You have probably sent fifty applications through job boards and heard nothing back. That happens because most companies use software called Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that filter out resumes before any human sees them. The smart alternative is to bypass HR portals and reach hiring managers directly. This method puts your name in front of the actual person who makes the hiring decision, not a computer algorithm. In this post, I will show you exactly how to find and contact hiring managers in Nigeria without relying on online applications.
Why You Should Bypass HR Portals and Use Direct Contact Instead
Online applications feel easy, but they rarely work. When you apply through a job portal like Jobberman or LinkedIn, your resume enters a black box with hundreds of other applicants. The hiring manager may never see your name if the ATS filters you out for missing a single keyword.
In Nigeria, many roles are never even advertised online. They are filled through referrals, internal promotions, and direct networking before a public listing ever goes live. This hidden job market makes up a large chunk of actual vacancies. So if you only apply through portals, you are missing most opportunities.
When you bypass HR portals and contact a hiring manager directly, you skip the automated screening entirely. Your message lands in their inbox, not in a database queue. That gives you a real chance to be seen.
Step-by-Step: How to Bypass HR Portals and Find the Right Person
Step 1: Identify the Real Hiring Manager
Do not just message any HR person. You need the manager who actually leads the team you want to join. On LinkedIn, go to the company page and click the “People” tab. Use filters for location (Nigeria) and keywords like “Head of,” “Manager,” “Lead,” or the specific department name (e.g., “Marketing Manager”).
A referral from a trusted employee can ensure your application bypasses automated screening and lands directly on the hiring manager’s desk. So also look for people in your network who work at that company. Ask them for a warm introduction.
Step 2: Find Their Email Address
LinkedIn messages often get ignored. Email is more direct. Here are three free ways to get a hiring manager’s email:
- Use email guessing tools: Most Nigerian companies use predictable email formats like
firstname.lastname@company.comorflastname@company.com. You can test these patterns by looking at any known email on the company’s website (like a media contact) and copying the format. - Install a free Chrome extension: Hunter.io gives you 25 free searches per month. Apollo.io offers free credits for finding contact info. You can use these to find verified emails.
- Check LinkedIn contact info: If the hiring manager accepts your connection request, click “See Contact Info” on their profile. Some people list their work email there.
Real example from my network: A Lagos-based product manager I know spent two weeks applying to fintech roles with no luck. She found the Head of Product at her target company on LinkedIn, guessed his email using the company’s pattern (first.last@company.com), and sent a short, respectful message. She had an interview call within three days and got the job offer two weeks later. The public job posting never even went live.
Step 3: Write a Cold Email That Gets a Reply
Your email must be short, respectful, and valuable. Do not ask for a job immediately. Instead, show that you understand their work and can help solve a problem.
Subject line example: “Quick question about [specific project or company goal]”
Body example:
Hello [Name],
I have followed [Company Name] for the past year. I noticed you recently launched [new product or initiative]. I have experience with [relevant skill] and helped my previous team achieve [specific result].
I would love to learn more about how your team works. Do you have 10 minutes for a quick call next week?
Best,
[Your name]End with a question. This makes them more likely to reply.
Step 4: Follow Up Once – And Only Once
If you do not hear back after five to seven days, send one polite follow-up. Keep it very short: “Just wanted to make sure my previous message came through. Still very interested in your work at [Company Name].” Do not send more than two messages total or you will seem desperate.
The 5-Step Direct Contact Checklist
- Identify the hiring manager (department head, not general HR).
- Find one person in your network who works at that company (even a friend of a friend counts).
- Get the correct email format by checking the company website for any contact address.
- Write a short email that mentions a specific project or recent company news.
- Send one follow‑up email five days later, then stop.
A Limitation You Must Know
This method is not magic. If you have zero relevant skills or experience for the role, reaching a hiring manager directly will not help you. You still need a solid CV and the ability to do the job. Also, some hiring managers genuinely prefer to use the formal HR process and will ignore direct messages. That is fine. You only need one yes.
To track your outreach and stay organised, use the Google Docs app. It is free and lets you create a simple table with columns for each company, the hiring manager’s name, the email you used, the date you messaged, and your follow‑up date. This stops you from annoying the same person twice.
Remember, learning to bypass HR portals does not mean you should ignore job applications completely. Use both methods. Apply through portals for roles you really want, but always try to find a direct contact as a backup. The direct route gives you an advantage that most Nigerian job seekers never use.
When you successfully bypass HR portals and start getting replies from hiring managers, you will see why this strategy works. It takes effort, but it turns cold applications into real conversations.
Summary: Stop relying only on online job applications. Learn to bypass HR portals and reach hiring managers directly through LinkedIn research and personalised cold emails. This method puts you in front of decision‑makers and gives you access to hidden jobs that never get advertised.
