How to Get Noticed by Hiring Managers

In today's competitive job market, you can’t just let your experience speak for itself. You'll likely find many job candidates with the same experience as you, fighting for the same job title.

This is why it's important to communicate your value in a way that will resonate with hiring managers.

In this article, we'll share five proven methods to get noticed by hiring managers. These strategies can increase your chances of landing your dream job.

Understanding the Hiring Manager's Behavior

First, you need to consider what hiring managers want from potential candidates. Understanding their perspective can give you a significant advantage in the job hunt.

They usually want someone who is:

• Able to ramp up and contribute quickly

• Low risk (will succeed in the role)

• Easy to coach and get up to speed

  
  

You must meet the criteria above to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for the role and get noticed.

5 Effective Ways to Get Noticed by Hiring Managers

Below are five proven methods to attract a hiring manager's attention and make your profile stand out to potential employers.

1. Send a Personalized Outreach to the Hiring Manager

Taking the initiative to reach out directly to hiring managers can set you apart from other applicants.

The truth is that most applicants don’t bother, and if they do, they struggle to find the right thing to say.

Many job seekers send ineffective messages that might look something like this:

“Hi, Hiring Manager! I’m interested in working on your team and would love to learn more about the [role].”

The problem with this message is that it’s not specific, and it doesn’t make a case for your candidacy. Plus, the hiring manager is likely going to tell you to read the job description if they even respond.

Another bad example is:

“Hi, Hiring Manager! I applied to [role], and I believe my experience makes me an excellent fit.”

This message is too generic and doesn’t answer the question, “Why are you a good fit?”

You must be crystal clear on the value you will bring to the new job and communicate it clearly and concisely. Your goal is to get noticed by the hiring manager and land an interview.

That’s why you should craft a personalized message that is tailored to the job and clearly explains why you're a good fit.

This approach shows your enthusiasm for the role and resonates better with hiring managers.

Sample of a Personalized Message to the Hiring Manager

Hi [Hiring Manager's Name],

I’ve applied to [Role] and am really excited about the opportunity to work for [Company]. I wanted to reach out and share my reasons for applying and how I believe I’ll be able to add immediate value to your team.

• [Reason #1 → Primary Value Proposition and Why]

• [Reason #2 → ...]

• [Reason #3 → … ]

Because of [reasons 1, 2, and 3], I am confident I’ll be able to ramp up and contribute quickly to your team.

Thank you for your consideration!

[Your Name]

[Attach Resume and Portfolio]

2. Build a Standout Interactive Portfolio

You want to do more than tell hiring managers that you can be successful; you want to show them.

That’s where an online portfolio can effectively showcase your work and skills. It makes the case that you’ll succeed in the role.

Whether you have 15+ years of experience or are a career changer, portfolios are an innovative way to differentiate yourself from other candidates. They can also help you showcase your personal brand.

You can build a portfolio on Google Sites, Notion, or other platforms. Then, link in your resume, add it to your LinkedIn profile in the featured section, and include it in your outreach messages.

This strategy is not just for instructional designers or developers. Creating a portfolio is also important for tech sales roles and other non-technical positions.

Sample Projects for Your Portfolio

Here are some examples of projects you can build for your portfolio:

• Intro video: You can film a short introduction video to explain who you are and why you are pursuing the role.

• Micro demos: You can include short videos demonstrating products or services you’ve successfully pitched. These showcase your sales and presentation skills.

• Presentations: Add presentations you’ve given to highlight your communication and subject matter expertise.

• Writing samples: You can share blog posts, articles, marketing copy, or other written content.

• Volunteer work: Projects or tasks you’ve undertaken as part of volunteer work can showcase your skills.

  
  

And so much more!

You can get creative when building your portfolio. However, it's important to focus on projects and samples that are relevant to your target role.

Remember, your goal is to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills that will enable you to succeed in your job search.

3. Build Your Network

Building a strong professional network can open doors to new job opportunities and catch a hiring manager's eye.

