Looking for a job can be tough, especially in today's competitive job market. But there's a powerful tool at your disposal that can help you stand out from the crowd: email! While social media direct messaging (DM) or InMail on LinkedIn can work, email is a more professional and reliable way to reach out to hiring managers.
Why Email Is Your Secret Weapon
Hiring managers may not see DMs and InMails, but most check their work email regularly. Crafting a well-written email that showcases your unique qualifications could make all the difference in getting a callback. If you're wondering what to say in your email, check out our Job Hunt Hints on "How to Email the Hiring Manager Like a Pro." And, unless the job posting specifically states not to email the hiring manager, you won’t be at any risk of being disqualified for failing to follow instructions.
Finding the Hiring Manager's Name
Knowing the hiring manager's name is crucial when it comes to planning your outreach. Start with the job posting and see who the employee reports to. You can also check the organization's staff page or use networking channels, social media pages, or online research to find their contact information.
Finding the Hiring Manager's Work Email
Once you have the hiring manager's name, you need the person’s email address. While Googling, calling the company, or decoding the company’s email format are all methods that can work, they can also take a lot of time. Instead, use email-finding tools like Mailscoop.io or Hunter.io. These tools are free and easy to use. However, keep in mind that they may not always be 100% accurate, so it's a good idea to use more than one method. Additionally, these tools don’t work for government email addresses.
To use Mailscoop.io, you’ll need to know the first and last name of the hiring manager and the URL of their company (i.e., the company’s website address, such as www.amazon.com). Once you plug in this information, the tool will suggest the person’s email address and give a confidence rating.
Hunter.io is another great tool that allows you to search by domain or company name or by the person's name and company URL. With a free subscription, you can conduct 25 searches using the Domain Search or the Email Finder. If you duplicate a search during a month, it counts only once. This tool also has features that allow you to create outreach campaigns.
Good Times to Email Hiring Managers
When should you reach out directly to a hiring manager? Among the best times are when you’ve been referred to the position after you’ve applied, and if you’ve ever met the hiring manager.
When you've been referred to the position: If someone has referred you to a job opening and you have their contact information or the hiring manager's contact information, it's appropriate to reach out to the hiring manager and introduce yourself. In this case, you can mention the name of the person who referred you, which may give you an advantage over other applicants.
After you've applied: If you have already applied for the job but haven't heard back from the company, you can reach out to the hiring manager and express your interest in the position. You can also ask if there are any updates regarding the hiring process or if there's anything else you can provide to help with your application.
If you've ever met the hiring manager: If you've had a previous interaction with the hiring manager, such as at a networking event or conference, it's appropriate to reach out and remind them of your conversation. You can also express your interest in the job opening and ask if they would be willing to discuss the position further.
Take Control of Your Job Search
By reaching out directly to a hiring manager, you show potential employers your initiative and interest in the position. Using an email-finding tool demonstrates that you can leverage technology effectively. Don't hesitate to take advantage of these powerful tools and take control of your job search. With the right approach, you can land your dream job and take the next step in your career. Remember, you've got this!
Are you a Veteran, military spouse, or transitioning service member interested in learning more or getting individualized job search assistance? Please email us at careercoach@eseal.org.
Michael Robinson is a Career Coach at Easterseals Veteran Staffing Network (VSN), where he assists Veterans, military spouses, and transitioning service members in achieving their employment goals. With over 10 years of experience, Michael has held various roles, including hiring manager, corporate recruiter, and career counselor. Prior to joining VSN, he worked as a Department of Labor Transition Assistance Program (DOL TAP) Facilitator, where he helped military service members, and their spouses navigate the military-to-civilian transition process.
