What each one does
The hiring manager runs the team and makes the final call. The recruiter runs the search: finding people, screening them and moving them through. You want both of them knowing your name.
Why the recruiter is your ally
A recruiter's job is to find great people. When a candidate writes to me directly, I notice. And when a note reaches me for a job I'm not handling, I forward it to the teammate who is. That happens all the time on hiring teams.
How to write to both
- Send two separate notes, never one CC'd email.
- The manager's note: why this job, why you, and an ask for a short call.
- The recruiter's note: put a name to your application, and ask them to forward it if they're not handling the role.