Did you know that a LinkedIn message (InMail) is 300% more effective at garnering a response than email? You wouldn’t send a sloppy email to a hiring professional and expect a reply, and the same is true for a LinkedIn Message. Professionalism and brevity are crucial, but don’t skimp on the detail.
Regardless of where you are in the job-search process, sending a LinkedIn message at the right time increases your odds of finding work. The goal is to get noticed by the hiring team, but the challenge is standing out from the crowd with the little time you have. Our team of talent professionals unanimously confirm the importance of getting the LinkedIn message right; there’s such a thing as ‘good timing’ for consultants rolling off one project and searching for another.
According to LinkedIn’s talent solution report, the interview process no longer begins with the resume. Instead, LinkedIn is the most common starting point. And 60% of experienced talent professionals are highly engaged with LinkedIn’s suite of tools. So, it’s safe to say that a thoughtful and articulate LinkedIn message will go a very long way towards finding a new project, especially if you know what to say.
In this post, we will provide examples of LinkedIn messages that our talent team receives weekly, and share tips you can use to easily improve your response rate for LinkedIn outreach to the hiring team.
In this post, we will provide examples of LinkedIn messages that our talent team receives weekly, and share tips you can use to easily improve your response rate for LinkedIn outreach to the hiring team.
1. What to Say When Connecting on LinkedIn?
At this point, you’re actively engaged in the job search process on LinkedIn, filtering through the hundreds (if not thousands) of open postings. Suddenly, you identify a path forward; your skills and experience align perfectly, and you’re excited to work with the company.
What now? We know what you’re thinking — don’t do it!
Before you try and connect with a hiring professional related to the job or company, think about what you might say; draft a brief message. This way, when you find the best contact, your connection request is supported by an introduction that makes sense and provides context.
Again, the purpose of this exercise is to show you how to write a compelling LinkedIn message. For example, this message is appropriate when connecting for the first time.
Revised (message with recommended edits):
Subject: Your name — Web & Mobile App Developer
Hi (name of recipient),
My name is (your name), and I’m a Web & Mobile App Developer working full-time freelance at the moment. I’m searching for a new project, and I believe I can be of value to The Carrera Agency. I want to join your network to learn about current projects and remain aware of the new opportunities that you share on LinkedIn.
Thank you,
Remember, the goal of the connection request is to begin the networking process. Keep it brief and clearly explain why you want to join the other person’s network. If you were strangers meeting for the first time, would you approach and proclaim your urgency to find a job before the introduction? We hope not. Use the same rationale on LinkedIn.
2. How do I Message About a Job?
You did it. Your connection was accepted. Now it’s time to reveal your value proposition, share an immediate interest in an open position, or explain why you want to remain top of mind for future opportunities. In all of these scenarios, show empathy towards the hiring professional, provide detail, and be thoughtful for the other person’s time.
Let’s review the following two before-and-after examples. A known connection sent the first message, while the second reflects a newly identified candidate.
LinkedIn Message Example 1
Before:
After:
Potential Subject (if sending InMail): (Name of recipient), You mentioned I should reach out next time
Hi (name of recipient),
I enjoyed our previous conversation about project X. The last time we spoke, you recommended that I should contact you after applying to the new position. I recently applied to the Sr. Global Infrastructure/IT Project Manager position with The Carrera Agency and would like to learn more.
Would you be open to sharing my application with the hiring team?
Here’s a link to the job I applied to:
Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you soon,
LinkedIn Message Example 2
Before:
Subject: Application for Java Full Stack Developer
Hi (name),
Hope you are doing great!. I came through the job posting and I think I’m a good fit for this role. I’m on OPT-EAD, let me know your thoughts.
My best reach out number: (xxx) xxx-xxxx
Thanks & regards,
After:
Subject: Your application instructions suggested I get in touch
Hi (Name of recipient),
My name is (your name here), and I recently applied to the Java Full Stack Developer position with The Carrera Agency. I want to learn more about the role. Replace “I think I’m a good fit” with one or two sentence elevator pitch — In this case, describe Full Stack experience. Provide enough information so that the talent professional doesn’t have to review your LinkedIn profile immediately.
Do you think a brief chat is appropriate? If so, I’m available (list availability).
Thank you,
LinkedIn Message Example 3
Before:
Hi (name),
I’m reaching out to see if you or any of the companies or clients you work with are looking for an experienced IT Manager/Director. I have a very diverse technical and business background. My career has been centered on service and support, and I believe that is the responsibility in IT – support the business and users with technology; from questions they have, to providing enhanced solutions that will drive business efficiencies.
Thank you in advance for any help you can provide!
After:
Hi (name of recipient),
I want to learn about The Carrera Agency. I’m searching for a position that aligns with my experience as an IT Manager/Director, and I would like to remain top of mind. Most recently, I (explain the role in one sentence). Previously, I (explain the role in one sentence.)
I included my resume for review and welcome the opportunity to speak with you about my experience. Can we schedule a brief call?
Thank you for your consideration,
3. Should I Follow up With a LinkedIn Message?
Send a follow-up Linkedin message under the following circumstances. And don’t forget to organize your communication channels (i.e., provide a timely reply in email, LinkedIn, SMS, etc.)
First, if you initially made contact with the talent professional on LinkedIn, but the conversation progressed to email and in-person dialogue, close the communication loop and show your appreciation with a brief but thoughtful LinkedIn message. Thank the people you spoke with for their time and remind them why you want the job. You can find many templates on the web; however, here’s a simple formula to remember:
Interview Follow-up Email Formula
Thank you (1 sentence) + topics you enjoyed discussing (1-2 sentences) + I’m excited to hear back and contribute very soon
Second, if you exit the interview without receiving the person’s email, send a LinkedIn message. Interviews require focus, especially when you want the job. It’s normal to forget to ask for the interviewer’s email after your final words. That’s the beauty of LinkedIn; you can quickly identify, connect, and message your contact in a timely and professional manner.
LinkedIn data shows that over 75% of people who recently changed jobs used the platform to influence their decision. Hiring professionals search for the candidates who have the required skills and actively engage with the employer on social networks. So, there’s never been a better time to improve your job-search tactics, starting with the LinkedIn message.
Whether you are actively searching for a new job, or you want to grow your network, use these messaging tactics to improve your response rates and connect with the right people. And join our community to read the latest insights from our talent managers.
*Main image from LinkedIn