Why Your LinkedIn Messages Aren't Getting You Hired

We need to address this. Immediately.

We know you’ve been job hunting. You’ve spent hours crafting the perfect resume and tailoring your cover letter. Now you’re ready to take your job search to the next level. And by the next level, you mean networking. And if you’re correct, networking includes messaging a company’s LinkedIn account to apply for a job. 

That’s actually a really great idea if you think about it. Why bother with the hassle of following a company’s application process when it’s so much easier to just slide into their DMs? What could go wrong?

Everything. Everything could go wrong. And yes, the previous paragraph was said in sarcasm.

We get it though. Your heart is set on a new job, and you’re ready to take the world by storm. We feel you, and we want you to get that job. This is why we need to address this before you start spamming company LinkedIn accounts with applications and CVs. 

We’re not saying you shouldn’t send your applications to LinkedIn DMs. You totally should. We just want you to understand that sometimes when you message those company LinkedIn accounts with your CV and requests, you’re most likely not speaking to the right person.

In this blog, we will help you understand why, as a job seeker, DMing a company’s LinkedIn page isn’t the best idea. We’ll also guide you on who you should be looking for if you want to apply for a job opening. By the time you’re done reading this, you’ll know exactly who to message and how to message them.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, when we say DMing, we mean direct messaging.

Why Is DMing a Company’s LinkedIn Page a Bad Idea?

The answer is simple. When you send your application or your letters to a company’s DM, you’re not exactly talking to the recruitment team. You’re actually talking to the social media manager or a marketing team member. Their job is to promote the company’s brand, engage with the audience, and share company news. They’re not typically involved in the hiring process.

And you might be thinking, maybe they could always notify the recruitment team. After all, they’d still have to reply. But think about it for a moment. The social media team receives a massive number of messages every day. They’re not equipped to handle job applications and forward them to the right people. Their primary responsibility is to manage the company’s social media presence, respond to customer enquiries, and promote the brand. Adding the task of screening and forwarding job applications would significantly burden their workload and potentially delay the hiring process.

So in summary, your messages won’t exactly get anywhere.

So. Who should You be Messaging?

So, now we’ve established who is usually behind a company’s page, and why sending a DM directly isn’t a bright idea, Who should you send your application to? 

The answer lies in two key strategies: directly targeting the hiring manager or recruiter, or reaching out to the HR department.

1. Hiring Manager or Recruiter:

The best way to get your foot in the door is to go straight to the source: the hiring manager or recruiter. This shows them you’re not just blindly sending out applications; you’re genuinely interested in this specific role. or recruiter responsible for the position you’re interested in. This targeted approach demonstrates your initiative and a keen interest in the specific role.

But how do you find the right person? The job posting is a great starting point. Often, it’ll name-drop the hiring manager or recruiter. If not, it’s time to flex your networking muscles on LinkedIn. Search for the company and the job title, and start connecting with people. The more connections you make, the closer you’ll get to the right person.

If the job posting doesn’t provide this information, it’s up to you to leverage networking on LinkedIn. Networking is one of the things we advise you to do in your job search. The more you network, the closer you are to finding the relevant individual. Search for the company and the specific job title to identify potential contacts. 

Once you’ve got their email address, it’s time to tailor your application. Show them you’ve done your homework and understand their specific needs. Don’t just send a generic cover letter and resume. Customize it to highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to their job opening.

2. Human Resources (HR) Department:

If you can’t track down the hiring manager or recruiter, don’t worry. The next best bet is to reach out to the HR department. They’re the gatekeepers of the hiring process. The HR department is typically responsible for overseeing the hiring process and can forward your application to the appropriate person. 

So how do you find the company’s HR information? Check the company’s website. Look for a dedicated “Careers” or “Jobs” section, where you may find an email address or a contact form. 

It’s important to know that when contacting the HR department, use a clear and concise subject line, such as “Job Application—[Job Title]—[Your Name].” In the body of your email, briefly introduce yourself, express your interest in the position, and attach your resume and cover letter. 

And here’s a tip: If the job posting has specific instructions, follow them to the letter. This shows you’re a detail-orientated candidate who can follow directions. It might seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference.

The Takeaway…

While LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for networking and job searching, it’s important to use it strategically. Messaging a company’s LinkedIn account directly to apply for a job isn’t the most effective approach.

And why? Well, remember that for starters, it might not reach the right person. Company LinkedIn accounts are often managed by marketing or social media teams, who may not be involved in the hiring process. This could delay your application or even cause it to get lost.

A more effective approach is to follow the company’s official application process. Most companies have a dedicated careers page on their website where you can submit your application. This method ensures that your application reaches the right people and is properly tracked.

If you know someone who works at the company, reaching out to them directly can be a great way to get your foot in the door. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture, and the hiring process, and even introduce you to the hiring manager. However, it’s important to be respectful of their time and to ask for their help professionally.

Here are a few tips for using LinkedIn effectively to find a job:

1. Optimize your profile: Make sure your profile is up-to-date and highlights your skills and experience. Use keywords that recruiters and hiring managers might search for.

2. Connect with people in your industry: Building a strong network on LinkedIn can help you stay informed about job openings and connect with potential employers.

3. Join relevant groups: Participating in LinkedIn groups can help you connect with like-minded professionals and learn about industry trends.

4. Use LinkedIn’s job search feature: LinkedIn’s job search tool allows you to filter jobs by location, industry, and company. You can also use Boolean search operators to find specific job titles or keywords.

5. Engage with content: Liking, commenting on, and sharing relevant content can help you build your personal brand and increase your visibility on LinkedIn.

Remember, LinkedIn is a tool, not a magic wand. By using it strategically and following best practices, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job. Happy job hunting!