I’m Gary. If you’re looking for a designer who values feedback, combines visual appeal and usability, and has experience in healthcare as a former nurse, I’m your guy.
Before building experiences, I used to be an ER nurse at one of the busiest public hospitals in the country, where besides caring for patients, I helped streamline the care process and operations to improve healthcare outcomes.
I decided to make the leap to product design after years of using our hospital’s sluggish EHR. I hated using that software so much that I kept dozens of notes on what I would change—eventually becoming my first portfolio project and leading to my first design role at One Medical.
I see this opportunity at Moss to make an impact in hospitals and other points of care. What particularly draws me to this opportunity is expanding healthcare accessibility, especially through a no-cost option as a telehealth platform.
Why you should write a message to the hiring manager
In today's competitive job market, hiring managers are often swamped with hundreds of applications.
Sometimes, you may come across both a way to upload a cover letter and send a message to the hiring manager on the application form. Other times, you may want to message the hiring manager directly.
So what's the difference between a message to the hiring manager and a cover letter? And how do you write one?
A cover letter is a longer letter that explains your resume, experience, and interest in more detail. A hiring manager message is a brief note that aims to capture attention and display your personality.
By crafting a thoughtful, well-researched message, you'll be able to make a memorable first impression and potentially set yourself apart from other candidates.
How to write an effective message to the hiring manager
What goes into a message that captures the hiring manager's attention and interest? Here are the key components:
Hi [Greet the hiring manager by name if possible],
I’m [your name]. [A sentence or two that describes what you would be like if selected for the role].
[1-2 sentences that describes your experience, specialties, skills—anything you’ve built—relevant to the role].
[1-2 sentences about something personal that ties you to the role, such as your beliefs, life experience, etc.]
[1-2 sentences about your interest in the company as a whole]
[sign off with your name]
(attach documents if possible)
Now that you have a template to work with, it's important to customize your message for each specific role and company. This personalization shows that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the position. Remember to keep your message concise, typically no longer than a few short paragraphs. Your goal is to pique the hiring manager's interest and encourage them to review your resume or portfolio in more detail.
Best practices and tips for messaging the hiring manager
Reaching out to a hiring manager requires a delicate balance of assertiveness and professionalism. Here are some best practices to maximize the impact of your message:
Showcase your personality, experience, and work
Relate everything back to the role and company
Keep your message brief and to the point
Mention any mutual connections or referrals
Include links to your portfolio or relevant work samples
It's also worth remembering many hiring managers are trying to evaluate your attention to detail, so make sure you've included at least one or two thoughtful, personalized details in your outreach.
The goal is toopen a dialogue, not to land the job immediately. By showing genuine interest and highlighting your relevant skills, you'll increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.
How to use this template to message the hiring manager
Here's how to go from our general template to a personalized message in just a few clicks.
Open up Type, click "New Document," and select the "Hiring manager message" template from the gallery.
Under "knowledge sources," you can include a link to your LinkedIn profile or resume. This will give the writing AI more context to work with.
Hit "Generate," and watch as Type's writing AI creates a custom message for you in seconds.
Refine the message with our Rewrite brushes. You can adjust the tone, shorten the text, enhance readability, and more.
Add your own personal touches and specific details about your personality, interests, skills, and experience. If you need some ideas, brainstorm with Type Chat, a chatbot that lives right next to your document.
When you're done, ask Type to review your work for any grammar or spelling mistakes. A polished, error-free message will help you maintain your professionalism.
Copy your completed message from Type and paste it into the application's textbox or LinkedIn message.
Your turn
Writing to hiring managers may feel daunting at first, but it's a powerful way to take control of your job search. The more tailored and thoughtful your message is, the more likely you are to receive a positive response.
Use the tips provided here as a starting point, then make them your own. Be clear about your interest in the role, and let your unique qualifications and enthusiasm shine through.
In a job market where many qualified candidates are vying for the same positions, taking the initiative to reach out directly can give you a crucial edge. Your dream job is out there - it's time to be proactive and go after it.
