Contacting Potential Supervisor on LinkedIn? (applying, interview, application, employer)

[Plantweed]

There's a job I really want and that I'm very qualified for, but I'm applying from NY and it's in CA, where I'm moving ASAP. I'm at a disadvantage, as many employers will seemingly toss your application if you're not local, despite my cover letter saying I'm moving soon, job or no job. I've found the supervisor on LinkedIn, and I'm wondering what people think about writing them a nice, cordial letter expressing my interest in the position, and seriousness of relocating?

[trekbiker]

First, how do you know that this potential supervisor you found on Linkedin is actually the hiring manager for this job? Were you actually given his name from someone in the company / company's HR? Or did you just use google to dig his name up?

I'm asking because I don't know how this supervisor will take to being written to on Linkedin. That person might either see it as a ballsy move and take whatever actions are needed to hire you, or get creeped out. Or maybe they won't care enough to affect your chances in the application/interview process.

It really could go either way. Personally, I would give major props for doing your homework, but that's just me. Another person could have a completely different reaction. Or no reaction at all.

Also, it depends on what you actually write!

[Kibbiekat]

I did this and I got the job. We had a connection in common, though.

[Plantweed]

OK, I just skipped LinkedIn and left them a voice mail! Hopefully they will take it in the spirit it was intended. I was very polite and concise.

[Mr_Geek]

How did you find out who the supervisor is?

[Plantweed]

"This position reports to the blah blah..." in the ad, LinkedIn and employer website begat the name in that position. Not hard.

[mdovell]

In government this is easy because the records are open. the only thing to keep in mind though about linkedin is some employers block social media. Knowing this sometimes the best thing to use is email. Unless it is something spam like or overseas with characters that cannot be read then email works.