Sending out applications into the void and waiting? I get it — that's what everyone does. But after 10+ years on LinkedIn, I can tell you that the people who consistently land interviews aren't out-applying everyone else. They're out-maneuvering them.
One move I love: search #hiring or #recruitment directly in LinkedIn's search bar, then add your target function — marketing, analytics, whatever it is. You'll find posts straight from hiring managers and recruiting teams, and a lot of them explicitly invite you to reach out. Do it. A brief, genuine message can get your resume in front of someone who actually has the power to move it forward.
When you see a job posting and want to go direct, look up who posted it and send a connection request — but please, customize the message. Tell them why you want to connect. I've seen so many generic requests get ignored. If my profile is a strong match for a role, I'll sometimes connect with the hiring manager or HR directly just to make sure someone sees my face before my resume hits the pile.
If you're willing to put in a bit more effort, tools like Lusha, Hunter, or LinkedIn Sales Navigator can help you find email addresses. A 2–3 paragraph email with your resume attached — personal, specific, not copy-pasted — has a much better shot than most online applications. It's a higher bar, which is exactly why it works.
Here's one most people miss: if you've ever worked or interned at a recognizable company — even a China office counts — put "Ex-ByteDance" or "Ex-PwC" in your LinkedIn headline. Then search that company's alumni group and message former colleagues. Even people you never crossed paths with directly will respond more often because of that shared connection.
And whenever you're asking someone for a coffee chat or a quick Zoom, try adding: "I'd love to exchange insights — and I'm happy to return the favor whenever it's useful." It's a small thing, but it signals you're not just there to take. In my experience, that shift in framing makes people a lot more likely to say yes.
© 2026 Rachel Hong · Accelerator Consulting