How to Message a Recruiter on LinkedIn in 2023 (Sample Messages)

By Reid - November 12, 2023

Search for a job on LinkedIn, contact the recruiter, and land the job. It’s that simple, right? … Not Exactly! Recruiters receive countless message requests every day from hungry applicants. Some are accepted, while others are ignored.

Here’s how to reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn and catch their attention with a message that sticks out (Note: this is written by LinkedIn Recruiters).

How to Message a Recruiter on LinkedIn

Questions Answered (Updated for 2023)

What is LinkedIn Inmail
How to reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn
LinkedIn message examples
How to send a note from the messaging page
What NOT to do when messaging recruiters
Are LinkedIn messages private
How to respond to a recruiter on LinkedIn

You’ve searched LinkedIn for the perfect job opening, finally landing on the ideal match. You find the recruiter responsible for interviewing/filling the role and decide to reach out.

Is it okay to message a recruiter on LinkedIn? What do you do? What do you say? How do you let them know you’re interested? We have the answers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uy_SK-LK4l4

How to Message a Recruiter on LinkedIn (Step-by-Step Directions)

1. Send A Connection Request With A Short Message Attached

Including a personalized message (or note, in LinkedIn's case) in your connection request will result in a much higher acceptance rate as you begin reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn.

The message can be as simple as introducing yourself and why you are connecting. This message typically needs to be less than 300 words long.

Example Message: "Hi (recruiters name)! My name is (your name), a sales manager for (company) in the Boston area. Just looking to connect with others in the local area. Hope you have a great day!?

2. Send A Follow-Up LinkedIn Message To The Recruiter After An Accepted Connection

Start by thanking them for accepting the request. Mention your interest in the role and what you can do to benefit the company they are hiring for. The message should be short and serve one purpose.

Don’t forget to attach your resume so they can review it. If you need help writing a resume, check out one of these top resume-writing services.

You can send hiring managers and recruiters LinkedIn messages even if an open job is unavailable. However, if there is an available job, they will often ask you to apply online. Stay one step ahead and complete the application before discussing the role.

Example Message: "Thanks for connecting (recruiters name). I saw you had a Sales Manager role open with (company). After reading through the description, I believe my background and skillset would match well with what they are trying to accomplish in this position. Are you still accepting applicants at this time? I have attached my resume for reference. Thanks again for connecting, and I hope you have a great rest of the day!"

3. Stick With It And Establish A Relationship

Usually, reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn won’t produce results immediately. Stick with it and keep in touch (without overdoing it).

Don't be obnoxious by emailing the recruiter weekly to ask if they have anything new available. Instead, simply circle back on occasion (maybe every month or two).

If you can establish a great relationship, the recruiter will start reaching out to YOU with jobs that are a good match.

Effective LinkedIn Message Examples

LinkedIn Message Sample #1: Hi (Recruiter). My name is (Name), and I’m a (Title). If you have a second, I would love the chance to discuss how my (Specific Skill) and experiences might match the (Job Title) I’ve applied for (If You Already Applied). Thanks for connecting, and I hope you have a great day!
LinkedIn Message Sample #2: Hi (Recruiter). Although we have never met or had the chance to work together, I’ve heard great things about (Company Name They Work For). I’m sure you are extremely busy, but if there are any job openings around (Specific Role), I would love the chance to talk about why I might be a good fit. Thank you, and have a great day!
LinkedIn Message Sample #3: Hi (Recruiter). My name is (Name), and I’m a (Title). Just looking to connect and share with others in the industry right now. I hope you have a great day! Thanks
- Follow-Up Message: Hi (Recruiter). Thanks for connecting. I see you work with (Type of Role), which I’ve also worked professionally for (Timeframe). I’m sure you are extremely busy, but if you have time, I’d love to discuss whether my background would make me a fit for any openings in your office. Thanks!

Note: These are simple guides. Be sure to make the message unique and your own.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is LinkedIn InMail (Message)?

