter and driven which are great qualities from management perspective. Good luck!

36. Sima ParsaSeptember 30,2021 at 1:41PM UTC

    I recommend that you contact her directly via LI, highlighting why and how you’ll add value/solve problem for them in a clear succinct message and attach your resume.
    Yes, I have done it and it worked. Good luck.

37. TKSeptember 30,2021 at 1:46PM UTC

    Definitely send her a message, she might not even see your application or hr may not present it. It also shows initiative and interest more than just an application

38. Quality QueenSeptember 30,2021 at 1:49PM UTC

    I have done this and hired someone who did this. While it didn’t work for me, it did for my hiring. If your mutual contact doesn’t feel comfortable reaching out but will endorse you, drop their name in the email too. It never hurts to put yourself out there. Worst case scenario you hear nothing. BTW, I ended up hiring the person who reached out to me. While she wasn’t the strongest match in previous experience she met the requirements and impressed me with 1) the guts to ask and 2) the confidence in her interview. Best of luck!

39. AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 1:54PM UTC

    Yes, I’ve done this via email with the hiring manager and landed a role because not that many applicants do this. I’ve tried it other times and haven’t gotten a response, but it’s always worth a try. I’m currently interviewing for a role in which I messaged the recruiter on LinkedIn with basically a succinct cover letter. I firmly believe they would not have ever noticed my application if I had not. A career coach I follow always says that a “solution message” is key especially for career transitions. Best of luck!

40. AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 2:51PM UTC

    Can you explain 'solution message' and how it relates to transitions? thanks.

41. AnonymousOctober 1,2021 at 12:48AM UTC

    Sure, from what I understand it’s similar to a cover letter message but answering the question of what problem or issue can you solve/what solution can you offer to the employer! I think it can be helpful if you’re making a transition because what’s on your resume may not necessarily be directly what a job post is looking for, but you can give more details about how certain skills you have might apply in a personalized message. The job coach who should be credited for that idea is Emily Liou!

42. Kelli NoriSeptember 30,2021 at 1:56PM UTC

    Good for you for thinking outside the box. Right now to get a job, even if you're the top applicant, you have to use your network. Your network = your networth. If your acquaintance is uncomfortable it's usually because they don't know how to approach it. Write it for them so all they have to do is click send. I also think you should write a LI message but do it as a formal cover letter but as brief as possible. Bullet your success and include any ideas you have to bring success to the role. You will not lose any points for being assertive as long as it's concise and professional. Are there any other certifications you can get to make yourself a stronger candidate? Pursue that ASAP and mention it in your letter. I did that to land my most recent gig and it was a game changer. I would have never had gotten it without it.

43. Beverly RuyleSeptember 30,2021 at 2:22PM UTC

    Reach out any way you can. The buzz words you are looking for are "transferable skills".

44. Kimberly CarterSeptember 30,2021 at 2:43PM UTC

    Do it! If nothing else, it puts your name on their radar. I have not personally DONE this but I've thought about it and wasn't sure about Linked In etiquette. Thanks for posing this question. Good Luck

45. Jennie SummarSeptember 30,2021 at 2:48PM UTC

    And don't forget to include this information in your cover letter so that the recruiter can see it as well as anyone they may share the resume and cover letter with. As a recruiter, I have presented and eventually hired people that did this very thing.

46. AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 2:49PM UTC

    Can you explain how recruiters work in academia? I didn't think they did so I'm very confused. Thanks.

47. Jody LaflenSeptember 30,2021 at 7:06PM UTC

    Unless you’re applying for VP, President/Provost/Chancellor positions, there is no benefit to working with a recruiter for most faculty and dean roles (deans are usually promoted from within or you can apply through the college’s hiring protocol). Some universities may use diversity- or subject-specific recruiters if they’re having a hard time finding faculty, otherwise apply through their website. In Academia, it’s great to have direct referrals, but do not contact people personally, as current protocol will not allow anyone involved in a hiring process speak to you.

48. AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 7:10PM UTC

    Ooh can you tell me more about this (the legalities)? Thanks.

49. Jody LaflenOctober 1,2021 at 12:27AM UTC

    This may vary from state to state for public universities, and private universities may have their own protocol and policies, so I can't speak for all schools. I do know that universities, like large corporations, will use an executive recruiting firm (for higher ed in this case) to recruit for high-level positions (though internal people can apply, usually). You can still apply for a position that has a diversity-based or subject-specific recruiter assisting them without going through the recruiter (unless otherwise specified). For example, I live in an area with a huge tech community, so it was difficult to find viable faculty candidates who wanted to teach tech classes, as our pay rates were much lower than the industry standards. Therefore, we'd use a recruiter. However, plenty of candidates still applied through the job posting. Campuses with faculty unions (this is all public colleges and universities in my state and most other states) will have rules for hiring deans. The first hiring round must go to existing faculty. If nobody applies or is hired, then a dean position will be posted to the public. This policy was negotiated in the faculty union contract.

50. AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 6:36PM UTC

    thank you for that. I am def NOT applying to super high positions at all. :)

51. Christine StraubSeptember 30,2021 at 2:57PM UTC

    I’m a transition teacher and was advised to reach out to anyone especially recruiters. It’s a world where you need to know someone to get noticed so I say do it. The initiative to do so makes you look great.

52. Valentina Huang, MBA, SHRM-CPSeptember 30,2021 at 3:07PM UTC

    Most definitely reach out on LI; you have nothing to lose. And if your contact is not comfortable reaching out, perhaps you can draft an email for him and he can just forward your "draft" and resume attachment. Key is to make it easy for your contacts to help you. Good luck!

53. Jesica SartellSeptember 30,2021 at 3:10PM UTC

    You are overthinking this and worrying about unknowns.

    Regardless of company size, you don't know their hiring process at this point.
    There is no reason to worry about their feelings and code messages as long as you are professional and respectful.
    Just because people are connected on LI doesn't mean they know the person. Faint praise is worse than no praise so, let go of the name-dropping idea with the guy who isn't comfortable doing so.

    Just put 100% focus on being your best authentic self.

    Go for it!

54. EllenSeptember 30,2021 at 3:15PM UTC

    agreed! You don't know unless you ask/try. Good luck!

55. Ashley WucherSeptember 30,2021 at 3:28PM UTC

    I did something similar for a large, national company. Instead of contacting the supervisor, I reached out the person leaving the position as well as another person in the same position but another region (this was a field rep role). Both of them got back to me and let the supervisor know I reached out. I got the job. I say go for it, especially if this is a role that requires you to be social/work with clients. It shows that you’re willing to do what it takes. And if this turns them off then maybe it’s not the company culture you will want to work in (I realize that’s easier for me to say but I’ve found it to be generally true).

56. Jody LaflenSeptember 30,2021 at 3:55PM UTC

    The way I see it, is that you don’t know if you don’t try. You’re definitely an outlier for the position, but if you put the effort in ( like others here have advised), it can (not always) pay off. It completely depends on the personalities involved, liked the LinkedIn connection. I once wanted a job badly, that I knew I would excel in, but I also worried my CV would be filtered out. I researched the VP supervisor and realized he was ‘up there in years’ and took a chance he’d be receptive to some OG methods. I personalized my cover letter to be for him and mailed it, and my CV to him. I got the job. So do your research and take a chance, there’s no reason not to.

57. Annetta MosesSeptember 30,2021 at 3:56PM UTC

    I am responding from a hiring manager's perspective. I have had people contact me on LinkedIn about open positions on my team. I will encourage them to apply via the formal channel and apply online. If the candidate has skills or experience that could make them a good fit for my position, I will contact my HR recruiter. I will let the recruiter know I want her to look for the application and if it comes through to give the person a first round phone screen.
    Good luck.

