How Do I Reach Out to Hiring Managers with a Healthy Workplace Culture?

Dear Anxious and Gaslit,

It sounds like you’re currently in an unhealthy work environment, and I’m truly sorry for that. It’s incredibly difficult to perform at your best when you’re feeling anxious and gaslit.

First, how do you determine if a company has a healthy workplace culture? The reality is, you can’t be 100% sure unless:

1. You experience it firsthand, or

2. You trust the experiences of others who work there.

Assuming option #2, here’s how you can strategically reach out to hiring managers on LinkedIn™:

1. Make Yourself Visible – Engage with the company’s content. Like and comment on posts from hiring managers and team members. Thoughtful comments are one of the most underrated ways to get on someone’s radar!

2. Message the Hiring Manager – If they don’t post often, you can send a direct message. But if they do, spend a few weeks engaging with their posts before reaching out.

3. Craft a Personalized Message – When you message them:

   • Compliment their work or insights.

   • Mention that you’re interested in a role and have heard great things about their company culture.

   • Highlight 1-2 key qualifications that align with the job posting.

   • Ask permission to send over your resume.

Here’s an example:

Hey [Hiring Manager's Name],

Thanks for accepting my connection request! I’ve really been enjoying your content, especially your recent post on [insert topic]. I completely agree with your point about [insert insight].

I saw that you’re hiring for a [insert job title] and have heard amazing things about [company name]. I’d love to be considered if you’re open to it!

I have [X years] of experience in [industry/role] and [mention key skills that match the job description].

I applied on the company website, but I know competition is fierce these days. Would you be open to me sending over my resume for consideration?

Looking forward to hearing from you, and thanks again!

If you feel bold, you can skip asking for permission and simply attach your resume instead.

Wishing you success in your outreach and a swift escape from that toxic environment!

I Finally Found My Passion! How Do I Get Paid for It?

Dear Inspired Idahoan,

Congratulations on discovering your passion! That’s a huge milestone.

Now comes the challenge—monetization. Here are three key questions to ask yourself:

1. Do people pay for what I love to do?

2. Is there a demand for this in the market?

3. How can I position what I do to make it profitable?

To answer these questions, conduct research. Reach out to potential customers, interview them, and gauge their interest. Ask about pricing, demand, and what they’d expect from your offering.

If there’s a market—great! Idaho has incredible resources for small business owners. If you’re a woman, check out the Idaho Women’s Business Center, which provides free resources for entrepreneurs. If you’re outside Idaho, explore the Small Business Administration (SBA) and local business resource centers.

As someone who turned their passion into a career, I can tell you—it’s worth it. Go for it, and keep me posted!

I’ve Been Job Searching for 2 Years While Raising 4 Kids and Finishing College. How Do I Find a Part-Time, Remote, or Flexible Job?

Dear California College Mom,

Wow! You are juggling A LOT. Sending you all the zen energy vibes as you balance parenting, college, and job searching.

Here are a few ways to find flexible jobs:

• Use Job Board Filters – Most job boards (Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor) allow you to filter by “part-time” and “remote.” “Flexible” is less common as a filter, but you can try keywords like “flexible schedule” in your searches.

• Check Niche Job Boards – There are specialty sites dedicated to remote work (check out my last Dear Fairy Job Mom post for a list!).

• Leverage Social Media – TikTok has surprisingly useful content on remote and part-time jobs. Search for terms like “remote jobs,” “part-time jobs,” or “work-from-home jobs” to discover great leads.

A little digging, and you’ll find many solid options. Fingers crossed that the right opportunity is just around the corner!

How Do I Build a World-Class Network?

Dear Jake in Jersey,

I love this question! Building a world-class network takes time—years, in fact. But if you’re committed, it’s a rewarding journey.

1. Define What “World-Class” Means to You – What does an ideal network look like? Which industries, roles, and locations matter most?

2. Engage, Engage, Engage! – A network doesn’t build itself. Actively participate in conversations on LinkedIn, attend webinars, join industry groups, and go to conferences.

3. Be Interested, Not Just Interesting – The best way to connect with people is to genuinely care about them. Ask questions, be curious, and make others feel valued.

People will always remember how you made them feel.

Think of your network as a group of friends—not just business contacts. No one wants to feel like a prospect or transaction.

Treat others the way you’d like to be treated, and you’ll be well on your way to building a truly world-class network!