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In this guide, you'll learn how to write LinkedIn messages that recruiters actually reply to. Our 10 tips will help you start real conversations, make a great impression, and improve your chances of landing your dream job.
10 Tips for Writing Effective LinkedIn Messages
When reaching out to a recruiter on LinkedIn, you want to sound professional but not stiff, confident but not pushy. Here are 10 simple tips to help you craft messages that get responses:
1. Keep It Short and Clear
Recruiters don’t have time to read long messages. If your message is too wordy, they’ll likely skim it; or worse, ignore it.
Stick to a few key sentences. Introduce yourself, explain why you're reaching out, and end with a simple call to action. That’s it. A short, well-structured message shows respect for their time. If they’re interested, they’ll ask for more details.
ExampleShort, clear, and easy to respond to.
2. Personalize Every Message
Nothing screams “spam” like a copy-paste message with info from your LinkedIn profile. Recruiters can spot generic messages a mile away. If you don’t take the time to personalize, don’t expect a reply.
Mention their company, a recent post they shared, or a job listing you saw. Show that you’ve done your homework. Even a small detail can make your message stand out. It tells the recruiter you’re genuinely interested with your personalized messages, not just mass-messaging everyone.
Example3. Get to the Point Quickly
Nobody likes reading long introductions. If you start with “I hope you’re doing well” and a long backstory, you might lose them before they even get to your main point.
Instead, open with why you're reaching out. The first sentence should make it clear what you want. This makes it easier for the recruiter to decide how to respond. A direct approach also shows confidence and professionalism.
Bad Example
Good Example4. Be Friendly, Not Overly Formal
Some people think being formal makes them sound professional. But on LinkedIn, stiff messages feel robotic. You want to sound human.
Write like you're having a casual but professional chat. Avoid corporate buzzwords and overly polished language. A warm, natural tone makes it easier for the recruiter to engage with you. If your message sounds like an AI tool wrote it, they probably won’t respond.
Bad Example
Good ExampleSee the difference? One feels cold, the other feels natural.
5. Ask for Insights
Recruiters don’t hand out jobs; they connect the right people to the right roles. If your first message is “Do you have a job for me?” you’ll likely get ignored.
Instead, ask for insights or advice. Build a connection before making a request. A simple “I’d love to hear your thoughts on [industry trend or role]” works much better. It turns the conversation into a two-way exchange rather than a cold request.
Example6. Show How You Bring Value
Recruiters are more likely to reply if they see potential in you. Instead of just stating that you're interested, highlight what makes you a good fit.
Mention a key skill, achievement, or experience that aligns with their company or the role. Keep it brief; just enough to spark their interest. If they see value in you, they’ll be more inclined to continue the conversation.
ExampleThis gives them a reason to engage with you.
7. Use a Strong Subject Line
If you’re using the InMail message feature, your subject line matters. A vague or boring subject line won’t grab attention.
Keep it short and direct. Make it clear what you’re reaching out about, such as a specific job or opportunity. A good subject line helps the recruiter know what to expect before even opening your message.
Good Subject Line Examples:
- “Interest in [Title of Job] at [Company]”
- “Question about [Industry] Opportunities”
- “Quick Question About [Company] Hiring Process”
A clear subject line increases the chances of your message being opened.
8. Follow Up (Without Being Annoying)
Recruiters get tons of messages. If you don’t hear back, don’t take it personally. But don’t be afraid to follow up either.
Wait about a week, then send a polite reminder. Keep it short. A simple message is enough. Don’t overdo it; one follow-up is usually all you need. If they’re interested, they’ll reply.
ExampleIf they still don’t reply, move on. Spamming won’t help.
9. Proofread Before Sending
Nothing kills credibility faster than typos. If your message has mistakes, it looks rushed and unprofessional.
Before sending, read it out loud. This helps catch awkward phrasing and errors. You can also use tools like Grammarly to spot overlooked mistakes. Taking a few extra minutes to proofread shows that you care about your communication.
Checklist Before Sending:
- Did you spell the recruiter’s name correctly?
