When you’re searching for a job, it can be difficult to know where to begin. While it can be nerve-wracking, writing a message to a hiring manager is an essential part of the application process.

Your letter can demonstrate your interest in the role, highlight your qualifications, and make a lasting impression.

In this article, we’ll outline what to write in a message to hiring manager, share examples to provide some inspiration, and offer tips on how to make your letter stand out.

Whether you’re following up after an interview or reaching out for the first time as a prospective candidate, we’re here to help you master your letter to hiring managers.

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Types of messages

Introduction

An introduction message can help out in the first interaction, whether it's via LinkedIn or email. This is especially useful if you have mutual contacts, or you are reaching out about a role that hasn’t been advertised yet.

Follow-up

After submitting your application, a follow-up email is essential. It shows your continued interest in the role and allows you to reiterate your qualifications.

Example Scenario: You applied for a marketing position and haven’t heard back after a week. In a message to hiring manager on your job application, you can inquire about its status.

Networking

Networking messages are more appropriate when you’re looking to engage others for mutual benefit, such as asking about the company culture or seeking advice on the job search.

Gratitude

After an interview, sending a thank-you message can leave a lasting impression. It demonstrates gratitude and gives you another opportunity to highlight your qualifications.

Inquiry

If you have questions about the job or the application process, an message to a hiring manager can be helpful.

Here are some sample questions:
  • Could you provide more details about the daily responsibilities for the role?
  • Can you tell me more about the team I’ll be working with? What are their strengths and challenges?
  • How would you describe the company’s culture and values?
  • What opportunities for professional development or career growth exist in this position?
  • How does the company approach internal promotions or advancement?
  • How is performance typically measured and evaluated in this role?
  • What are the next steps in the hiring process, and what is the timeline for making a decision?
  • Is there anything about my experience or background that I can clarify or expand on for you?

Key elements of a message to hiring manager

Personalization

Make sure you use the hiring manager’s name, reference the specific job you’re interested in, and emphasize how you’ve done your homework on this company.

Dear Ms. Carter, I hope this message finds you well. I recently applied for the Marketing Coordinator position at BrightWave Communications and wanted to follow up on my application.

Subject line

A short, sharp subject line will ensure your email grabs attention among the competition. It serves to communicate the content of your message.

What is a subject line?
It is the short line of text that appears at the top of an email or message.

Greeting

Begin with a formal greeting. Avoid overly casual language to maintain professionalism.

"Dear Ms. Carter," or "Hello Mr. Johnson,"

Opening

Your opening statement should be attention-grabbing and frame the rest of your email accordingly. You need to let hiring manager know you are interested in the role and also briefly review your professional background.

Example: "I am very excited about the opportunity to join BrightWave Communications and contribute to your marketing efforts. With over five years of experience in digital marketing, I am eager to bring my skills to your team."

Body

Elaborate your qualification, experiences, and how they match with the requirements. Use specific examples to illustrate your skills in your message to a hiring manager.

Sample

  • "In my previous role at Redline Marketing, I successfully led a campaign that increased website traffic by 30% in three months. I believe my background in data analysis and content creation will enable me to contribute effectively to your team."

Call to action

Encourage the hiring manager to respond to you or take the next step. You could ask them to schedule an interview or offer to provide more information about how your experience maps to the position.

Example: "I would love the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the goals of your team. Would you be available for a brief chat next week?"

Closing

End your message to hiring manager on your application with a professional sign-off, including your contact information. Thank the HR for their time.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Message to hiring manager vs cover letter

AspectMessage to Hiring ManagerCover Letter
PurposeTo establish a direct connection and express interest in a positionTo formally introduce yourself and your qualifications
LengthGenerally short (150-300 words)Typically one page (300-500 words)
FormatEmail or direct message (e.g., LinkedIn)Formal letter format (address, date, signature)
ToneMore casual but still professionalFormal and structured
Content FocusSpecific position or follow-up on applicationDetailed summary of qualifications and experiences
PersonalizationHighly personalized, often referencing a specific conversationLess direct
Call to ActionEncourages a reply or further discussionRequests an interview or expresses interest in the position
Response ExpectationQuick answer expected (few days)Takes longer to review; reply time may vary

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Message to hiring manager examples

1. Introduction/Cold Outreach

  • Subject: Exploring Opportunities with Tech Innovators, Inc.

    Dear Mr. Johnson,

    I hope this message finds you well. My name is Sarah Mitchell, and I am reaching out to express my interest in opportunities at Tech Innovators, Inc. With 5 years of experience in software development, including a strong background in full-stack and cloud solutions, I believe I could bring significant value to your team.

    I would love the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with the goals and projects at Tech Innovators. Especially the development of scalable cloud-based applications. Please let me know if there are any open positions that match my experience.

    Thank you for your time, and I look forward to connecting!

    Best regards,
    Sarah Mitchell
    sarah.mitchell@gmail.com
    (555) 123-4567

2. Follow-Up After Application Submission

Subject: Following Up on My Application for Senior Marketing Manager

Dear Ms. Davis,

I hope you're doing well. I recently submitted my application for the Senior Marketing Manager position at Bright Future Media, and I wanted to follow up to express my continued interest in the role.