You can consider the following networking efforts to accelerate your job search:

Attend Industry Events

Start by attending industry events both in-person and virtually, where you can meet professionals in your field.

These events provide valuable networking opportunities where you can introduce yourself and exchange contact information with relevant individuals.

Popular examples of industry events include conventions, trade shows, and seminars.

Use LinkedIn

You can also take advantage of LinkedIn, an online platform filled with career opportunities.

The first thing you should do is build a standout LinkedIn profile. This involves uploading a professional photo, adding a profile headline, writing an effective profile summary, and creating a custom URL.

Next, you can join relevant groups and participate in discussions, share insightful articles, and comment on posts from industry leaders. Being an active member increases the chances of getting noticed by hiring managers.

You can also send a connection request directly to a hiring manager. Just be sure to personalize your message. When crafting a personalized message, follow our tips above.

Interview Former and Current Employees

If you're seeking a position at a specific company, you can contact former and current employees. You can use LinkedIn or ask your mutual connections to make an introduction for you.

Then, you can request a short conversation about their experience with the company. In doing so, you'll get an insider's perspective on what it's really like to work there. At the same time, you are likely to catch the hiring manager's attention when they find out you're proactive in the job search process.

Nurture Relationships

After making the connection, you must follow up with your new contacts.

For example, you can congratulate them on career milestones or assist when possible. If you met them at an industry event, send a message that shows your interest in continuing your discussion.

Nurturing professional relationships is one of the best networking strategies you can follow. It can significantly increase your visibility and attractiveness to hiring managers.

4. Optimize Your Profile

Your online presence is often the first impression a hiring manager gets, especially if they're looking you up after reviewing your application or seeing your message. A polished, intentional profile can make the difference between being overlooked and landing an interview.

Start by adding a professional profile photo. It's one of the first things a hiring manager will see when they see your account.

Write a headline and summary that reflect your value. Go beyond just listing your current title. Show who you are, what you bring to the table, and what kinds of problems you solve.

Next, add your relevant work experience. This is your chance to showcase your unique value proposition. Focus on key skills, achievements, and career interests. You can use bullet points to make it easy to scan and understand your background quickly.

You should also include relevant keywords in your profile. Carefully read the job description and tailor your profile to the qualifications and requirements the company is looking for.

Make sure to update your profile regularly with new certifications, projects, or accomplishments. This shows hiring managers that you are proactive and continuing to grow in your field.

5. Seek Recommendations and Endorse Others

Recommendations and endorsements can boost your credibility and help hiring managers feel more confident in your ability to perform.

Reach out to former colleagues, supervisors, or clients who can speak to your strengths. Ask them to highlight specific results or projects.

You should also take time to endorse others. It’s a great way to stay connected and strengthen your network.

Let Better Career Help You Land Your Dream Job

Need further help catching a recruiter's attention, specifically in the tech sales industry? Here's how Better Career can assist you:

• 1-on-1 Career Coaching: Work closely with former tech leaders turned career coaches to land your next Sales or Sales Engineering role, or advance your career. We'll customize the program to meet your unique goals and needs.

• B2B Tech Job Board: Connect directly with key people at hiring companies through our curated job board for B2B tech positions. This includes direct LinkedIn profiles and posts for each listing.

Haven't found what you're looking for? Fill out our contact form, and we'll get in touch with you soon!

FAQs About How to Get Noticed by Hiring Managers

What should I include in my LinkedIn profile to attract hiring managers?

Your LinkedIn profile should feature a professional photo, a compelling headline with relevant job titles, a summary highlighting your key skills and achievements, and regular updates showcasing your career progression.

How can I be more visible to hiring managers?

You can engage actively on LinkedIn by sharing industry insights, joining relevant groups, and participating in discussions. You can also attend networking events, optimize your profile, and seek recommendations.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when trying to get noticed by hiring managers?

You should avoid generic messages and outdated LinkedIn profiles. And don't neglect networking, building relationships is one of the best ways to get noticed.