Connecting with hiring managers on LinkedIn can be an effective way to get noticed and land your dream job. But simply sending an invite is rarely enough. You need to strategically build relationships, provide value, and make a memorable impression.
This comprehensive guide will teach you step-by-step how to connect with a hiring manager on LinkedIn to boost your chances of getting hired.
Table of Contents
Why Connecting with Hiring Managers Matters
Hiring managers are incredibly busy. They may receive hundreds of applicants for a single role. So how can you stand out from the crowd?
Connecting directly with the hiring manager on LinkedIn allows you to:
- Learn more about the company and role from their profile. You can use these insights to customize your application.
- Introduce yourself and showcase why you’re a strong candidate.
- Establish a relationship, so the hiring manager recognizes your name. You’re no longer just another resume in the pile.
- Get your foot in the door if the role isn’t actively hiring yet. The personal connection could help you land an interview down the road.
- Ask thoughtful questions about the role and company. This shows your interest and can help you determine if it’s the right fit.
- Stand out and make a memorable impression before you even apply.
But simply sending an invite is not enough. You need to strategically nurture the relationship over time.
Also read: How to Add Connections on LinkedIn
How to Connect with a Hiring Manager
Step 1: Identify the Right People to Connect With
Not everyone on the hiring team will make final hiring decisions. That’s why it’s crucial to connect with the right people:
Aim to Connect with Hiring Managers Directly
Hiring managers and recruiters play different roles. Recruiters often do initial screening, but hiring managers make the final call. Focus on connecting directly with hiring managers if possible.
How to Identify Hiring Managers on LinkedIn
- Search by company and look for people with titles like Recruiting Manager, Hiring Manager, Talent Acquisition Manager, etc.
- Check job postings. Often the hiring manager’s name or LinkedIn URL will be included.
- Look for people who work in the department you want to join. For example, connect with engineering managers if you’re applying for engineering roles.
- Search by keywords like “hiring”, “recruiter”, “talent acquisition” on LinkedIn to find relevant profiles.
What if You Can’t Find the Hiring Manager?
- Connect with the recruiter listed on the job posting instead. They can likely introduce you.
- Connect with other leaders in the department/team you want to join.
- Use tools like RocketReach or Hunter to find email addresses and connect that way.
The key is identifying who makes hiring decisions for the role(s) you want. Cast a wide net by connecting with multiple people.
Also read: LinkedIn Recruiter Certification: The Complete Guide for 2024
Step 2: Use the filters on LinkedIn to toggle your search options
Step 3: Send a Follow-Up Message
Don’t stop after sending the initial invite. Follow up if they haven’t responded within 1 week:
“Hi Jessica, I hope all is well.
I came across your LinkedIn while applying for opportunities at Apple. Does the senior accountant report directly to you? I’ve spent 6 years in accounting and have 2 years of experience in project management as well.
If you are the person in charge of hiring for this role, I’d love to chat with you more about what you’re looking for and what the position entails.”
Sometimes the request got buried or they simply forgot. A friendly nudge shows you’re serious about connecting.
Also read: How to Message a Recruiter on LinkedIn
Key Takeaways for Connecting with Hiring Managers on LinkedIn
Connecting with hiring managers takes effort but can significantly increase your odds of getting noticed and landing job interviews. Here are some key tips:
- Personalize your invite and highlight relevant skills – copy/paste messages won’t cut it.
- Link to your LinkedIn profile and resume so they can easily learn about you.
- Follow up if they don’t respond to your initial invite.
- Focus on building relationships, providing value, and making a memorable impression.
- Leverage your network for warm introductions whenever possible.
- Time your outreach around applying for maximum impact.
- Be creative and sincere to stand out from other applicants.
- Nurture the relationship over time, but avoid excessive outreach.
- Offer to help them before asking for favors.
Following this approach requires effort but can help fast-track you into roles, companies, and opportunities that would be difficult to break into otherwise. The more hiring managers you build relationships with, the more your network expands. So get out there and start connecting today!
