Searching for a new job can feel like shouting into the void. You’ve applied, followed instructions, and tailored your résumé, but you’re not hearing back.
One reason might be that your application is getting stuck in the system before it ever reaches the person making the decisions. That’s where learning how to find a hiring manager becomes critical.
Hiring managers are the gatekeepers to your next opportunity. They are the ones with direct knowledge of the role, the team, and what a great candidate looks like. Reaching them directly — and doing it professionally — can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed.
In this blog, you’ll learn how to identify the right person, find their contact details, and approach them in a way that gets results.
Why Reaching the Right Person Matters
Most large companies use automated systems to screen résumés, which means qualified candidates can be overlooked. Even in smaller organizations, applications often land in shared inboxes or are filtered through recruiters who may not fully understand the technical needs of the role.
By taking the time to locate and reach out to the hiring manager, you’re targeting someone who has a vested interest in filling the role efficiently and with the right person.
This approach can help bypass bottlenecks in the hiring process and open doors to real conversations.
For employers, this also demonstrates initiative. A candidate who can professionally identify and reach the decision-maker is likely to show the same problem-solving skills on the job. It’s a smart tactic that benefits both sides.
Start with the Company Website
The company website is often overlooked, but it can be a goldmine of information. Start by visiting the “About Us” or “Team” page. Many small to mid-sized companies include leadership bios, department heads, and sometimes even email addresses.
If you’re applying for a marketing role, look for someone with a title like Marketing Director or VP of Marketing.
Larger companies may not offer as much direct detail, but you can still scan press releases or executive updates to spot names of team leads. Once you’ve found a likely contact, make note of their name, title, and any department information.
These initial details are essential to help you validate the person later on LinkedIn or in other professional networks.
Use LinkedIn Like a Research Tool
LinkedIn is your next stop. Use the search bar to enter the company name along with keywords like “hiring manager,” “department head,” or the name of the team you’re hoping to join.
LinkedIn also allows you to filter results by company, role, and location, which makes it easier to find relevant managers even if they’re not publicly listed on a company site.
Here are a few ways to maximize your LinkedIn research:
- Use filters to search by job title, department, or region
- Look for shared connections who could introduce you
- Check recent posts or articles to reference in your outreach
- Read recommendations to understand leadership style
- Confirm they’re still with the company, especially in fast-moving industries
Once you find a potential manager, take a moment to review their activity. If they post regularly or engage with content, they may be more likely to respond. Even if they’re not active, having their name and department helps you customize your approach.
Finding Contact Info Without Being Pushy
After you’ve identified the hiring manager, the next step is locating their professional contact information. Tools like Hunter.io and RocketReach can help you generate likely email combinations based on the company domain.
For example, if the manager’s name is Jordan Smith and the company email format is first.last@company.com, you can test that variation.
You may also spot an email format in job listings, press releases, or blog contributor bios. Before you send anything, verify the email using services like MailTester to ensure it won’t bounce. If an email address can’t be confirmed, LinkedIn remains a solid option for sending a respectful message. Just keep it short and professional.
What to Say in Your Outreach
Once you’ve found the right contact, it’s time to send a message that stands out, not because it’s flashy, but because it’s thoughtful and direct. A good message introduces who you are, how you found them, and why you’re reaching out.
Start with a clear subject line that references the open position or department. In the first sentence, explain how you came across their name and express your interest in the specific role or team they manage.
Follow up with a sentence or two summarizing why you’re a strong fit, using language that reflects the job posting or company values. You can reference one or two relevant accomplishments, but keep it concise.
Close by offering to send additional details and thanking them for their time. Avoid attaching a résumé immediately unless the job posting specifically allows it.
Instead, offer to provide it if requested. A short, sincere message is more likely to get read than a lengthy pitch.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Reaching out to hiring managers can work in your favor, but it requires a careful approach. One of the biggest missteps is sending a generic message. If it sounds like it could have been sent to anyone, it’s unlikely to get a reply. Personalization is essential.
Avoid these common outreach mistakes:
- Writing overly long emails that bury your main point
- Sending attachments without being asked
- Using an overly casual tone or slang
- Following up too frequently or too soon
- Failing to mention the specific role you’re interested in
Instead, keep your message short, specific, and courteous. This respectful approach increases your chances of getting a response and building a real connection.
When to Use a Staffing Partner
If you’ve tried reaching out but aren’t gaining traction, it may be time to consider working with a staffing agency. Recruiters often have direct access to hiring managers and understand how to navigate internal channels.
This can give you an advantage, especially in industries like healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing where relationships matter.
Staffing agencies also help present your experience in a way that aligns with what the hiring manager is really looking for, even beyond the job description.
If you’re struggling to get responses or your applications aren’t translating into interviews, a recruiter can help bridge the gap.
Make the Connection That Counts
Learning how to find a hiring manager is a skill that can give you a competitive edge in today’s job market. By identifying the right contact, reaching out professionally, and avoiding common mistakes, you can build real momentum in your job search.
It’s about creating an authentic, respectful connection that shows you’re serious and ready to contribute.
At TBest Services, we partner with employers and candidates to make hiring more personal, efficient, and aligned with long-term goals.
If you’re looking to connect with decision-makers in your industry, we can help you make that introduction count. Let us help you take the next step in your career journey.