Sending a direct message to a hiring manager is a proactive strategy that can set you apart from other applicants. It demonstrates initiative and allows you to build a direct line of communication with the decision-maker. This approach helps you bypass the generic application pile and make a memorable first impression, showing you are invested in the opportunity.
How to Find the Hiring Manager
The first step is identifying the correct person to contact. The most direct method is to use LinkedIn’s search function, entering the company’s name and keywords for the job’s department, such as “Director of Marketing.” The “People” tab on a company’s LinkedIn page also allows you to filter current employees, which can help narrow your search.
Another method is to check the company’s website on pages like “About Us” or “Our Team,” which frequently list key personnel and their roles. For smaller companies, this can be a quick way to identify the head of the relevant department. If these digital methods are unsuccessful, a direct phone call to the company’s main line can be valuable. You can politely explain that you are applying for a specific role and ask for the hiring manager’s name.
Key Components of an Effective Message
Your subject line is the first thing the recipient sees and should be both clear and professional. Vague titles like “Job Application” are easily overlooked, so use a specific format like “Regarding the [Job Title] Position” or “[Your Name] – Application for [Job Title]” to provide immediate context. This helps the manager instantly categorize your email.
Following the subject line, a professional salutation is necessary. Always address the hiring manager by name, such as “Dear Mr. Smith” or “Dear Ms. Jones.” This step shows you’ve done your research and personalizes the communication, demonstrating a higher level of interest and attention to detail.
The opening of your message must immediately state your reason for writing, as hiring managers are busy. You could start with, “I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] position I saw advertised on [Platform].” This directness respects their time and sets a professional tone.
The body of your message is your value proposition, where you connect your skills to the job’s requirements. Don’t simply list qualifications; instead, highlight one or two accomplishments that directly relate to the needs in the job description. For instance, “In my previous role at [Previous Company], I led a project that increased user engagement by 15%, a skill I am confident would be valuable to your team.”
Finally, your message should close with a clear call to action to guide the hiring manager toward the next step. A sentence like, “I have attached my resume for your review and welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you further,” is effective. It is a polite way to signal your eagerness to move forward.
Tailoring Your Message for Different Scenarios
When Connecting on LinkedIn
When sending a LinkedIn connection request, your message must be brief and personalized to establish a professional link. A simple note like, “Hi [Name], I saw the opening for the [Job Title] position and am very impressed with [Company Name]’s work in [Industry]. I’ve applied and would appreciate the opportunity to connect,” is effective.
When Submitting an Application
If you have the hiring manager’s email, the message you send with your application can serve as a mini cover letter. It should be concise, highlighting your most relevant qualifications. For example, “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name], I recently applied for the [Job Title] position, and I am excited to contribute my expertise in [Specific Skill] to your team. My experience in [Relevant Accomplishment] aligns with the requirements of this role.”
When Following Up After Applying
Following up after submitting an application requires a balance of enthusiasm and professionalism. It is best to wait at least one to two weeks before reaching out. Your message should reiterate your interest without sounding demanding, such as, “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name], I am writing to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position. I remain very enthusiastic about this opportunity.”
When Sending a Thank-You After an Interview
A thank-you message after an interview should be sent promptly, ideally within 24 hours. It is an opportunity to express gratitude, reaffirm your interest, and reference a specific point from your conversation. For example, “Dear [Interviewer’s Name], Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today about the [Job Title] role. I enjoyed our discussion about [Specific Topic] and am confident my skills would be an asset to your team.”
Best Practices to Remember
Your message should always be concise and easily scannable. Hiring managers review many communications daily, so a brief and focused message is more likely to be read. Aim for a few short paragraphs that get straight to the point.
Maintain a tone that is both professional and personable. While your communication should be formal, injecting a small amount of personality can help you stand out. Always customize your message, as generic notes are easily spotted and reflect poorly on your interest level.
Meticulous proofreading is non-negotiable. Spelling and grammar errors can give the impression of carelessness or a lack of attention to detail. Read your message aloud or have someone else review it before you click send.
Finally, avoid making demands or appearing entitled in your communication. Your goal is to build a professional relationship and express your interest, not to pressure the hiring manager. A respectful and patient approach is always more effective.