LinkedIn InMail is a messaging platform that allows users to send a short note to the inbox of other LinkedIn users (recruiters in this case).

InMail (paid version) allows you to directly message members you are not connected to, whereas basic messaging (free version) limits your note to direct connections, LinkedIn group members, and other invite requests.

How to Send a message to connections from the messaging page? (Source LinkedIn)

To send a message to connections from the messaging page or conversation windows:

Click the Messaging icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage or from the top of the messaging window.
Click the Compose icon on the left rail.
Type the name(s) of your recipient(s) in the Type a name field.
Draft your message in the Write a message box. You can customize your message by using the options at the bottom of this box.
Click Send to send the message.

What NOT to Do When Messaging Recruiters

Do not be generic. Mix it up and catch the reader's attention.
Do not send a lengthy message talking about yourself.
Do not send short messages only saying “Hi” or “Hello”.
Do not send automated (copy and paste) messages. Customize it!
Do not send the message without proofreading.
Do not be rude or demanding. Recruiters don’t work for you; they work with you.
Do not take it personally when someone rejects your connection request or responds to a message weeks later. I know recruiters who receive hundreds of messages weekly, making it impossible to keep up.

Are there any Additional LinkedIn Profile Tips?

Step one should be properly creating a profile. You’ll have access to millions of jobs along with the recruiters working them.
Having a LinkedIn profile photo is also a must. Recruiters reject connection requests from candidates without them.
Include keywords related to your role and the skills needed to work it within your LinkedIn profile.
Write a headline that best communicates who you are as a career professional in a sentence or two.
Make sure to read the recruiter's profile before connecting. They often work specific reqs based on type, location, and client. If the relationship isn't mutually beneficial, politely ask to be pointed in the correct person's direction.
Recruiters often have an email address listed within their profile. Check first before sending a message (an email won’t limit your character count).

Related:

Are LinkedIn messages private?

We often receive the question, “Can everyone see my LinkedIn messages?”. While LinkedIn is a public platform, the messages to or from other LinkedIn members are discrete and private. They are only visible to the sender and recipient.

Should I message a recruiter on LinkedIn after applying?

Yes, messaging the recruiter who owns the role after applying will only help your chances of being selected for an interview.

How to Respond to a Recruiter on LinkedIn

When you are interested in the opportunity

"Hi (Name), Thank you for reaching out about this opportunity. I’m interested in hearing more about the (Title) role with (Company). Would you be open to jumping on a call and answering a few questions? Have a great rest of the day, and I look forward to hearing back from you. Thank you, (Your name)".

When you are NOT interested in the opportunity

"Hi (Name), Thank you for your note about the (Title) job opening. While the position seems interesting, and the company sounds like it’s doing impressive things, I’m thrilled where I am now. With that said, if I want to make a change in the future, I’ll reach out. Thanks again, and good luck filling the position! (Your name)"

Wrapping Up | LinkedIn Message

LinkedIn continues to grow rapidly, which is why it's the perfect time to send a connection request and establish good relationships.

Some final thoughts to consider before you send a note to a recruiter on any social media platform:

Look to establish a relationship if necessary. Recruiters can help develop your career or point you in the right direction.
Craft a simple and relevant message to help you stand out from the boatload of other connection requests they receive.
Thank them for the time and effort they put into finding job opportunities.
Don’t overthink the note itself. Proofread what you’ve created and just hit send.

Contacting recruiters on the platform might seem scary, but if you're straightforward, keep things short, and sound authentic, most recruiters will be happy to establish a relationship.

Best of luck!

Final Note: If you don’t receive a message response from the recruiter, look to connect with another person within the business you are interested in. This could be an HR Manager, Talent Leader, Hiring Manager, Recruitment Manager, etc.

Title: How to Message a Recruiter on LinkedIn (LinkedIn Connect Message)

Category: theStart

Author: Reid is a contributor for theJub. He's an employment and marketing enthusiast who studied business before taking on various recruiting, management, and marketing roles. More from the author. | Author Profile