LinkedIn recruiter messages often feel automated and impersonal, leaving many users wondering if they are actually written by real recruiters or just generated by bots. The answer is not completely straightforward, as there is some nuance to how recruiter messaging works on LinkedIn.
The short answer is: Some LinkedIn recruiter messages are automated, but not all of them. Recruiters have the option to send both personalized messages as well as template-based auto-messages to potential candidates.
What are automated LinkedIn messages?
Automated LinkedIn recruiter messages refer to pre-written template messages that recruiters can quickly send to potential candidates at scale using messaging tools integrated with LinkedIn Recruiter system. This allows them to reach out to hundreds or even thousands of prospects without having to manually personalize each message.
These auto-messages often include merge fields that personalize the message with the recipient’s name, company, job title and other profile details. But the core content remains the same template text. You can usually identify these bulk automated messages by their generic, impersonal tone and lack of any customization or human touch.
Some common examples are:
- “Hi {First Name}, I came across your profile and thought you would be a great fit for some opportunities I am working on. Let me know if you are interested in exploring new career options and I would be happy to discuss further.”
- “Dear {First Name}, I noticed you have experience in {Skills}. We have an urgent new opening for a {Job Title} role I think could interest you. Please let me know if we could set up a quick call to discuss.”
These template-based messages allow recruiters to cast a wide net and initiate conversations with many more people than if they had to manually customize each note. But the impersonal tone is often a turnoff for recipients who can easily identify these as bulk messages.
What are personalized LinkedIn messages?
In contrast to automated messages, some LinkedIn recruiters also take the time to manually compose personalized messages tailored specifically to the recipient’s unique background, skills, experience and interests.
These custom messages will not have any template text or merge fields. Instead, the recruiter writes a unique note addressing the recipient’s specific profile details and qualifications, as well as the requirements of the open position they are trying to fill.
For example:
“Hi Jane, I came across your LinkedIn profile and was thoroughly impressed by your background in digital marketing and passion for data-driven strategy. Here at XYZ Company, we are looking for a digital marketing manager to own our paid advertising campaigns. Based on your experience running successful Facebook and Google Ads campaigns for ABC Company, you seem like a great fit. Would you be open to chatting about the role and our marketing team? I’m excited to learn more about you and your interests.”
Such customized messages indicate that the recruiter has actually read your full profile, sees you as an ideal candidate, and is interested in you specifically – not just blasting out a generic template. These personalized notes come across as more sincere, relational and compelling.
How do LinkedIn recruiters send messages?
LinkedIn gives recruiters access to tools like Recruiter System and Sales Navigator that allow them to identify prospects based on skills, experience, location and other criteria. They can then choose to either:
- Send individual personalized messages: Manually write custom notes tailored to each recipient.
- Send bulk automated messages: Quickly blast out a template message to hundreds of people at once.
- Combine both: Send personalized messages to top prospects and auto-messages to a wider secondary audience.
So in reality, most recruiters use a mix of personalized and automated outreach. They reserve customized messages for high potential prospects they really want to engage. And rely on mass template messages for more casual prospecting to a broad audience.
How to tell if a LinkedIn message is automated
Here are some tips to identify automated LinkedIn recruiter messages:
- Contains generic greetings like “Hi {First Name}” or “Dear {Full Name}”
- Has merge field variables like {Skills}, {Job Title} etc.
- Follows a templated / formulaic structure and tone
- Does not reference your profile or qualifications specifically
- Includes a vague compliment about your background
- Focuses on a generic job opportunity they want to discuss
- Sounds impersonal, stiff, or insincere
- Has spelling/grammatical errors
And here are signs of a more personalized recruiter message:
- Greets you by your full name
- Specifically compliments your relevant skills/experience
- References specific details from your profile
- Notes shared connections/experiences
- Asks thoughtful questions about your background
- Discusses a role aligned with your interests
- Uses a conversational tone
Should you respond to automated LinkedIn messages?
Replying to automated LinkedIn recruiter messages is a personal choice. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- Opens up a line of communication with the recruiter
- Shows you are open to new opportunities
- Good way to get your foot in the door and be considered
- Recruiter may tailor future outreach if they see you engage
Cons:
- Low response rate since message was not personalized
- Recruiter may not remember you specifically
- Role discussed may not actually match your needs
- More personalized effort required on your end
You need to gauge if the role seems appealing enough to warrant a response. Make sure to reiterate your relevant background and needs in your reply to increase personalization.
How recruiters can improve LinkedIn outreach
For recruiters wanting to boost LinkedIn messaging effectiveness, here are some tips:
- Personalize at least initial messages to high-potential prospects
- Follow-up promptly if recipients engage with your outreach
- Ask specific questions about their experience and interests
- Only auto-message secondary prospects with lower response rates expected
- Use segmented recipient lists to tailor messages for specific roles
- Test different message styles and templates to see what gets best response
- Monitor response metrics to refine messaging approach over time
The bottom line
LinkedIn gives recruiters tools to send both automated and personalized messages at scale. Recipients should look for signs of customization vs. templated text to gauge if the opportunity is worth pursuing. With the right balance of personal and automated outreach, recruiters can optimize their talent pipelines on LinkedIn.
