Should You Message Someone You’d Work Under on LinkedIn After Applying for a Job?
Yes, in most cases, it’s appropriate to reach out — as long as you do it thoughtfully.
If you recently applied for a role on LinkedIn, meet all the qualifications, and noticed that someone you might work under shares your university background, that can be a reasonable opening for a short, respectful message. You do not need to sound pushy, and you definitely do not need to ask them to “get you the job.” The goal is much simpler: introduce yourself, show genuine interest, and make a light connection that feels professional.
A lot of people, especially recent graduates, worry that messaging someone at a company will come across as needy or over the top. Honestly, it usually depends less on whether you message and more on how you message. A calm, polite note can help you stand out in a good way.
Is it okay if they are not the hiring manager?
Yes. It can still be okay to message them even if they are not directly responsible for hiring.
In fact, in some situations, messaging a potential teammate or direct report line contact can feel more natural than going straight to a hiring manager. Why? Because you’re not demanding a hiring decision. You’re simply starting a professional conversation with someone who may have insight into the team, culture, or role.
That said, there is an important difference between networking and putting pressure on someone. Your message should never assume they can refer you, forward your resume, or influence the process. They might be able to help, but that should be their choice — not something they feel cornered into doing.
What makes a LinkedIn outreach message appropriate?
Before sending anything, ask yourself a few quick questions:
- Do I have a real reason to reach out? In your case, yes — you share a university background and you’re interested in the team.
- Can I keep it brief? If your message is too long, it may feel heavy.
- Am I asking for insight, not favors? This matters a lot.
- Would I be comfortable receiving this message myself? If yes, you’re probably on the right track.
A good outreach message is short, clear, and easy to ignore without awkwardness. That sounds strange, but it’s true. If someone is busy, they should be able to read your note and respond when they can — without feeling like you’ve handed them a task.
What should you actually say?
Here’s the simplest approach:
- Introduce yourself
- Mention the shared university connection
- Say you applied for the role
- Express genuine interest in the team or company
- Ask one light question, or simply say you’d appreciate any insight
Here’s an example that sounds human without trying too hard:
Sample message:
Hi [Name], I hope you don’t mind me reaching out. I recently applied for the [Job Title] role at [Company] and noticed we both went to [University]. I’m a recent graduate, and I was excited to see this opportunity because it really lines up with my background and interests. Since you’re on the team, I just wanted to introduce myself and say I’d really value any insight you might be open to sharing about the role or team culture. Either way, thanks for your time.
That works because it’s polite, specific, and low-pressure.
If you want an even shorter version, that’s fine too:
Short version:
Hi [Name], I recently applied for the [Job Title] role at [Company] and noticed we share a [University] connection. I’m very interested in the opportunity and wanted to reach out briefly to introduce myself. If you have any advice about the team or process, I’d be grateful. Thanks either way.
What should you avoid saying?
This is where a lot of job seekers accidentally make outreach feel uncomfortable. Try to avoid the following:
- Do not ask them to pass your resume along right away.
- Do not mention that you meet every qualification in a defensive or sales-heavy way.
- Do not send multiple follow-ups too quickly.
- Do not guilt them for not replying.
- Do not write a full cover letter in LinkedIn messages.
For example, this would feel too strong: “I’m perfect for this role and would really appreciate it if you could forward my application to the hiring manager.” Even if you’re qualified, that kind of wording puts pressure on the other person.
A softer tone works better. Think of it like texting someone professionally: respectful, clear, and not trying to force an outcome.
Can a message like this actually help?
Yes, sometimes it can.
Not always in a direct “they got me the interview” way, but it can still help by:
- Putting your name on someone’s radar
- Showing initiative and professionalism
- Helping you learn more about the team
- Giving you context you can use in interviews
- Possibly leading to a referral if they genuinely feel comfortable offering one
And if nothing happens? That’s okay too. A well-written message usually does not hurt you. The bigger risk is sending something overly intense or transactional.
LinkedIn itself has become a major part of job search strategy, especially for early-career professionals. If you want a broader look at networking etiquette, LinkedIn’s official guidance on professional networking is a useful place to start: LinkedIn Help Center.
What if they do not reply?
Don’t take it personally.
People miss messages all the time. They may be busy, traveling, flooded with connection requests, or simply unsure how involved they should get in recruiting. No response does not mean your message was wrong.
If you want to follow up, do it once, and keep it very light. Wait about 5 to 7 business days. Something like this is enough:
Hi [Name], just wanted to follow up on my earlier note in case it got buried. I know things get busy, so no worries at all if you’re unable to reply. I’m still very interested in the role and appreciated the chance to reach out.
After that, let it go. One message and one follow-up is plenty.
Should you mention that you are a recent graduate?
Yes, but casually.
You don’t need to frame it as a weakness. Just treat it as context. Something like “I recently graduated” or “I’m early in my career” is enough. That gives the other person a sense of where you are professionally without making the whole message about your lack of experience.
Actually, being a recent graduate can make alumni outreach feel even more natural. Many professionals are open to helping someone from their university, especially if the message is thoughtful and concise.
A simple breakdown: when should you reach out, and when should you not?
You probably should reach out if:
- You have a relevant shared connection, like the same university
- You’ve already applied
- Your message is brief and professional
- You are asking for perspective, not demanding action
You probably should not reach out if:
- You plan to send the same generic message to multiple employees
- You want to pressure someone into referring you
- You haven’t read the job description carefully
- You’re feeling anxious and might send a message that sounds rushed or emotional
If you’re unsure, write the message, leave it for 20 minutes, then reread it. If it sounds grounded and respectful, send it.
Extra tips to make your LinkedIn approach stronger
- Check your LinkedIn profile first. If they click your profile, make sure it looks complete and professional.
- Customize your note. A shared university mention is helpful, but also mention the role or team specifically.
- Keep your tone warm but professional. You want to sound like a real person, not a template.
- Be patient. Networking is not instant.
If you want help improving your profile before doing outreach, these resources can help:
Final answer
So, should you message the person you’d be working under even if they are not the hiring manager?
Yes — as long as your note is short, genuine, and not pushy.
You’re not being needy by introducing yourself. You’re networking in a normal, professional way. The fact that you share a university background gives you a fair reason to reach out, and if you keep your expectations realistic, it can be a smart move.
The best mindset is this: you’re opening a door, not forcing one open.
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