Crafting the Perfect "Hello": How to Reach Out to Hiring Managers on LinkedIn the Right Way
James Thill
Principal Technical Recruiter ?? Corporate Talent Acquisition ?? Diversity & Inclusion Staffing ?? Data-Driven Business Development ?? Change Management Champion
Standing out in today's competitive job market requires strategic action. While traditional application methods still hold weight, savvy job seekers are increasingly finding success by proactively engaging with hiring managers on LinkedIn. But simply blasting generic messages won't do. To truly capture their attention, you need a strategic, personalized approach.
Know Your Audience:
Before crafting your message, invest time in research. Identify the specific hiring manager responsible for the role you're interested in. Explore their profile, noting their areas of expertise, recent activity, and shared connections (if any). Understanding their background allows you to tailor your message in a way that resonates. Doing so can increase your response rate by a staggering 27%, according to LinkedIn data.
Personalization is Key:
Generic templates scream "mass outreach" and instantly land in the rejection pile. Craft a message that speaks directly to the hiring manager's interests and the specific role. Reference a recent post they shared, highlight a relevant skill you possess, or mention a mutual connection. This demonstrates genuineness and boosts your response chances by 3x compared to regular email, based on LinkedIn findings.
Value Proposition, Not Sales Pitch:
Resist the urge to simply list your qualifications. Instead, focus on showcasing how your unique skills and experience can directly benefit the hiring manager's team or address a specific challenge they face. Quantify your achievements whenever possible, and keep your message concise and impactful. Remember, 40% of recruiters prioritize candidates who demonstrate how they can solve problems, according to a LinkedIn study.
Open the Door to Conversation:
Don't expect an immediate job offer. Instead, aim to initiate a dialogue. Ask an insightful question related to the role or company, express your genuine interest in learning more, and offer to connect for a brief call (within reason). Building a relationship is key, and 78% of hiring managers are more likely to consider candidates they've interacted with, as reported by LinkedIn.
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Professionalism Above All:
Proofread your message meticulously. Ensure it's free of typos, grammatical errors, and unprofessional language. Maintain a respectful and courteous tone throughout, even if you don't receive a response. Remember, your online presence reflects your professionalism. Studies show that 35% of the time, recruiters find items online that cause them to dismiss a candidate, highlighting the importance of a polished online image.
By following these best practices, you can transform your initial outreach from a desperate plea to a valuable introduction. Remember, quality over quantity is key. Invest time in crafting a personalized message that demonstrates your interest, value, and professionalism, and you'll be well on your way to capturing the attention of hiring managers on LinkedIn.
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Connect with me: James Thill
Head of Software Development Department – RubyGarage
6 个月James, thanks for sharing!
?? Technical Writer & Copywriter | Actively Looking for a Job ???♀?
7 个月James, thanks for sharing!
Tech & Design Leader | Empowering Growth with Digital Products & Content
9 个月Good read and great thumbnail