58. Felicia QhamataSeptember 30,2021 at 4:07PM UTC

    My mentor tasked me a while ago when I was creating my career development plan and found a couple of positions I was interested in with reaching out to the supervisors of those positions and doing an informal interview with them regarding the position. Which works if you are interested in the position and if you aren't ready to move into it yet.

    It takes the pressure off and makes it more of a conversation, but you can self promote, but also get insider information into the position that's not in the job description or that is, but isn't really necessary.

    I started with an email introducing myself and that I was interested in xyz position and asked if they had 20-30 mins to chat with me over the phone regarding my interest in the position. All those I contacted got back with me and I got some really good feedback and information.

59. Lisa BOctober 1,2021 at 12:45PM UTC

    Felicia - how did you obtain their correct email addresses?

60. Felicia QhamataOctober 4,2021 at 9:45PM UTC

    Our company has a global email list within outlook, but the job posting also had the employee profile for the supervisors so I got their emails that way.

61. Hilary GraySeptember 30,2021 at 4:12PM UTC

    My two cents as a hiring manager; I have had potential candidates contact me on LinkedIn. While it made me uncomfortable, I did respond look for their applications. My advice to you is to make sure you highlight the skills you have relevant to the role. I had a candidate apply who said she was suitable for the role, but her background and experience did not show this. Make sure your LI profile and resume highlight these skills - I can't stress this enough!

62. AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 4:13PM UTC

    As a hiring manager, if I had a candidate reach out to me on LinkedIn I'd probably just ignore the request.

63. Nadia SobhanSeptember 30,2021 at 6:13PM UTC

    I've hired people for about ten years and if a candidate that applied took the time to find me on LinkedIn and send me a message stating their desire for the job, I'd definitely look into them because clearly they're very interested in the role and people that are very interested have a better chance of being successful.

64. Jesica SartellSeptember 30,2021 at 6:32PM UTC

    When I was a hiring manager, I wanted people who performed due diligence and reached out to me on LI. I put them at the top of the prospect list if their skills were a match or transferable.

    Applying on the company website remains necessary.

65. Madam anon663October 1,2021 at 9:51AM UTC

    Nice. Way to not help anyone.

66. JenniferOctober 2,2021 at 1:33PM UTC

    I have to respond here in defense of Anonymous, who I think was brave enough to speak into the reality of hiring. Typically, there are over 300 applicants for one position in my area, and they are screened and then reviewed by a committee before I even touch them. The only thing that even gets my attention in advance is when someone I know reaches out to me to offer advocacy for a candidate. That being said, I DO think the advice to reach out and build a relationship with the recruiter or HR person is wise - that person has greater access to a wider range of positions and will remember and advocate for a potential candidate in the future by reaching out to you when there is a position. In addition, the HR person will also reach out to me and say "I remember this person from another search...." - hence hearing from someone I know. Now, all of that being said, if your colleague confirms for you that he reached out to the hiring manager, and gets a response, THEN I think a note from you is a good follow-up - I would respond to that because I have a personal relationship riding on that. On a final note, if you don't get the job (and I hope you do), I'd encourage you to follow up with the hiring manager once the position is well closed (let's say a month later) and ask for an informational interview about the type of work she does, that you find it fascinating and would like to find a way to transition into it but are having trouble making the switch - it is both flattering and truthful and another way for you to build a relationship for a future posting - and to be thought of by her. Best to you!

67. AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 6:32PM UTC

    The informational interview is such a good idea. Thank you. In my experience, people really do like to be asked their opinion and talk about themselves--and I am saying this with 0% snark. I'm sure I could get some good info and maybe network. ALSO the supervisor DID post the job to her LI feed and I saw yesterday there is a 'I know someone' button thta someone can click. I'm going to ask our connection in common if he's comfortable with that, and if he can ad me to that message to put us together so I can jot off something quick and positive to the supervisor. I'll make it about the position (what i can do for you, not what you can do for me) and hope that helps. Thank you

68. Michelle MurrillsSeptember 30,2021 at 6:05PM UTC

    So I did what you are talking about. There was a job that was looking for someone with connections in my hometown. I am highly connected but few realize this. I have also been volunteering at the same type of job, but only once you realize what I have been doing. So I wrote a very personal letter all about what I could and could not bring to the table and sent it in with my resume to apply for the job. The hiring manager called me back within the hour. She wanted to know who I was and all about me. We talked for an hour and she loved me. She ended up wanting someone from a neighboring town instead as their connections were more...shall we say connected. But she did tell me that had I not written that letter I would not have even had an interview and she now knows who I am if another job becomes available.

