How to Message a Hiring Manager on LinkedIn (Template + Tips)

You found the hiring manager on LinkedIn. Now what? Most job seekers either send a generic connection request (“I'd like to add you to my network”) or never message at all. Neither works. A short, specific message to the person hiring for the role can open a door that 200+ portal applicants never reach.

LinkedIn messaging is not a replacement for email — but when you cannot find an address, or want a warmer intro before emailing, it is one of the best tools in a job seeker's kit. This guide covers when to use LinkedIn vs email, how to find the right person, and copy-paste templates that do not feel spammy.

LinkedIn vs email — which should you use?

Email is better when: you have the hiring manager's address, the role is competitive, and you want your message in their primary inbox. Email feels more formal and is easier to reply to with attachments or calendar links.

LinkedIn is better when: you cannot find an email, the hiring manager is active on the platform, or you share a mutual connection. If a recruiter posted the role, see how to find a recruiter's email on LinkedIn first. InMail (if you have Premium) can reach people outside your network; a connection request with a note works for 2nd-degree contacts.

Best approach for high-priority roles: do both. Send a concise email and a LinkedIn message referencing the same role — not identical copy, but the same core pitch. See our cold email templates for the email side.

How to find the hiring manager on LinkedIn

Start from the job posting. Note the company, department, and seniority of the role. Search LinkedIn for people at that company whose titles suggest they would manage this hire — Engineering Manager for a developer role, Head of Marketing for a growth role, and so on.

Manual search takes 15–30 minutes per role. For a faster path, paste the job URL into DearHiringManager.io — you get the hiring manager's name, email, and LinkedIn profile in about 60 seconds. Even if you plan to message on LinkedIn only, knowing the email gives you a backup channel.

Full walkthrough: How to find any hiring manager's email address.

LinkedIn message templates

Keep every message under 300 characters for connection requests (LinkedIn limit) and under 5 sentences for InMail. Always mention the specific role.

1. Connection request (free — note required)

Hi [First Name] — I applied for the [Job Title] role at [Company]
and wanted to connect. I have [X years] in [skill] and recently
[one achievement]. Would love to learn more about the team.

2. InMail — direct outreach

Subject: [Job Title] at [Company]

Hi [First Name],

I saw [Company] is hiring a [Job Title] and wanted to reach out directly.
In my current role I [one specific result relevant to the posting].

Open to a brief chat this week? Happy to share my resume.

Best,
[Your Name]

3. Message after they accept your connection

Thanks for connecting, [First Name]. I'm very interested in the
[Job Title] opening — particularly [one specific reason from the job
posting]. Would you be the right person to speak with about the role,
or should I connect with someone else on the team?

4. Mutual connection warm intro

Hi [First Name] — [Mutual Contact] suggested I reach out about
the [Job Title] role. I have [X years] in [field] and would welcome
a quick conversation if you're the hiring manager.

What to do if they do not reply

One follow-up after 5–7 days is acceptable on LinkedIn — keep it to two sentences. If still no response, try email if you have it, or move on. Persistence beyond two touches starts to feel pushy.

If you already applied through the portal and heard nothing, see our guide on how to contact a hiring manager after applying.

Remember: most portal applications never reach a human because of ATS filters. Our guide on how to bypass ATS in 2026 explains why direct outreach beats resume tweaking alone.

Frequently asked questions

Is it weird to message a hiring manager on LinkedIn?

Not if your message is specific and short. Generic “pick your brain” requests get ignored; a clear note about an open role they are trying to fill is normal professional outreach.

Do I need LinkedIn Premium?

No. Connection requests with a note work for most 2nd-degree contacts. Premium helps if you need InMail to reach 3rd-degree profiles or send more messages per month.

Should I attach my resume in a LinkedIn message?

Offer to send it rather than attaching unprompted. Many hiring managers prefer email for attachments — see how to find a recruiter's email on LinkedIn or our hiring manager email guide when you need an address.

Related guides

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