If you, like me, have spent hours on LinkedIn looking at job postings and reading interview tips, then you’ve probably come across something called ‘Hiring Managers.’ The new changing trends within the job markets recommend getting to know your hiring managers before you step into the interview hall. But how do you do that?
Finding out who your hiring manager is can be easy sometimes. Other times it can feel harder than trekking through four feet of snow. But, even then, there exist ways to find out about them. From hopping from social media accounts to LinkedIn profiles, finding out about your hiring manager is all about communication skills.
This article is your guide on finding out who your hiring manager is. But before we do that- why is it important to know about them in the first place?
The Hiring Manager
If you’re not new in the vast job-hunting world, you probably already know what a hiring manager is. But, to make sure that we’re all on the same page, here’s a little introduction to the role of a hiring manager and what to expect.
A hiring manager and a recruiter are not the same people. Mostly, a hiring manager is in charge of filling out an open position within the firm. While recruiters seek out potential candidates, it is the hiring manager who makes the last decision. The hiring managers are the ones who have a higher agency on who gets selected and deal with the hiring outcomes.
Hiring managers are central to your selection because they’re the ones who’re going to decide whether you’re suitable for the job or not. Generally, the hiring manager will belong to the same department as the open job position. Meaning that if the job for an assistant sale department is unfilled, then the hiring manager will most likely belong to the sales department.
Finding out who your hiring manager is can have many benefits. It can help you add a more delicate and personalized touch to your entire hiring process. The extra effort you put in to find out about your hiring manager isn’t going to go unnoticed. Knowing more about the company you wish to join is a good sign. It sends out the message that you prefer to research before making decisions, that you’re detail-oriented and dedicated.
So, it’s really worth spending those extra few hours to know more about your hiring manager. It’s going to put you in some good books and might even help you stand out as a candidate.
Below are some ways through which you can find out about your hiring manager. Please note that it is not an exhaustive list but some reliable and safe methods you can refer to for help.
How to find who your Hiring Manager is?
You can easily get more information about your hiring manager by directly calling the company. It’s the most common and the most doable way out there. I know it sounds scary but, it is going to change your application process.
Many a time, candidates settle for only sending their application online and hoping for the best. It’s not the wrong approach. But, your resume and cover letter are most likely going to go through screening (most likely an automated screening) before they reach the concerned person. Finding your hiring manager can help not eliminate your application even before it has been assessed.
Social Media Search
Initiate your search on social media, preferably on sites like LinkedIn. Most senior executives and employees have their position mentioned on their profiles. In the search bar, type out your company name along with the job position, ‘Hiring manager,’ ‘Recruiter,’ ‘Sales Executive,’ etc. The chances are that you wouldn’t have to keep searching. A similar result will most likely pop up. The next step would be to introduce yourself.
But wouldn’t that be weird? It will take a bit of thick skin but, nothing awful is going to happen. Rest assured. You only need to send in a quick introductory text so that the hiring manager at least knows of you. Here is a sample text message.
Example: Hello, Mr. Brandon. I’m Emily Wilson, a writer for the fashion industry with a graduate degree in fashion communications. I’ve always looked up to The Abstract for the unconventional designs which always storm the internet. I noticed that you were looking for a temporary content manager for your latest series and couldn’t miss the opportunity. I’ve already applied for the position. I only hope to make a quick introduction as I believe that I fit your role requirements.
You can always go for a friendlier or formal tone. The point is to make an introduction with the hiring manager. In case you are unable to find your hiring manager online, then your next best option is to introduce yourself to employees.
You can also try looking for employees who might have gone to the same university as you or has the same academic background. Try forming connections and be friendly.
Search the Company Website
Companies often have a listing of their senior-most executive managers on their website. If a search on LinkedIn fails, you can always check this listing and try contacting one of these senior employees. You can consider sending in a letter or an email that introduces you to them. Also, try adding in your cover letter within the body of the email.
Talk about your past and your ambitions. Tell them why you want to get hired and what makes you so much more different than other candidates. Best case scenario- they might ask you to personally email your resume and cover letter.
If you can’t find any listing, then you can also try contacting the HR department and ask them if they have can reveal some information. Send them an email asking about the hiring manager. State your purpose and reasoning. Clearly mention why you’re seeking out these details i.e., you want to send in a cover letter addressed to the hiring manager. They’ll most likely reply to your email. They might even send in contact details for the manager.
So, go ahead and give it a try.
Go Through the Job Listing
Why? You may wonder. You’ve already gone through it and applied. But, when under immense pressure, candidates often look over important details present within the job listing. Like, contact details.
Job listings also have a section dedicated to queries. You might find contact details there to get your doubts answered. Try sending in a small friendly message on the address to cross-check about your hiring manager. You do not want to send the message to the wrong person so, think of it as a precautionary step.
Make a phone call
If nothing else works out, then just call the company. No, seriously, do it! I know, in the age of text messages and emails, making a phone call seems too much. But isn’t that better than just hiding behind your online process and waiting for notification?
Calling isn’t hard. Nor is it unprofessional. In fact, making a phone call is probably going to be the quickest route. An email takes days to get answered, a phone call, on the other hand- merely minutes.
Simply ask the person for the information that you need. Below is a sample you can refer to in case you’re not sure how to go ahead with a phone call.
Example: Hey, this is Amelia Greene. I applied for the position of content creator here. I was wondering if you would be able to tell me who the hiring manager is? I want to address my cover letter to them and I just want to check that I’m sending it to the right person.
In case you’ve applied to a large organization, calling might not bear much of a result. It is possible, that the person attending the call is not aware of what is going on in different departments. If that’s the case, then you might want to call the specific department.
Finding out who your hiring manager is and then reaching out to them can come in to be handy. It can change the entire route your application takes. So, stop refreshing your email, and get searching instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who is a hiring manager?
A hiring manager is a person who makes the final call regarding who gets hired and who doesn’t. Generally, they are from the same department as the job opening.
Q2. Are a hiring manager and a recruiter the same thing?
No. A hiring manager makes the final call while a recruiter collects a bunch of people who are interested in the job. A recruiter goes through your application and may shortlist people accordingly. But it is the hiring manager who makes the final decision.
Q3. Why should I approach my hiring manager?
Usually, candidates send in an online application and hope for the best. But these applications often go through automated screenings before even being assessed. Reaching out and introducing yourself to your hiring manager can help you stand out.
Q4. How should I reach out to them?
Sending in a short, introductory message on LinkedIn is the easiest and is also considered professional. You can also send an email to your hiring manager, explain your goals and ambitions to them. They might ask you to personally email your resume if you are able to make an impression.
