Finding the right job can be a challenging process. With so many job postings online, it can be tempting to apply to as many openings as possible in hopes of getting an interview. However, taking a more targeted approach and reaching out directly to hiring managers on LinkedIn can be a more effective way to stand out from the crowd of applicants.
What are the benefits of contacting the job poster?
There are several potential benefits to contacting the person who posted a job you’re interested in directly through LinkedIn:
- Makes you stand out – With some job postings attracting hundreds of applicants, contacting the hiring manager directly allows you to stand out from the pack.
- Shows initiative – Proactively reaching out demonstrates ambition, drive, and initiative to the employer.
- Allows you to make a personal connection – By contacting them directly, you can try to establish a rapport with the hiring manager before the interview process begins.
- Provides a chance to ask questions – It gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the role or the company’s hiring process.
- Can get your resume viewed – Many online job applications go into a black hole. Contacting the poster gets your resume directly in front of someone involved in hiring.
Making that personal connection and having your resume be seen by the right person can greatly increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process compared to just submitting an application online.
What are the risks of contacting the poster?
While reaching out directly to a hiring manager has its advantages, there are some potential risks to consider as well:
- May be seen as presumptuous – Some hiring managers may view unsolicited contact as being too aggressive or presumptuous.
- You could be contacting the wrong person – You may not actually be contacting the hiring manager, so your message may not get to the right decision maker.
- Communication issues – Without the right tone and content, your message may not come across as intended and could hurt rather than help your chances.
- They get contacted frequently – Many recruiters and hiring managers get reached out to very regularly, so you may simply add to the noise.
- Violates application process – Some postings explicitly say to apply only through their portal, so contacting the poster directly could violate this request.
It’s important to be mindful of these risks before reaching out. Make sure your communication is professional and thoughtful to avoid turning off the employer.
What should you include in the message?
If you decide to reach out to a job poster on LinkedIn, make sure your message includes:
- A professional introduction – Start by formally introducing yourself with your full name and as a candidate for the role.
- Why you’re interested – Explain what excites you most about the position and their company.
- Your relevant experience – Briefly summarize 1-2 of your most applicable skills or qualifications.
- A request to further discuss – Ask if they would be open to discussing the role and your background further.
- Contact info – Provide your email and phone number so they can get back in touch easily.
The message should be concise but personalized. Avoid simply restating your entire resume. Show that you took the time to read the job description carefully and highlight the most relevant parts of your background. Let them know you are genuinely interested in the opportunity.
How should you send the message?
When reaching out, you can send either an InMail message or a regular LinkedIn message. Here are some pros and cons of each approach:
Message Type | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
InMail | – Goes directly to their inbox – Can message even if you’re not connected |
– Limited number of credits – Costs money to purchase more credits |
Regular Message | – Free to send – Can follow up after connecting |
– They may never see it if you aren’t connected – Easy to get lost in other messages |
In general, an InMail will get more visibility as it goes directly to their primary inbox. But a regular message can work well too, as long as you are connected on LinkedIn already. If you aren’t connected, a regular message likely will not be seen.
When should you reach out?
Timing your outreach strategically can improve your odds of getting a response:
- Soon after posting – Being one of the first applicants to reach out can help get your foot in the door before the openings fills up.
- Morning or afternoon – Most people tend to ignore messages late in the day or after standard work hours.
- Avoid lunch hours – Hitting someone during their lunch break decreases the chances that they will respond promptly.
- Mid-week – At the start or end of the week, managers tend to be busy catching up or planning.
While the timing may not guarantee a response, following basic messaging etiquette by avoiding nights, weekends, and busy times shows respect for their schedule.
How should you follow up if you get no response?
If you do not receive any acknowledgement within about a week, you can follow up by:
- Connecting on LinkedIn first – If not already connected, sending a connection request first makes you stand out more with a follow up message.
- Referencing original message – Briefly recap when you reached out originally and for which position.
- Keeping it concise – The follow up should be just 3-4 sentences reiterating your interest in the role.
- Avoiding excess messages – Only follow up once or twice at most. Flooding with messages will likely be ignored.
However, if you continue to get no response after a follow up or two, it may be time to move on. Continuing to message repeatedly comes across as desperate and likely will not change the employer’s mind.
Conclusion
Contacting a job poster directly on LinkedIn has many potential upsides but also some risks to manage. With a thoughtful, professional message and strategic timing, you can put your best foot forward and stand out from the applicant crowd. Just be ready to move on gracefully if you still get no response. With the right approach, a personalized note can be worth the effort it takes to craft.