When you see a job posting that you are interested in on LinkedIn, it can be tempting to immediately apply by submitting your resume. However, taking some time to send a personalized message to the hiring manager or recruiter can help your application stand out. In this article, we will explore some tips for messaging hiring teams on LinkedIn when applying for jobs.
Introduce Yourself
Your initial message should serve as an introduction. Keep it brief, 3-4 sentences at most. Mention your name, current position/company, and why you are interested in the role or company. You can also mention where you saw the job posting if it was a specific person’s post. This helps provide context for why you are reaching out. For example:
“Hi Jane, my name is John Smith. I’m currently working as a Marketing Manager at ABC Company. I saw your post for the Director of Marketing role at XYZ Corp, and I’m very interested in the position given my 5 years of digital marketing experience in the tech industry. I’d love to learn more about the role and your hiring plans.”
Express Enthusiasm
After introducing yourself, express excitement and enthusiasm for the company and role. Communicate why you are genuinely interested in this opportunity and how your background aligns with the position requirements. Mention any aspects of the company mission, values, or work culture that appeal to you. This shows the hiring team that you have done your research and aren’t just applying out of desperation. For example:
“I’m especially excited about this Director of Marketing position at XYZ Corp. I’ve long admired your focus on innovation and believe my experience driving digital transformation would be a great fit. Your investments in VR technology align with my background in immersive marketing campaigns.”
Highlight Relevant Experience
Next, briefly summarize 1-2 experiences from your background that demonstrate you are qualified for this role. Focus on tangible results and impact. You can mention specific skills required in the job description and how you have applied those in your current or prior positions. Be concise – provide an overview but save more detailed examples for the interview stage. For example:
“In my current role as Marketing Manager, I oversaw a 50% increase in qualified leads through targeted content marketing campaigns. My experience optimizing digital campaigns using customer data would enable me to lead integrated marketing initiatives at scale for XYZ Corp.”
Express Interest in Learning More
Wrap up your message by reiterating your interest in learning more about the opportunity and next steps. Offer to provide any additional information needed, such as a current resume, portfolio, or LinkedIn profile link. Let the hiring team know you look forward to hearing back and exploring mutual fit. For example:
“I would love to learn more about the role and discuss how I can contribute to XYZ Corp’s success. Please let me know if there are any other materials I can provide, such as my CV. I look forward to hearing from you soon to further discuss the Director of Marketing opportunity.”
Keep it Concise
Aim to keep your initial LinkedIn outreach message to 3-5 paragraphs or around 150-300 words. You want to be brief but also personalized. If you write an excessively long note at first contact, the recruiter may not read through the whole thing. Save more detailed content for follow-up messages once a conversation has started.
Mind Your Manners
LinkedIn outreach should always maintain a polite and professional tone. Avoid over-familiar language and make sure your message is free of typos. Use a proper salutation like “Dear Jane” rather than informal greetings. Thank the recipient for their time and consideration. Proper etiquette makes a good impression.
Customize Each Message
While you can have a standard messaging template, make sure to customize each note for the specific hiring manager, company, and role. Update the details to match each job posting instead of blasting out generic messages. Personalization helps show extra effort.
Follow Up After Applying
Once you have formally submitted your application through the company’s online portal, follow up with the hiring team through LinkedIn. Reiterate your interest, link to your application, and offer to provide any other needed materials. Ask if they have any other questions you can answer.
Connect First If Needed
If you do not already have a LinkedIn connection with the hiring manager or recruiter, it can be a good idea to send an invite before messaging about a role. Include a note with your request to connect, and follow up about the job posting after they accept. Being connected on LinkedIn helps ensure your messages do not get overlooked.
Avoid Hard Selling
While you want to express enthusiasm in your outreach, avoid coming across as overly pushy or salesy. Do not badger the hiring team with long-winded messages or try too hard to sell yourself. Stay confident but polite in your tone and let your qualifications speak for themselves.
Set Expectations
Given that hiring teams are often very busy, set reasonable expectations for response times in your messages. Note that you understand if it takes them some time to reply and appreciate their consideration whenever they get a chance. Following up in 5-7 business days is often appropriate.
Focus on Soft Skills
While relevant hard skills are important to highlight, don’t neglect showcasing soft skills and cultural fit as well. Mention how qualities like work ethic, collaboration ability, adaptability, and communication align with the company’s needs and values.
Ask Thoughtful Questions
As part of your message, include 1-2 thoughtful questions related to the role, hiring timeline, or team dynamics. This shows your interest in learning more and gives the hiring team meaningful content to respond to.
Watch Your Tone
Craft your messages in an upbeat, positive tone. Avoid sounding desperate or overly aggressive. Come across as confident but also easy to work with. Maintain politeness even if the hiring team is slow to respond.
Proofread Carefully
Before hitting send on any LinkedIn messages to a hiring team, carefully proofread for any errors. Double check your spelling, grammar, punctuation, and clarity. Ask someone else to review as well to get a second set of eyes.
Conclusion
Messaging hiring managers and recruiters directly through LinkedIn can help get your application noticed for job opportunities that interest you. A bit of extra effort goes a long way. With thoughtful personalization, relevant details, proper etiquette, and follow-through, you can effectively leverage LinkedIn outreach throughout your job search process.