No cover letter unless they ask specifically for one. Or if you have something you want to address up front like changing fields or taking a demotion.

At this point, people review the resume and then do a screening call if interested. The screening call is taking the place of the cover letter.

Contacting the hiring manager can't hurt. It's a quick "Hi I am applying here is my resume." It shows them there is a responsive person behind the application and from my experience you will always get at least a screening call from that (assuming you meet the requirements). Sometimes they will say "we also have X and Y positions open if you are interested."

Good luck!

Yes, contact the hiring manager and better yet: see if they have any mutual connections with you for an introduction.
Also, tell your network you are looking for work. They may let you know of upcoming positions that will be posted in the future and that can get you to the top of the pile.

Just dipping my toes after having stayed home with kids for several years. Seems many of these jobs posted on LinkedIn send you to company websites. Just curious about successful job seekers - did you do a cover letter each time? Did you contact the person LinkedIn shows as the hiring manager or team?

Any tips would be great!