Job seekers are often told to follow up, network, and show initiative. But what if we called it what it really is? Stalking. Of course, not the kind that lands you on a no-fly list, but the kind that strategically and professionally puts your name in front of a hiring manager in ways that matter.
Contacting a hiring manager directly can often be the key to bypassing generic online portals and giving your application the visibility it deserves. Yet most people do not know how to go about it without looking pushy, awkward, or desperate. Let’s turn the tables and talk about how to masterfully and charmingly stalk a hiring manager so you stand out, for all the right reasons.
Start with LinkedIn sleuthing
The modern job search begins with digital reconnaissance. LinkedIn is your safe zone. A quick company search can help identify who the hiring manager might be. Titles such as “Director of Talent Acquisition,” “Department Manager,” or “Team Lead” can give you clues.
Visit their profile, but don’t send a connection request right away. First, ease into it by following them. Engage with their posts if they’re active. But comment with value. This puts your name in front of them before your message ever lands in their inbox.
According to Jobvite’s 2023 Job Seeker Nation Report, 72% of recruiters use LinkedIn to evaluate candidates. If you’re not showing up on LinkedIn, you’re invisible.
Check the Company’s Digital Breadcrumbs
Not every hiring manager lives on LinkedIn. Sometimes you need to dig deeper. Look at the company’s “About Us” or “Team” page. Are bios listed? Great. Check for clues such as email handles, professional associations, or event appearances.
Search press releases or blog posts. Companies love spotlighting their people, and you can often find the name of the hiring manager buried in a write-up about a promotion or department win. Once you have a name, you are ready to proceed.
Use Email Finding Tools (responsibly)
Once you have identified the hiring manager, it’s time to make contact. Its the right tools that make the difference. Use tools such as Hunter.io, Voila Norbert, or ContactOut to locate their email address. Stick to their professional address. Never message their personal Gmail or Facebook inbox. That crosses the line (yeah, the bad kind of stalking!)
Once you’ve found the right email, don’t launch into a full cover letter. Keep it short. Lead with something personal or value-based. Mention a recent initiative they led, or ask a thoughtful question about their team’s work. Make it clear you’ve done your homework.
Send a Letter That Isn’t Boring
The best message to a hiring manager is not a copy-paste from your resume. It’s a quick, pointed, and sincere message that says three things: 1) I’ve researched your team, 2) I believe I could add value, and 3) I’d love to start a conversation. Keep it to three to five sentences.
Example:
“Hi William, I’ve been following your team’s work on scaling global partnerships, and it’s inspiring. My background in strategic vendor negotiations and cross-border team collaboration could align well with your upcoming initiatives. I’d love to connect and learn more about how your team is evolving this year.”
Short. Thoughtful. NOT creepy.
Engage in Mutual Spaces
If the hiring manager is active on social media or professional forums, don’t just lurk. Engage. Ask smart questions. If they speak at a webinar or podcast, attend and follow up. Mentioning a shared space or experience makes your outreach feel more authentic and less salesy.
According to CareerBuilder, 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates. So don’t just rely on what you post when you can do more. Show up and participate wherever possible.
Be Visible Without Being Annoying
If you have sent a message and not heard back, it’s okay to follow up. But only once! Do not email them daily. Do not comment on every post. Let your thoughtful interaction speak for you.
Instead, publish content of your own. Post an article or story that relates to the industry. Tag relevant people (sparingly), and stay present. The hiring manager may come across your content at just the right moment.
Timing Matters More Than Persistence
Often, the right message at the right time makes more impact than five follow-ups in the wrong week. Hiring managers are busy. Some read your message and mentally file it for later. Don’t assume silence means disinterest.
One job seeker reached out to a VP three months after applying. The VP replied within hours, explaining they were just about to open a second role and had remembered her original note. Timing, patience, and well-placed persistence worked.
Go Analog When Appropriate
In a sea of digital noise, a handwritten note or professionally printed letter can be a memorable standout. If the company has a physical address, consider sending a brief letter introducing yourself and expressing interest in future roles. But be selective about when to use this tactic. It works best in boutique firms, creative agencies, or leadership-level roles where personalization signals seriousness.
Know When to Back Off
Kind of important here. Every professional has a line. If a hiring manager doesn’t respond after two genuine attempts, it’s time to move on and look elsewhere. You want to be known for your initiative and professionalism, not for being pushy. Effective stalking is respectful, strategic, and layered. You are not looking to force your way in. You are looking to create familiarity and offer value before a formal relationship begins.
Making that perfect contact with a hiring manager is more of an art than a science. But with the right blend of research, timing, and confidence, you can get your foot in the door without stepping on toes. Sometimes, opportunity knocks, and sometimes, it’s the polite stalker who gets into the door first.