I am confident that my expertise in digital marketing strategies, especially in driving social media engagement and paid advertising campaigns, makes me a strong candidate for this position. I would be thrilled to contribute to your upcoming campaign for the product launch and collaborate with your talented marketing team.

Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide or if there are any next steps in the hiring process. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this opportunity further.

Best regards,
Michael Harris
michael.harris@gmail.com
(555) 987-6543

3. After a Job Interview (Thank You Message)

  • Subject: Thank You – Product Manager Interview

    Dear Mr. Smith,

    Thank you so much for taking the time to interview me for the Product Manager position at GreenTech Solutions. I enjoyed our conversation and learning more about the exciting projects and initiatives at GreenTech, especially the development of the new energy efficiency software.

    I’m even more enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute my project management experience and knowledge of agile methodologies to your team. I believe my background aligns well with your goals. I’m excited about the potential to bring value to the expansion of your smart energy platform.

    Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to the next steps and the opportunity to work together.

    Best regards,
    Jessica Lee
    jessica.lee@gmail.com
    (555) 567-8910

4. Request for an Informational Interview

Subject: Request for an Informational Interview – Sarah Johnson

Dear Ms. Williams,

I hope you're doing well. My name is Sarah Johnson, and I’m very interested in the work EcoTech Innovations is doing, especially in the area of renewable energy technologies. I’m currently exploring career opportunities in sustainable engineering. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to speak with you to learn more about your experience and the company’s goals in this field.

If you have a few minutes in the coming weeks, I would love to schedule a brief informational interview at your convenience. I believe your insights into renewable energy project development would be invaluable as I continue to explore this industry.

Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,
Sarah Johnson
sarah.johnson@gmail.com
(555) 765-4321

5. Reaching Out After a Referral

  • Subject: Referral for Software Engineer Position at FutureTech

    Dear Mr. Anderson,

    I hope you're doing well. My name is Kevin Brown, and I was referred to you by Jane Thompson. She thought I would be a great fit for the Software Engineer role at FutureTech. I have over 4 years of experience working in mobile app development, focusing primarily on Android platforms. I’m very excited about the possibility of contributing to your team.

    I’m particularly interested in FutureTech’s recent work on AI-driven mobile applications. I believe my background in both mobile development and machine learning could bring great value to your initiatives.

    I would love the opportunity to discuss the position further. Thank you for considering my application!

    Best regards,
    Kevin Brown
    kevin.brown@gmail.com
    (555) 987-1234

6. Expressing Interest in a Position You Found on LinkedIn

Subject: Interest in Business Analyst Role at DataCorp

Dear Ms. Nguyen,

I hope this message finds you well. I recently came across the posting for a Business Analyst position at DataCorp on LinkedIn, and I’m very interested in the opportunity. With over 3 years of experience in data analysis, particularly in financial services, I have developed a strong ability to translate data insights into actionable business strategies.

DataCorp’s innovative approach to leveraging big data in decision-making caught my attention. I would love to contribute to your team’s ongoing projects in that area. I am confident that my skills in SQL, Tableau, and market analysis would be a great fit for this role.

I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my background aligns with your needs. Thank you for your time!

Best regards,
Emily Roberts
emily.roberts@gmail.com
(555) 234-8765

7. Request for an Update After Interview

  • Subject: Request for Update on Data Analyst Position

    Dear Mr. Thompson,

    I hope you're doing well. I wanted to follow up regarding the Data Analyst position I interviewed for at BlueSky Innovations on October 4th. I truly enjoyed our conversation. I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to join your team, especially with the exciting developments in your product roadmap.

    I understand you may still be in the decision-making process. However, I wanted to kindly request an update on the status of the hiring process. I remain very interested in the role and look forward to any next steps.

    Thank you again for your time and consideration.

    Best regards,
    Daniel Green
    daniel.green@gmail.com
    (555) 789-6543

8. Reconnecting with a Previous Hiring Manager

Subject: Reconnecting – Interested in New Opportunities at Bright Ideas, Inc.

Dear Ms. Carter,

I hope you're doing well. We connected a few months ago when I interviewed for the Content Manager role at Bright Ideas, Inc. While I didn’t join the team at that time, I was very impressed by the company’s vision and the exciting content projects you’re working on.

I am writing to express my interest in exploring any new opportunities at Bright Ideas that align with my content strategy and experience. Since we last spoke, I’ve further honed my skills in SEO-driven content development. I would love the chance to contribute to your team in a future capacity.

Please let me know if any new roles become available. I’d be thrilled to reconnect!

Best regards,
Laura Wilson
laura.wilson@gmail.com
(555) 321-4321

Conclusion

A thoughtful message to a hiring manager can be a transformative add-on to your application and leave a lasting impact on your candidacy.

By personalizing your message, clearly articulating your interest in the position, and highlighting your relevant skills, you can create a compelling narrative. It will encourage the hiring manager to consider you for the role.

Remember to keep your message short, professional, and focused on how you’ll fit in on the team. With these finessed strategies in mind, you’re far more likely to land your next job.

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