69. Katrina HonerSeptember 30,2021 at 6:58PM UTC

    I have done this. I applied online and immediately reached out to the hiring manager via Linkedin letting them know I applied online (because most of the time you will still need to), gave them my resume to ensure it lands into the hands of a real person and said "this is to reaffirm my interest."

    She passed my name to recruiter so I got the call and the job.

    Keep your. message short and sheet and give them everything they need.

70. Shelby CSeptember 30,2021 at 7:44PM UTC

    1) It shows initiative.
    2) Be candid with her like you were with us - it is refreshing. Make it like a short cover letter.
    3) What is the worst that could happen?
    4) Don't start with an apology. Start with a "thank you". We over apologize generally as women and it wouldn't be sincere or necessary. I would say something like:

    Dear Joan,

    I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself the Covid way. I wish that we had met at a networking function instead; however, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for reading my message.

    I am writing because I saw the position for Director of Widget Making at your company. I noticed the position reports directly to you. I know that it is a desirable position with tremendous growth opportunity in an emerging widget field with a cutting-edge company, so it caught my interest as well. I am sure you will have many applicants; however, I want to tell you why I believe I am the best fit for the position....

    Then, add in something about company culture. Research the company and say why you want to work there as well. You need to know about them as well. There is nothing more annoying than someone contacting you about a job and they can't even tell you what the company does, where they are located, how it started, etc...

71. AnonymousOctober 1,2021 at 1:52AM UTC

    If you decide not to contact the supervisor, then you could try contacting the internal recruiters via LinkedIn. Also it might be helpful for you to look up the Linkedin profiles of employees at the company who have had the same or similar roles to see what backgrounds/experience the people they have hired for the same or similar roles have (you can just type in the company name and job title and see what you find). That might give some good ideas on what to communicate to them during the application/interview process.

    I would also add that some large companies really like enthusiastic candidates which you seem to be.

    Good luck.

72. Kristen C.October 1,2021 at 3:06PM UTC

    I've done this via Linkedin many MANY times. I've researched recruiters with the company, or people within the department, etc. And reached out to say 'I'm trying to get into the department, or team, can you assist me with any feedback to get my application to standout' Recruiters are usually the best avenue I've found. Best of luck!

73. Little But FierceOctober 1,2021 at 6:18PM UTC

    Hello! Yes, I have done this many times. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but you won't know unless you try. My cold-contact email generally says: I'm reaching out to introduce myself as a candidate for XYZ position, a brief sentence or two about my qualifications (I'm also trying to change fields and agree this is critical), and then I ask if the person would be willing to let the HR recruiter (or hiring manager, depending on who you're contacting) know about my application so it doesn't get lost in the many I am sure they are going to receive. And then thank them for their time and assistance! That's it. I avoid asking people I don't know professionally to recommend me or have to form any opinions about my candidacy - I only ask that they let someone know about my application. And don't worry about asking for this - people absolutely understand that the ATS eats applications. Good luck! :)

74. Lynda BoothOctober 2,2021 at 10:22PM UTC

    Go for it! You want the job so reach out. Write an honest message. Don't try to say what they want to hear. Be you and sincere. Show your passion and tell your story of why you are interested.

75. AnonymousOctober 4,2021 at 7:54AM UTC

    I have read the responses and agree. You have one life go for it. You will regret it if you don’t. You have nothing to lose. GOOD LUCK !!!