Looking for a new job opportunity can be an exciting yet daunting process. With the rise of professional networking sites like LinkedIn, one effective way to get your foot in the door is by directly reaching out to people at companies you’re interested in. Sending an introductory LinkedIn message is a great way to make connections that could lead to potential job interviews and offers. However, it’s important to craft your message carefully to create a strong first impression.
Why Send a LinkedIn Message?
LinkedIn provides a way to directly contact employees and hiring managers at companies you’re interested in. With over 675 million users, there’s a good chance someone at your target company is on LinkedIn. Sending a message allows you to:
- Introduce yourself directly to someone who may have influence in the hiring process
- Show initiative by reaching out instead of just applying online
- Start building a relationship with the company before even interviewing
- Stand out from the piles of resumes they’re sorting through
- Communicate your fit and interest in the company
- Get insider advice and information on open roles
In short, a LinkedIn message allows you to bypass the initial screening stage and get directly in front of decision makers. While not a replacement for applying officially, it can give you a leg up on the competition.
Who to Message
The key to an effective LinkedIn outreach message is targeting the right person. Here are a few strategies:
Look for Hiring Managers and Recruiters
Ideally, you want to message someone with influence over the hiring process. Great options include:
- Hiring managers – The manager of the department you want to work in will likely be involved in interviews and decisions.
- Recruiters – Recruiters review incoming resumes and coordinate interviews.
- HR representatives – While not involved in final decisions, HR reps can get your message to the right people.
Focus on people in roles like “Recruiter,” “Talent Acquisition,” or department managers like “VP of Marketing.” Use LinkedIn filters and search tools to find them.
Leverage Shared Connections
Try to identify 2nd and 3rd degree connections at your target company. People are much more likely to respond to someone in their extended network. LinkedIn displays your shared connections on each profile.
Join Industry or Alumni Groups
Join LinkedIn Groups related to the target company or your industry. Engage by commenting on discussions. This establishes a connection so you aren’t completely cold when you message someone.
Follow Company Pages
Follow company pages and engage with their content by liking, commenting, and sharing. This shows existing interest in the company when you reach out.
Craft an Effective Message
Once you’ve identified who to message, it’s time to craft your outreach. Follow these tips:
Personalize Each Message
Avoid copy-pasting the exact same message to multiple recipients. Personalize each one by:
- Addressing them by name
- Mentioning why you’re interested in their company specifically
- Noting shared connections, interests, or experiences
This level of personalization shows you’re not just blasting out spam messages.
Keep it Conversational
Write messages conversationally, like you’re reaching out to an acquaintance. Avoid stiff, overly formal language. However, you still want to make a good impression.
You can start with a warm greeting like:
Hi [name], I hope you’re doing well!
Briefly Introduce Yourself
Give a 2-3 sentence overview of who you are and your background. Share only the most relevant info and skills.
I’m a digital marketing manager with 5 years experience driving lead generation and sales for SaaS companies. I’m currently looking for a new opportunity to take my career to the next level.
Express Interest in the Company
Briefly explain why you’re interested in the company and what draws you to their mission and work:
I’ve been following ABC Company closely over the past few years and have been hugely impressed by your stellar reputation, especially in driving marketing innovation in the industry. I would thrive in a quality-focused, dynamic environment like this.
Mention Open Positions
If applying for a specific opening, mention it and how your background makes you a strong fit:
I noticed you have an open Marketing Automation Specialist position listed on your careers page. With hands-on experience executing complex nurture programs and workflows, I believe I could add value in this role.
Suggest Next Steps
Close by suggesting next steps to move forward, like an introduction, information interview, or just learning more.
I’d love to schedule a quick 15-30 minute call to learn more about your goals for this position and discuss how my background might be a fit. Would you have any availability this week or early next week?
Tips for an Effective First Message
Keep these additional tips in mind:
- Keep it short – Aim for no more than 4-5 concise paragraphs.
- Proofread – Double check for typos and grammar errors which undermine your credibility.
- Send individually – Avoid massive group messages which will likely be ignored.
- Follow up – Follow up in a week if you don’t get a response.
- Customize your ask – Offer different calls-to-action like an informational interview, resume submission, or application advice.
- Use media – Include links to your portfolio, website, or LinkedIn profile to showcase your work.
Sample LinkedIn Outreach Message
Here is an example personalized message you can adapt:
Subject: Exploring Marketing Opportunities at ABC Company
Hi [name],
I hope this message finds you well! My name is [your name] and I’m currently exploring new career opportunities in marketing.
I’ve been following ABC Company closely over the past few years and have been hugely impressed by your stellar reputation, especially around driving product innovation. Marketing for fast-growing software companies is my passion, and I know I would thrive in a quality and results-focused environment like ABC Company.
I noticed you have an open Marketing Manager position listed on your careers page. With 5+ years experience developing strategic plans and leading integrated campaigns that deliver ROI, I’m confident I have the right background to add value in this role.
I’d love to schedule a quick 30 minute call to learn more about your goals for this position and discuss how my background might be a fit. Would you have any availability this week or early next week?
I look forward to connecting further. Feel free to reach me at [your email] or [your phone].
Best,
[Your name]
The most important things are starting a personalized conversation in a warm, polite way and suggesting reasonable next steps to continue the dialogue. Follow up politely if you don’t get a response within 1-2 weeks.
Following Up After Connecting
If you do get a positive response and connect with the person, make the most of the opportunity by:
- Asking insightful questions that demonstrate your interest during informational interviews
- Sending a thank you message after any correspondence
- Following their advice and feedback on applying
- Staying connected on LinkedIn by liking and commenting on their updates
- Reaching back out down the line about other opportunities that arise
The goal is to start building an advocate inside the company who will think of and endorse you when roles open up.
Don’t Overdo It
While reaching out through LinkedIn can be effective, you need to strike the right balance. Avoid spamming everyone at a company or aggressively pitching yourself multiple times. If done right, LinkedIn outreach can open doors. But have patience and engage sincerely rather than bombarding people.
Conclusion
Sending personalized LinkedIn messages to connect with the right people at your target companies can significantly boost your odds of landing interviews and job offers. Take the time to craft customized messages, identify the appropriate contacts, and suggest meaningful next steps. With the right approach, a simple LinkedIn note can be the first step to launching your next career opportunity.