Making a good first impression with a recruiter on LinkedIn is crucial for getting your foot in the door for job opportunities. When sending a connection request, it’s important to customize your message and avoid generic templates. Here are some tips for writing an effective connection request message to recruiters on LinkedIn:
Do Your Research on the Recruiter and Company
Before reaching out to a recruiter, learn about their background and the company they work for. Look at their LinkedIn profile and website to understand their experience, interests, and focus areas. This will help you tailor your message and show you’ve done your homework.
For example, if the recruiter specializes in hiring engineers for a software company, highlight your engineering skills and interest in the company’s products. Mention any connections you have in common to establish rapport.
Keep It Short But Personalized
A connection request message to a recruiter should be brief but customized. Two to three sentences is ideal. Avoid sending the exact same message to every recruiter or using LinkedIn’s pre-written templates.
Address them by name and include details that relate specifically to them. Mention why you’d like to connect based on their background or company. Avoid generic language like “I’d love to connect” or “I’m interested in opportunities.”
Be Clear About Your Intent
State the purpose for connecting directly in your message. Are you interested in opportunities at their company? Do you have shared connections or groups? Let them know upfront why you want to connect.
For example, “Based on your experience hiring social media managers, I hoped we could connect so I can learn more about openings at Company X.” Being transparent will let the recruiter know you aren’t just blanketing LinkedIn with requests.
Highlight Your Relevant Skills and Experience
Since most recruiters glance quickly at connection requests, highlight your background as it relates to their openings in 1-2 sentences. Mention specific skills, titles, companies, or other relevant experience.
For example, “As a UI designer with 5 years of experience at Tech Company Y, I was excited to see open roles on your team. I’d appreciate the chance to connect.” This provides key details upfront.
Close With a Call to Action
End your message by suggesting next steps to move the conversation forward. This gives the recruiter a clear prompt for how to respond.
For example, “I’d welcome the opportunity to learn more about the application process. Would you have time for a quick phone call next week?” Or, “If there are any open roles on your team that fit my background, please let me know.”
Proofread Closely
Before hitting send, proofread your message carefully. Double check for spelling and grammar errors, which make a negative first impression. Read your message aloud to catch any areas that sound awkward or unclear.
Consider asking a friend to review your message and provide feedback. A second set of eyes can help identify improvements.
Customize for Each Recruiter
Avoid copy-pasting the exact same message to every recruiter. Take the time to tailor your message and highlight different skills or experience based on the recruiter’s focus. Recruiters can easily spot generic messages.
Personalizing each connection request shows you are selective about who you reach out to and serious about their particular openings.
Follow Up After Connecting
Don’t stop networking after receiving an acceptance from the recruiter. Follow up and engage with their content to nurture the relationship over time.
Like and comment on their posts, especially content related to hiring. Send them articles or other helpful resources relevant to their work. This shows ongoing interest beyond just connecting.
Avoid Hard Selling Yourself
While you want to highlight your best credentials, avoid sounding like an aggressive sales pitch. Don’t overhype your skills or make bold claims about being the perfect candidate.
Stay humble and focus on showing alignment between your background and the company’s needs. Let the recruiter make the assessment of whether you may be a fit.
Sample LinkedIn Connection Request to Recruiter
Here is an example of a customized connection request message to a recruiter:
“Hi [Recruiter’s Name], I noticed that you’ve been hiring social media managers for [Company X] which caught my attention given my 5+ years of experience running social campaigns. I’d love to connect and learn more about the open role I saw posted yesterday to get a better sense of the types of candidates you’re looking for. If you’re available for a quick phone call next week, I’m happy to share examples of my work and discuss how I could be a great addition to your team. I look forward to connecting soon!”
This message is brief but highlights relevant skills for the open position, asks for a phone call, and demonstrates personal interest in the recruiter and their company.
Things to Avoid in Recruiter Connection Requests
When reaching out to recruiters, there are several things you’ll want to avoid:
- Generic templates or copied messages sent to multiple recruiters
- Spelling/grammar errors
- Too casual language like text speak
- Aggressive claims about being the “perfect fit”
- Overstating your skills or experience
- Forgetting to personalize each message
- Requesting the recruiter endorse you for skills
- Asking if there are job openings without context
- Failure to follow up after connecting
Tips for Following Up After Connecting
Avoid just connecting and then going silent. Make the most out of the relationship by following up:
- Thank the recruiter for accepting your invite
- Ask intelligent questions about their hiring process or company needs
- Share relevant articles, posts, or ideas that provide value
- Comment on updates they post to show ongoing interest
- Suggest meeting at an industry event or over coffee
- Stay professional – no hard sell or constant job inquiries
How Recruiters Evaluate Connection Requests
When recruiters receive your connection invitation, they typically look for:
- Personalization – Is this a generic message or tailored to me?
- Communication skills – