Sending a cold message on LinkedIn to inquire about job opportunities can be an effective way to get your foot in the door with companies you’re interested in. However, crafting an effective cold message takes strategy and finesse. Here are some tips for creating a compelling LinkedIn cold message template when reaching out to hiring managers and recruiters:
Research the Company and Recipient
Before reaching out, thoroughly research the company, hiring manager, and recruiter you plan to message. Understand the company’s mission, values, and current goals. Look at the recipient’s work history and background. This allows you to tailor your message and show you took the time to understand who they are.
Introduce Yourself Succinctly
Briefly introduce yourself in 2-3 sentences. Share your current job title, company, and 1-2 of your top skills or accomplishments relevant to the role. Get to the point quickly and avoid overly self-promotional language. Your goal is to grab their attention.
Express Interest in a Specific Role
Be specific about the types of roles you’re interested in at the company. If you know of a particular job opening that’s a great fit, mention it. Even if no roles are currently advertised, describe your ideal position based on your skills and the company’s needs.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience
Briefly explain 1-2 of your top skills, achievements, or credentials that make you a strong candidate. Focus on tangible examples that connect to the company’s needs, rather than just listing adjectives. Refer the recipient to your LinkedIn profile for additional details.
Explain Why You’re Interested in the Company
Say what excites you about the company’s mission, values, products, services, culture, or growth opportunities. Show you’ve done your research and explain specifically why you’d love to work there. This personalizes your message.
Ask for a Phone Call or Meeting
After introducing yourself, clearly state that you’d welcome the opportunity to further discuss potential openings or fit. Request a brief introductory call or meeting to learn more. Be direct but polite in asking for the next step.
Thank Them
Thank the recipient sincerely for their time and consideration. Express your appreciation for them even reviewing your message and LinkedIn profile. Gratitude can help build goodwill.
Proofread Thoroughly
Carefully proofread your message before sending. Check for typos, grammar issues, and unclear sentences. Ask a friend to review it with fresh eyes. A polished message shows professionalism.
Keep it Short
A cold message should be short, usually 3-5 paragraphs at most. Get to the point quickly. Cover only the most relevant details. Long blocks of text can overwhelm recipients.
Follow Up
If you don’t receive a response within 1-2 weeks, consider a brief, polite follow-up message. Reintroduce yourself, reiterate your interest, and ask if they received your original note. Don’t overdo follow-ups.
Sample LinkedIn Cold Message Template
Here is an example cold message template you can tailor:
Dear [First Name],
I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I’m currently a [Your Current Job Title] at [Company Name]. I discovered [Company Name] because I’m highly interested in [detail what excites you about the company]. Given my background in [relevant top skills/experience], I’m particularly interested in [job titles] roles.
I’d love the opportunity to bring my experience in [key skill/achievement] and passion for [aspect of company’s mission] to [Company Name]. Your open [Job Title] position seems like an excellent fit for my skills. Beyond that, I’m confident I could add value to [Company Name] in roles leveraging my [other top skills].
I’ve attached my resume and would be excited to discuss how I could contribute to your team’s success. Are you available for a quick 20 minute introductory phone call next week? Thank you in advance for your time – I look forward to learning more about [Company Name].
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone]
[Your Email]
Key Takeaways
- Research the company and recipient before reaching out.
- Introduce yourself briefly but compellingly.
- Express interest in specific openings or types of roles.
- Highlight 1-2 key skills/experiences that make you a strong candidate.
- Explain why you’re interested in the company specifically.
- Ask for a phone call or meeting.
- Thank them for their consideration.
- Keep your message short, polished and focused.
- Follow up if needed.
With preparation and a targeted approach, a cold message can lead to exciting job opportunities at your dream company. The key is showing sincerity, focus and fit with the company’s needs. Follow these tips to craft the right message for each recipient and position.