A senior leader recently asked me:
“I applied for a role via LinkedIn, but I’d like to make myself known personally. Is that appropriate?”
The answer: Yes—if you do it the right way.
Even when the posting says “apply here only,” a short, respectful connection can set you apart. The key is to show interest without pressuring or over-selling.
A simple approach:
Hi [Name], I’ve applied for the role and wanted to connect here as well. If you have any questions or time for a brief conversation, I’d be happy to connect. Many thanks, [Your Name].
No pitch. No pressure. Just a human, professional connection.
As a search professional, I always notice candidates who reach out like this—especially when they respect the process and keep it low-pressure.
If you don’t hear back, don’t take it personally. Silence usually means nothing. A thoughtful follow-up later is fine—but only if it stays respectful.
Bottom line: LinkedIn applications don’t have to mean you’re invisible. Done well, a simple, human connection can quietly work in your favor.
