Yes, it is possible to reply to a declined message on LinkedIn, even though the platform doesn’t make it obvious how to do so. When someone declines your LinkedIn message request, you will see a notification indicating that the message was declined, but you won’t be able to view the message thread or see the recipient’s profile. However, there is still a way to send a reply.
Why Would a LinkedIn Message Be Declined?
There are a few reasons why someone might decline a LinkedIn message request:
- They don’t know you and don’t want to engage with strangers.
- Your message came across as spammy or sales-y.
- They are trying to limit incoming messages for privacy/productivity reasons.
- You aren’t connected in any way (same school, company, etc.) and they only accept messages from people they share connections with.
- They found the message irrelevant or inappropriate.
In many cases, a declined message is a sign that the recipient isn’t interested in communicating with you. However, there are situations where it could be a mistake or misunderstanding. Replying respectfully may help get the conversation back on track if appropriate.
Steps to Reply to a Declined LinkedIn Message
If you want to attempt to reply to a declined LinkedIn message, follow these steps:
- On the LinkedIn mobile app, go to the Messaging section.
- Scroll down and tap on the “Declined” notification for the message thread.
- This will open up the message composer window. The recipient’s name should auto-populate.
- Type your reply message as normal.
- Tap “Send” to deliver your follow-up message.
On the LinkedIn website, the process is slightly different:
- Click the Messaging icon at the top to view your messages.
- In the left sidebar, click on the “Declined” filter.
- Locate the declined message and hover over it. Click the down arrow.
- Select “Reply” from the dropdown menu.
- This will open up the message composer window. The recipient’s name should auto-populate.
- Type your reply message and click “Send.”
The key thing to understand is that even though the initial message was declined, you can still send a follow-up reply the same way you would normally compose a new message. The recipient’s name and profile photo will be visible in the message window.
What to Include in a Reply to a Declined LinkedIn Message
When crafting your follow-up message, consider including:
- An apology and acknowledgement of the declined message.
- An explanation of who you are and your reason for connecting.
- Any shared connections or context that explains the basis for your outreach.
- A specific request to connect or offer to provide value.
For example:
“Hi Jane, I noticed you declined my earlier message request. I apologize for reaching out cold – I should have explained who I am first. I am a recruiter at XYZ Company, and we are looking to fill a Director of Marketing role. I saw on your profile that you have extensive marketing leadership experience in our industry, so I wanted to explore whether you might be interested in this opportunity. If you are open to a discussion, please let me know or feel free to connect on LinkedIn. Either way, I understand if you are not interested. Thank you for your time.”
The key is to be gracious, acknowledge the declined message, and give the recipient a compelling reason to reply. Avoid sounding pushy, aggressive, or overly sales-oriented.
Tips for Following Up on a Declined LinkedIn Message
Here are some best practices when attempting to revive a declined LinkedIn conversation:
- Make your follow-up message shorter and more casual/conversational.
- Reference any common connections you share to establish familiarity.
- Explain how you can provide value, don’t just ask for something.
- Follow up only once – don’t harass the recipient if they decline again.
- Respect the recipient’s wishes if they state they are not interested.
- Proofread carefully to avoid spelling/grammar errors.
- Wait a few days or a week before sending your follow-up.
- Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and professional.
Essentially, your goal is to convince the recipient to reconsider and give you a chance. Focus on relationship-building and showing you are not a spammer or solicitor.
What Happens if the Follow-Up Message Gets Declined?
If your follow-up message also gets declined, you will see another “declined” notification in your LinkedIn messages. At that point, it’s best not to pursue the outreach further.
Continuing to send additional messages after multiple declines could be perceived as harassment. Leave the door open by ending your last message politely, but don’t force conversations with unwilling recipients.
After two declined messages, it’s unlikely that person wants to engage with you on LinkedIn. You will have to connect with them through other means if you still want to get in touch. But repeated LinkedIn outreach will likely be flagged as spam.
Why You Should Avoid Sending Too Many Declined Message Follow-Ups
There are a few risks if you send multiple follow-up messages after a recipient declines your initial outreach:
- The recipient may get annoyed and report you for harassment.
- You may get banned or restricted for spam-like behavior.
- You waste time messaging someone who doesn’t want to connect.
- You come across as pushy, aggressive, or sales-y.
- The recipient may view your behavior as a red flag.
In most cases, the best policy is to send one thoughtful, polite follow-up, then move on if you get declined again. Don’t take declined messages personally, and respect the recipient’s preferences.
Alternative Ways to Reach Out After a Declined LinkedIn Message
If your follow-up gets declined, here are some other professional ways you could potentially connect with that person:
- Ask a mutual connection to introduce you.
- Connect on another social media platform like Twitter.
- Find their business email address and email them.
- Politely ask them how they would prefer to be contacted.
- Connect with them at an industry event or conference.
- Send a formal invitation by mail to connect.
- Connect with others at their company to establish familiarity.
The goal is to respect the recipient’s wishes on LinkedIn specifically while still finding other appropriate channels to establish contact. With persistence and creativity, you may eventually get their attention.
In Conclusion
While LinkedIn doesn’t make it obvious, you can reply to a declined message by locating the “declined” notification and using the message composer. However, it’s important not to harass recipients who have expressed disinterest. One thoughtful follow-up is fine, but repeated messages after multiple declines will be perceived negatively. If you still want to connect, explore alternative professional networking channels. With patience and respect, you may eventually get a previously disinterested recipient to engage.
