I decided to collect my thoughts about this topic based on my experience in creating "we're hiring" types of posts. There are a lot of people on LinkedIn that are busy but not seeing any results. As a hiring manager, there are definite patterns that I see that simply don't result in a good response. Here's my advice if you find yourself replying to a post to a hiring manager:
1/ Don't make the hiring manager guess.
If there is one piece of advice I can give you, it's this. If I read your message/resume and can't figure out why you contacted me, you're going to get thrown into a pile of other resumes. If something isn't obvious, please let me know. Here's a better reply that I got: "We did not run into each other though we worked at XXX around the same time. I lead the SA team for Data Management and Analytics at XXX currently, based out of YYY. I am interested in the leadership position at ZZZ that you just posted." Except for the spelling mistake, this is a good message because it's specific.
2/ Read the post.
If I say that I need you to apply to the role if you're interested, do it! It makes you far less desirable as a candidate if you can't follow a simple instruction like applying. Instead, send a response like, "I saw your post on XXX and applied to the position. I believe I'm a good fit because of YYY, and I look forward to talking soon." You went up the list based on this message because you followed directions and you let me know why you applied (double bonus score!)
3/ Don't spam the manager with a generic message.
I can't tell you the number of folks who simply shotgun their resume without reading what position I am hiring for. Here's an example, cut and pasted from a reply I got: "I have enclosed an Executive resume for your kind perusal and possible opportunity to work with your organization and/or your Clients. I am a US citizen available for immediate placement." This type of reply is a waste of time for everyone involved. It doesn't meet the requirements of the job, nor is the geography correct. Finally, I am not looking for contract work. Save everyone some time and don't hit send.
4/ Do a little homework.
If there's a job description attached, read the job description. Compare your resume to the requirements of the role. If it's obvious that you would be a good fit, great, send an intro email. If not, how can you highlight that you would be a good fit? Would a cover letter explain things better?
5/ Be courteous.
I am not a recruiter. It's not my job to find you a job. Don't send messages like, "Attached is my resume, does your company have anything that fits my experience?" It's not my job to research every available job opening that we have in order to find you a position. I now simply reply with a thank you and a link to the job site.
6/ Acknowledge when there is a mismatch.
In my latest post, I said that I was looking for strong analytics leaders. If you don't have an analytics background, or you haven't been a leader before, acknowledge it. It will come out in the first interview anyway. I would be much more appreciative of someone being upfront about it than a slow dance of missed expectations. Be aware that the outcome is probably no different if you don't meet the basic requirements of the role.
7/ Don't be frustrated when I have you talk to a recruiter.
I've had candidates before tell me that they want to speak with me directly before they speak to a recruiter. My hiring posts typically get around 3,000 views. If just 1% of those people reach out, that's 30 one-hour phone calls that I need to return. Hiring takes a team, and hiring managers use sourcers and recruiters to scale their effectiveness. We have a day job, and while hiring is a very important part of that job, it's not the only thing hiring managers need to do in a week. If you aren't willing to work with my team, it sends the message that you're not really a team player.
8/ Sell yourself.
Assuming the same 1% return above, what evidence can you provide early on that you're the right candidate out of the 30 resumes I will review? Tell the hiring manager in the very first message. Consider the difference in these two responses: "I saw your post and wanted to pass along my resume to see if I would be a good fit." VS "I saw your post and read the job description. I think I would be a good fit because the requirements match very closely to when I was XXX at company YYY."
I trust this was insightful into how hiring managers behave and why certain responses to job posts go unreturned. If you have anything to add or debate, please do so in the comments!
I hope you find your perfect job.