Job Seekers Embrace "Sales" Approach: Direct LinkedIn Outreach Gains Traction

A recent social media post by "Graf" has sparked discussion among job seekers, advocating for a proactive, "sales-oriented" strategy in the competitive employment landscape. The tweet, which quickly garnered attention, suggests that traditional application methods are becoming obsolete, advising job seekers to directly engage hiring managers on LinkedIn.

"The old days of submitting an application are over... you are now in sales. Find the hiring manager on LinkedIn. Message them something personalized. Follow up a few days later. Repeat until success," stated Graf in the widely shared tweet.

This approach aligns with a growing understanding that a significant portion of job opportunities, estimated to be as high as 70-80%, exist within the "hidden job market" and are never publicly advertised. Direct applications through online portals account for only about 20% of successful hires, highlighting the importance of alternative strategies. Recruiters and industry experts acknowledge the value of networking and personalized outreach in securing roles.

While direct outreach can signal strong initiative, some recruiters prefer candidates to follow established application procedures to maintain an organized and fair hiring process. However, the effectiveness of LinkedIn as a direct communication channel is increasingly recognized. Data suggests that LinkedIn direct messages can achieve significantly higher response rates, averaging 10.3%, compared to cold emails at 5.1%. This indicates that personalized messages on the platform can be twice as effective in generating engagement.

The strategy emphasizes identifying specific hiring managers, crafting tailored messages, and consistent follow-up, mirroring tactics used in business development. This shift reflects a broader trend where job seekers are encouraged to actively build connections and demonstrate their value directly, rather than passively waiting for responses to mass applications. By embracing a "sales" mindset, candidates aim to cut through the volume of applications and make a memorable impression.