Is Messaging a Recruiter the New First Interview?

Short answer: Yes—and it’s a game-changer for biostatisticians.

Ever had someone say, “You’ve got to meet this person—I think you’d hit it off”? That’s how real opportunities often start: with a warm introduction and a little curiosity.

The job market works exactly the same way. But in today’s competitive landscape, these introductions and early conversations are happening more and more digitally—whether on LinkedIn, through email, or in Slack communities.

Welcome to the world of Pre-Application Outreach—or better yet, Pre-Interview Priming.

Before formal interviews even begin, there’s an informal stage that’s becoming more powerful than ever. It’s the moment where you build trust and visibility before your resume ever lands on a hiring manager’s desk. In biostatistics—an in-demand but niche field—this strategy can give you an edge that a resume alone simply can’t.

In biostatistics, networking isn’t just about knowing the right people; it’s about positioning yourself as someone with valuable expertise—someone they want to reach out to. This stage gives you a chance to shape how hiring managers and recruiters view you before you even formally apply.

💡 Action Step: Start with One Recruiter or Hiring Manager

Identify one recruiter or hiring manager within a company you’ve applied to (or about to). Take a look on the job ad, does it mention who to contact? What about on LinkedIn or the company web page?