How to Reach the Hiring Manager and Get More Job Interviews
Why Applying Online Rarely Leads to Interviews in 2026
Applying for jobs has never been easier. Standing out has never been harder. LinkedIn reports that over 9,000 job applications are submitted every minute, meaning most applications never receive meaningful attention (LinkedIn, 2024). What many job seekers overlook is that only around 20 percent of roles are filled through direct applications, while the majority are filled through referrals, networking, or direct outreach to people involved in the hiring decision (LinkedIn, 2024). Submitting a CV through an ATS often places candidates at an immediate disadvantage.
How Contacting the Right Person Changes Your Job Search Results
When you reach out directly to someone connected to the role, the dynamic changes. Instead of competing anonymously with hundreds of applicants, you create a human connection with someone who has influence over the hiring process. Hiring managers are far more likely to respond to a short, thoughtful message that shows genuine interest than to review another generic application. This approach turns job searching from a numbers game into a conversation-driven process.
Who the Right Point of Contact Actually Is
The right person is not always a recruiter. Depending on the role, it may be a hiring manager, team lead, or even a senior individual contributor. Identifying this correctly is critical, as contacting the wrong person can be as ineffective as applying online. This is why many candidates now rely on tools like Plexicore, which combine job discovery with contact enrichment to help identify the most relevant point of contact for each role.
Why Direct Outreach Beats Submitting Another Application
Direct outreach gives you visibility, context, and a chance to control the narrative. Instead of hoping your CV is reviewed, you proactively introduce yourself to the person who can move your application forward and significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.