Writing a good InMail message to a recruiter on LinkedIn is an important skill for job seekers and professionals looking to advance their careers. An InMail is a private message sent directly to another LinkedIn member through the platform, allowing you to connect with people you’re not already connected to. With over 900 million members on LinkedIn, InMail provides a valuable way to reach recruiters and hiring managers for potential job opportunities. However, crafting an effective InMail requires strategy and effort to get a recruiter’s attention among the many messages they likely receive. This article will provide tips and best practices for writing an engaging InMail that represents you in the best light and encourages a recruiter to respond.
Do Your Research on the Company and Role
Before reaching out to a recruiter, learn about the company they work for and the specific position or department they focus on. Read through the job listings they have posted as well as details on the company website and LinkedIn page. Understand the qualifications and skills required for the types of roles the recruiter seeks to fill. This allows you to tailor your message and show how your background and experience directly relates to their needs. Mention specifics about the company’s work that appeal to you and get the recruiter’s attention.
Highlight Your Relevant Skills and Accomplishments
A recruiter wants to understand at a glance how you would be a good fit for the types of positions they seek to fill. Use your InMail message to summarize your background, experience, and core skills that make you a strong candidate. Share key accomplishments from your work history that demonstrate capabilities the recruiter is looking for. You can include bullet points under each position to highlight special projects, awards, technical expertise, management experience, etc. Make it easy for the recruiter to see the value you bring.
Explain Why You’re Interested in the Company
Give an indication of what attracts you specifically to this recruiter’s company beyond just needing a job. Are you drawn to their mission and values? Are you impressed with their growth and innovation in their industry? Does their culture and work environment appeal to you? Share your enthusiasm for the company and how your align with their goals. This shows you have done your research and establishes a genuine interest. The recruiter will see you have specific reasons for wanting to be part of the team.
Keep It Concise Yet Personable
Written communication skills and etiquette are very important in an InMail. Get right to the point with clear, succinct phrasing that remains professional. At the same time, add some friendly personality and warmth by being yourself. Do not use over-the-top gimmicks that come across as insincere. Find a comfortable balance between formal and casual language. Keep your message focused and do not make it overly lengthy. A recruiter needs to be able to grasp the key points within the first few sentences.
Express Your Interest and Availability
If a specific role is posted that you want to apply for, say so directly and reference the job title and your application materials. Or if you are open to learning more about potential opportunities in general, indicate your interest in having an exploratory discussion. Provide your availability and enthusiasm to interview for the right opening. Give the recruiter tactical next steps and state clearly what you would like to happen following your InMail.
Close with a Call to Action
Wrap up your InMail by urging the recruiter to take your candidacy to the next step. For example, you can say that you hope to move forward in the hiring process or request time to speak by phone about available roles. Ask if they need any additional information from you. Include a thank you for their time and consideration. Politely nudge them to respond while demonstrating eager initiative.
Proofread Thoroughly Before Sending
With written communication, spelling and grammar errors can immediately disqualify you. Carefully proofread your InMail message before sending to fix typos or mistakes. Read it aloud and enlist someone else to review it with fresh eyes. Ensure proper capitalization and punctuation. Show the recruiter you take time and care with the quality of your work.
Follow Up Strategically If No Response
If you have not heard back from the recruiter after about one week, consider sending a brief, professional follow-up expressing continued interest. But do not bombard the recruiter with constant pestering messages. You may need to try connecting with other recruiters at the company as well. Look for opportunities to network with company employees through LinkedIn Groups and be proactive.
Examples of Effective InMail Messages to Recruiters
Reviewing example InMail messages can help provide inspiration for crafting your own. Here are two sample messages showcasing different approaches:
InMail Example #1
Dear Jane,
I was excited to see ACME Company’s posting for a Social Media Manager on LinkedIn. As an experienced marketing leader with a track record of developing successful social campaigns, I believe I would be a great fit for this role.
Most recently, I led social media strategy for XYZ Corp where I grew followers by 30% year-over-year and engagement rates by 45%. I implemented an innovative content calendar and leveraged influencer partnerships to amplify reach. My campaigns generated an average of 8 million impressions monthly.
ACME’s cutting-edge work in the tech sector aligns well with my background. Your mission to make tools more accessible through quality user experiences resonates with me. I would love to discuss how I can use my skills in audience growth, community building, and analytics to support ACME’s social media presence.
Please find my resume attached. I look forward to learning more about the Social Media Manager role and potential fit. Thank you for your consideration.
Best,
[Your Name]
InMail Example #2
Hi Tom,
I hope you don’t mind me reaching out cold like this, but I came across your profile while researching opportunities at Smith & Co and was thoroughly impressed by your background. As someone passionate about innovating healthcare technology, I have long admired Smith & Co’s forward-thinking products and mission to improve patient care and access.
My background is in software engineering and product development in the medical domain. Most recently, I led design for HealthTech’s new patient portal app increasing usage by 22% in just 8 months. I also hold a Master’s degree in Biomedical Informatics from State University.
With 8+ years in healthcare technology, I have the type of experience Smith & Co is looking for. Beyond my technical skills, I am a big-picture thinker focused on designing intuitive solutions that create real impact. While I don’t see an opening now that’s a direct fit, I would love to connect and explore if there may be related opportunities you think could be a match.
I welcome the opportunity to speak with you in more detail. Please let me know if you might have time for a quick phone call to learn more about my background and interests. Thank you for considering, and I look forward to hopefully speaking soon.
Regards,
[Your Name]
Key Takeaways
– Research the company and recruiter to personalize your message
– Summarize your most relevant qualifications and skills
– Express genuine interest in the company and role
– Use clear, concise phrasing while adding some warmth
– Include a call to action and next steps
– Proofread closely before sending
– Follow up if needed, but avoid badgering the recruiter
Conclusion
Making a positive first impression with an engaging InMail gives you an advantage in reaching the right people for job opportunities. While sending messages out broadly may be tempting, taking the time to craft customized content that stands out shows commitment. Follow the tips in this article to write InMails that get you noticed by recruiters and start meaningful conversations to achieve your career goals through LinkedIn.