Reaching out to a hiring manager or recruiter on LinkedIn before applying for a job can be an effective way to get your resume noticed. However, there are some pros and cons to consider before taking this approach. In this article, we’ll examine when it makes sense to reach out on LinkedIn prior to applying and when it may be better to just submit your application without making direct contact.
Pros of Reaching Out on LinkedIn Before Applying
Here are some potential benefits of reaching out to a hiring manager or recruiter before officially applying for a role:
- Makes you stand out from the pack. With many companies getting hundreds of applicants per job posting, taking the initiative to reach out directly can help your application catch the hiring manager’s eye.
- Shows initiative. Contacting the hiring manager demonstrates that you are truly interested in and excited about the role.
- Allows you to make a connection. Messaging on LinkedIn is an opportunity to introduce yourself, express your interest in the company and role, and begin building a relationship.
- Let’s you inquire about the role. You can use the message to ask questions about the day-to-day responsibilities, skills required, priorities for the position, etc.
- Can provide insight on hiring timeline and process. The hiring manager may be able to share details on when they are looking to conduct interviews and make a hiring decision.
- Allows you to assess fit. Based on the hiring manager’s response and engagement level, you can get a sense of whether it seems like a potential fit.
The ability to make a personal connection and get on the hiring manager’s radar are the two biggest potential advantages of reaching out before applying. In a sea of applicants, it can help differentiate you.
Cons of Reaching Out on LinkedIn Before Applying
However, there are also some potential downsides to reaching out to the hiring manager or recruiter:
- May be perceived as unprofessional or presumptuous. Some hiring managers may see it as overly forward.
- Puts pressure on the hiring manager. They may feel obligated to respond even if they do not have time for extensive communication.
- Application could get lost or missed. If you only message and don’t formally apply, your interest may not be recorded.
- Recruiter may prefer formal application. Some recruiters/companies have strict processes and want applications through their system.
- Could inadvertently disqualify yourself. Without knowing the company’s policies, you could make a misstep in how you reach out.
- Hiring manager may not respond. You may not get a reply, leaving you unsure if it was helpful.
- Message may not be well-received. Based on their preferences, the message may annoy rather than impress.
The main risks are that the unconventional approach is seen as inappropriate, unprofessional, or does not align with the company’s practices. It can also lead to miscommunications or lack of response.
When It Makes Sense to Reach Out First
Given the potential upsides and downsides, when does it make the most sense to reach out to a hiring manager or recruiter before submitting your application?
- When you have a contact at the company. Reaching out is lower risk and more appropriate if you already know someone who works there.
- For smaller companies. At companies with less rigid HR processes, a more personal approach may be welcomed.
- For roles not posted publicly. If you discovered a non-public opening at a target company, it makes sense to inquire.
- When you have a referral. Having a mutual connection endorse you provides validity when making contact.
- For extremely competitive roles. For highly coveted jobs with hundreds of applicants, being proactive can help.
- When you have unique experience. If you have niche skills that perfectly match the role, highlight them upfront.
Essentially, when you have an “in” or are a strong candidate on paper, the risk is lower and the potential reward higher.
When It’s Better to Just Apply
On the other hand, here are some situations where it may be best to just submit your standard application without an initial message:
- When the role is posted publicly. For broad postings open to all applicants, follow the stated process.
- At large, bureaucratic companies. At organizations with rigid HR screening, unconventional contact may not help.
- If you do not meet the minimum requirements. Only reach out if you are actually a viable candidate to avoid wasting their time.
- If you have no connections at the company. With no backchannel intel, you risk improperly contacting them.
- For general job board postings. For postings on sites like Indeed or ZipRecruiter, stick to their system.
- If you have limited expertise. Unless you are exceptionally qualified, just apply to let your credentials speak first.
When applying more broadly and “cold” without an advantage, it usually makes more sense to follow the formal application process.
Tips for Reaching Out
If you decide that reaching out directly to the hiring manager or recruiter aligns with your specific situation, here are some tips to do so effectively:
- Personalize the message with their name and company specifics.
- Be transparent that you plan to apply but wanted to introduce yourself.
- Demonstrate your passion and fit for the role.
- Highlight your most relevant qualifications and experiences.
- Ask smart, thoughtful questions about the role.
- Thank them for their time and consideration.
- Follow up your message by formally submitting your application.
- Keep the message brief; avoid overly long notes.
- Use proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization.
- Avoid pushy language or entitlement; be gracious.
With a respectful, personalized message highlighting your fit and passion, you can effectively get on a hiring manager’s radar without being perceived as aggressive or unprofessional.
Should You Try Following Up After Applying?
Aside from reaching out before applying, should you try contacting the hiring manager after submitting your application? Here are some tips on when follow up messages may or may not be advised:
- After applying, wait at least one week before following up to allow time for review.
- If the job posting states no phone or email inquiries, do not reach out.
- Follow up if you have new, highly relevant updates to provide (e.g. new credentials).
- It can be appropriate to follow up if you have not heard any status after 2-3 weeks.
- Email is usually better than phone for follow up; avoid seeming too pushy.
- Keep the follow up message brief; politely reiterate your interest and qualifications.
- If they state they are still reviewing applicants, politely thank them and wait for further update.
Following up once after applying can be acceptable, but avoid pestering a hiring manager who does not respond. Use good judgement based on the situation.
Conclusion
Reaching out to a recruiter or hiring manager before formally applying depends greatly on the context. In the right circumstances for highly qualified candidates, it can get your foot in the door and make a strong impression. But in many cases, following the standard application process without an initial message is the wisest approach.
Do your research on the company, role, and individuals involved to determine the best course of action. With a thoughtful approach, you can maximize your chances of getting noticed by making direct contact when it is likely to be well-received.
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When weighing whether or not to reach out to a hiring manager or recruiter before formally applying for a job, carefully consider these potential upsides and downsides. Make sure to evaluate your particular circumstances, qualifications, and rapport to determine the wisest approach.
With the right strategy, making direct contact can get you on a hiring manager’s radar. But in many cases, following the standard application process is the safest bet for getting your credentials fully considered.