How do I message talent acquisition on LinkedIn?

Using LinkedIn to connect with recruiters and talent acquisition professionals can be an effective way to get your resume in front of hiring managers at companies you want to work for. However, it’s important to approach these conversations thoughtfully and professionally to create a good impression.

Should I message recruiters on LinkedIn?

Messaging recruiters on LinkedIn can be an appropriate job search strategy in many cases. Recruiters are often open to being contacted by qualified candidates about potential job opportunities. Here are some tips for determining when it makes sense to reach out:

• If a recruiter works for a company you’re very interested in, it’s generally fine to send them a connection request and message.
• If you see a job posting from a recruiter that’s a great fit for you, messaging them is often welcomed.
• If you have previous existing connections to a recruiter or someone at their company, mentioning that in your message can get their attention.

However, there are also some cases where messaging recruiters may not be advisable:

• If a recruiter specifically says in their profile not to contact them about jobs, respect their wishes.
• Avoid messaging recruiters from companies you have no actual interest in working for.
• Refrain from overly generic messages – personalized messages have a better chance of getting a response.

How to find recruiters to message

Here are some tips for finding relevant recruiters and talent acquisition professionals on LinkedIn to potentially reach out to:

• Use LinkedIn’s advanced search to search for keywords like “recruiter” or “talent acquisition” along with the company name or location you’re interested in.
• Check the profiles of recruiters who work for target companies and see if you have any shared connections in common.
• Look for recruiters who have posted job openings that match your background and interests.
• Search for alumni from your university who now work in recruiting roles.
• Look at the profiles of people who work in the department you want to join at a given company for internal referrals.

How to connect with recruiters on LinkedIn

When reaching out to a recruiter on LinkedIn, it’s important your connection request includes a customized message. Here are some tips for connecting:

• Mention why you want to connect – such as a shared alma mater or interest in openings at their company.
• Be clear if you’d like to further discuss potential job opportunities or just expand your network.
• Refer to their background, specialty area, or recent posts to personalize the message.
• Keep the message brief but make sure you come across professionally.

It can also be effective to try connecting with a warm approach by mentioning mutual connections or groups:

• “My college classmate Jenny Smith who works at your company suggested I connect with you.”
• “As a member of the Digital Marketing Professionals group, I wanted to connect given our shared interests.”

What to include in a message to a recruiter

When messaging a recruiter on LinkedIn, your outreach needs to catch their attention quickly and highlight your fit for potential job opportunities. Here are some tips for crafting effective messages:

• Keep the message concise – 1-2 paragraphs at most.
• Outline your background, skills and motivation for reaching out in the first paragraph.
• Mention specific roles, openings or companies you’re interested in applying to.
• Speak to how your experience matches the company’s needs and role requirements.
• Avoid just saying you’re “interested” – be more specific.
• Mention mutual connections or groups if applicable to establish rapport.
• Thank them for their time and offer to send over your resume.

Here is an example of an effective recruiter outreach message:

Best,
John

Following up after messaging a recruiter

It’s important to follow up if a recruiter doesn’t respond to your initial LinkedIn message. Here are some tips for following up tactfully:

• Wait at least 1 week before following up to allow them time to respond.
• Keep the follow up message brief – 2-3 sentences at most.
• Be gracious and understanding about the delay.
• Politely reiterate your interest and offer to provide any additional information needed.
• Suggest setting up a phone call if they would be interested in discussing further.

However, if a recruiter continues not to respond after a follow up attempt or two, it’s usually best not to persist further.

Mistakes to avoid when messaging recruiters

There are some common mistakes that should be avoided when reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn:

• Don’t use overly casual language or slang.
• Don’t have typos – this gives a bad impression.
• Don’t use a generic message you blast out to every recruiter.
• Don’t come across as desperate or pushy.
• Don’t make exaggerated claims about yourself that can’t be verified.
• Don’t message recruiters just because they work at a well-known company.
• Don’t make demands or have unrealistic expectations.

LinkedIn messaging allows for some informality, but you still want your messages to come across polished and professional. Sloppiness suggests you might not be detail-oriented in your actual work.

Key takeaways

Here are some key tips to keep in mind when messaging recruiters on LinkedIn:

• Personalize your connection requests and messages.
• Be clear if you are just networking or seeking job opportunities.
• Succinctly state how your background is a match for the company.
• Use a warm approach if you have mutual connections.
• Follow up politely if you don’t receive an initial response.
• Stay professional – both in your language and persistence.

With the right strategy, messaging recruiters on LinkedIn can be an effective way to get interviews and land jobs. Just be thoughtful in your approach and tone. With some finesse, you can make great connections leading to exciting new career opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to start a message to a recruiter on LinkedIn?

Some effective ways to start a message to a recruiter include:

– Referencing a job posting they shared that you are interested in.

– Mentioning a mutual connection who referred you or suggested connecting.

– Briefly introducing yourself and your professional background.

– Explaining why you are interested in opportunities at their company.

Should you send your resume to a recruiter on LinkedIn without being asked?

It’s generally better not to send your resume unprompted in an initial LinkedIn message. The first message should be focused on introducing yourself and expressing interest in opportunities. Offer to provide your resume if the recruiter would like to see it. Wait for them to request it before attaching it unasked.

What is the best way to follow up with a recruiter who hasn’t responded?

When following up with a recruiter who hasn’t responded, briefly reiterate your interest in opportunities you discussed previously. Be polite and understanding they may have just been very busy. Ask if they need any additional information from you and suggest setting up a phone call to discuss further. Keep the follow up message concise – just 2-3 sentences.

How soon after connecting with a recruiter is it appropriate to message about jobs?

It’s reasonable to send a recruiter a message about job opportunities soon after connecting, such as within the same week. You want your interest and enthusiasm to come across. Just be sure to keep the initial message focused on discussing your fit for potential openings or asking about positions rather than directly applying.

What are recruiters looking for in LinkedIn messages?

Recruiters want LinkedIn messages that are customized, thoughtful, and demonstrate a genuine interest in their company or job postings. Key things they look for include:

– Personalization and specifics about their company.
– Warm approaches referencing mutual connections.
– Clear explanation of your relevant background and skills.
– Professional but friendly tone.
– Lack of typos or errors.

Conclusion

Messaging recruiters on LinkedIn can open up job possibilities but needs to be done strategically. Customize your messages, highlight your fit, and stay persistent but professional. With the right approach, connecting with recruiters on LinkedIn can take your job search to the next level and help you land your dream job.