After you've submitted your application, your best bet is to send a connection request (along with a personalized message) via LinkedIn. Why is LinkedIn better than email? Well, for starters, it's a social network—meaning it's a far more casual and low-pressure way to reach out.
Always introduce yourselfInstead, be proactive and write a short introduction first. For example, you can start your message like this: “My name is XX and I am a fellow professor contributing to The New York Times. I very much enjoyed the article about your company's recent milestone that was posted on your profile.”
Make sure you do all of these things.
- Tell Them Why, Specifically, You're Interested in the Company.
- Outline What You Can Walk Through the Doors and Deliver.
- Tell a Story, One That's Not on Your Resume.
- Address the Letter to an Actual Person Within the Company.
If you're struggling with exactly how to reach out to recruiters on LinkedIn, here are a few tips.
- Make sure you have the right person.
- Don't start with LinkedIn.
- Send a personalized connection request.
- Send the recruiter your resume.
- Stay in touch.
- Recommended Reading:
- Related Articles:
Get Your Message Across
- Express enthusiasm for the opportunity you're writing about, just as you would in person.
- Briefly mention the qualifications or experience that make you ideal for the job.
- Before you hit send, check that you're sending the text to the right person.
If you're a LinkedIn Premium member, you'll be able to send cold outreach messages to anybody on the network. Otherwise, you'll need to purchase InMail Credits or limit yourself to those who you already have a prior connection with.
How to Introduce Yourself to an Executive Recruiter -- the Right Way
- Find the right recruiter to contact.
- Personalize your email.
- Please tell me what you are looking for.
- Make your resume compelling.
- Please send a PDF of your resume.
- Send it to my work email, not LinkedIn.
- Ask for time judiciously.
Here's how to start a conversation with a new LinkedIn connection:
- Start with the subject line. Struggling to write your initial message?
- Introduce yourself.
- Mention things you have in common.
- Offer your support.
- Don't ask for any favors just yet.
- What to do when someone connects with YOU
Even if you're not a top-5-percent candidate, if you're at least reasonably qualified and you have a personal connection, the hiring manager might handle your application differently if she knows you or you're referred by someone she knows. So in those cases, it's worth reaching out directly.
It's important to give a hiring manager some time after you submit your application. Chances are, if it's your dream job, it's a dream position for at least 100 others as well.
Every person messages a Recruiter saying something to the extent of:
- “I'm thinking of trying a different career”
- “I'm looking to find a job in your (insert area here)”
- “I would love to set a time to call you or meet in person for a quick chat to discuss my career options.”
How long should you wait before you reach out? Send your follow-up email within a few days of applying for the position. Give the hiring manager or recruiter at least 24 hours to respond to you.
Should you connect with a hiring manager on LinkedIn before or after your interview? Nine times out of 10, the answer is a resounding no. He is interviewing not only you, but many others, trying to determine who will be the best person for the job and the company.
Say something like, “I'm fascinated with what you're doing in the field of (field of expertise) at (Company Name). I'd love to work on something like that.” If your friend knows about your professional background, they may tell you about the job openings the company has.
Show an interest in the business.
- Make it evident to the person you're meeting with that you want a job with their company, not just any company.
- Avoid saying things like “I need a job” or “I heard you were hiring.” You'll make a much better impression if you appear to be actively pursuing the job you're asking for.
Here is how it works.You ask one of your connections if they want to have a 9 minute networking call. If they agree, you ask them for their cell phone number and you send them a text message asking them if they can chat in the next 15 minutes. If they say yes, you call them when you are ready.
If you are currently working or looking for a job, you likely already have a LinkedIn profile. They are just as commonly required on applications as your resume. Often, they are better for telling the story of your experience because you are not limited by page numbers.
Make Better Use of LinkedIn By Asking These 11 Questions
- Do I know this person?
- Did they send a personal message?
- Who else are they connected to?
- Does their profile have a photo?
- What is their industry and job description?
- Where are they from?
- Do they have any endorsements or recommendations?
- Have they published anything on LinkedIn?
How to reach out and Message a Recruiter on LinkedIn (Step by Step Directions)
- Thank them for accepting the request.
- Mention your interest in the role and what you can do to benefit the company they are hiring for.
- Note: Don't forget to attach your resume.
Navigate to your connection's profile page. Tap MESSAGE below their profile picture. Type your message in the Write a message field. Tap the Send icon.
14 ways to use LinkedIn to get a job
- Keep your profile up to date.
- Be comprehensive about current skills and objectives.
- Highlight recent experience.
- Update your headline.
- Let people know you're available.
- Build your network to the 1st degree.
- Research the companies you're interested in and follow them.
- Step 1: Upload a professional photograph. A photo increases profile views 14X.
- Step 2: Add your Location and Industry.
- Step 3: Customize your LinkedIn URL.
- Step 4: Write a Summary.
- Step 5: Describe your experience.
- Step 6: Add 5 skills or more.
- Step 7: Fill out Education.
- Step 8: Add 50+ Professional Connections.
Here are some examples:
- Open to Opportunities at Seeking New Position.
- Consultant at Self-Employed.
- Freelance Writer at Self-Employed.
- Student at College.edu.
- Recent Graduate at College.edu.
- Seeking a Position at Unemployed.
- Looking for a job in Human Resources at Unemployed.