- Are there any typos or grammar mistakes?
- Is your message clear and easy to read?
10. End With a Simple Call to Action
If you don’t ask for a response, you might not get one. End with a question or clear next step.
Be direct, but polite. For example, “Would you be open to a quick chat this week?” gives the recruiter an easy way to respond. This makes it clear how you’d like to move forward.
Good Call to Action Examples:
- “Would you be open to a quick chat this week?”
- “Could you share any insights on the process of hiring for this role?”
- “Is there someone on your team I should connect with?”
A clear call to action makes it easy for them to reply.
How to Research a Recruiter Before Reaching Out
Before reaching out to a recruiter, take a moment to research them during your job search. Start with their LinkedIn profile to see the industries they focus on and the types of roles they recruit for. Check for any posts or articles they've shared to get a sense of their interests and how you can align your skills with their needs. Understanding what they focus on will help you craft a message that feels relevant and tailored.
It’s also a good idea to look into the company they work for. Knowing the roles they’re hiring for and the company culture can help you personalize your message. If they’ve posted something interesting, refer to it in your outreach. This shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the company or job posting. If you have mutual connections, consider asking for an introduction. A warm connection can make all the difference in getting a response.
Mistakes to Avoid When Messaging Recruiters
Knowing what to avoid with LinkedIn messages can make all the difference. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:
1. Using Generic Templates
Recruiters can spot a copy-paste message a mile away. Sending the same message to multiple recruiters without customization will make you seem lazy. Always personalize your message. Mention something specific about their company or a role they’re recruiting for. This shows you’re genuinely interested, not just mass messaging.
2. Writing a Long Message
Recruiters don’t have time to read long paragraphs. Keep your message short, sweet, and to the point. A brief introduction and a clear reason for reaching out are enough. If they’re interested, they’ll ask for more details. Don’t waste their time with unnecessary information.
3. Being Too Formal or Too Casual
Finding the right tone is tricky. If you’re too formal, your message will sound robotic. But if you’re too casual, you may seem unprofessional. Aim for friendly but respectful. Don’t use corporate buzzwords or overly polished language. Just be yourself, but in a professional way.
4. Asking for a Job Right Away
Don’t ask for a job in your first message. It’s not a sales pitch. Instead, ask for advice or insights about the role or the industry. This opens the door to a real conversation and builds a relationship before you even mention a job opportunity.
How to Handle Rejections from Recruiters
Getting a rejection can be tough. But don’t take it personally. Here’s how to handle it with grace and stay motivated:
1. Don’t Take It Personally
Rejection with a connection request or no response is part of the process. There are many reasons why a recruiter might not respond. It could be that they’re busy, they’ve already filled the role, or your background doesn’t match what they’re looking for at that moment. It’s not about you as a person. Don’t let it get to you.
2. Learn from It
If you get a rejection, take a moment to reflect. Is there anything you could have done differently? Sometimes feedback isn’t provided, but if it is, take it to heart. Maybe it’s about a specific skill or experience. Use it to improve for next time.
3. Keep Networking
Even if you don’t hear back or you’re rejected, keep building relationships. You never know when another opportunity will pop up. Stay active on LinkedIn. Comment on posts, share relevant content, and stay visible in your network. This can lead to more chances down the line.
4. Stay Positive and Keep Going
Rejection happens to everyone. It’s not a reflection of your worth. Keep applying, keep reaching out, and keep learning. The right opportunity will come when it’s the right time.
Handling rejections and no responses is all about staying calm, learning from the experience, and moving forward with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Writing LinkedIn messages to recruiters doesn’t have to be stressful. By keeping your messages short, clear, and personalized, you can make a strong first impression. Always keep in mind: recruiters are busy, so respect their time and keep your message focused. Show genuine interest in their company and avoid coming across as overly formal or pushy. Offer value by highlighting what you bring to the table, and don’t forget to follow up politely if needed.
With these simple tips, you’ll improve your chances of starting meaningful conversations that could lead to exciting opportunities. Keep practicing, and you'll get the hang of it in no time!
