Jobseekers frequently reach out to me with questions about navigating their job searches. Here’s a question I recently received and how I responded:
“I’m currently job-searching and on a recent LinkedIn scroll saw a hiring manager share a post about a cool role they are looking to fill. I don’t know the hiring manager, but I do know people in my network who are connected. How should I proceed?”
I love this question! There are a few ways to potentially move forward.
First of all, you might consider commenting directly on the post and share that you're interested and plan on applying (if you are publicly searching). This will, at minimum, get your name on the hiring manager’s radar. They may comment back to thank you for your interest, and even scope out your LinkedIn profile (so make sure it’s optimized for the recruiter/hiring manager lens!).
If you are paying for a premium account (and you might consider this at least in the short term), you can message them directly as a follow-up: "Hello, [insert hiring manager name]. I was so excited to see your post last week regarding the [insert name of role] position you are hiring for at [insert org name]." Then, share 2-3 sentences about yourself in a way that is aligned to the role. Something like "I see that you are searching for someone with a background in X." Then you can expand on how you have that background in 1-2 sentences. Lastly, share that you have applied or are submitting your application ASAP, and ask them to keep an eye out for your application. If you do have any questions about the role that were not answered in the job description or website (like, if it’s unclear whether the role is hybrid or if an aspect of the requirements is vague and you need them to clarify), you can also consider asking, but if they’re not deal breakers consider waiting till later in the process.
In addition to reaching out to the hiring manager directly, I would also follow-up with your connections who know that person. Ask if they’re open to flagging your name to the hiring manager, or pitching your candidacy if you’ve worked closely together in the past. You can make it very easy for them by giving them 2-3 things you'd love for them to highlight about you, that are aligned with the role. In terms of how to ask them for the referral (or request to flag your name), that is totally up to you and what feels authentic in terms of your relationship and communication style.
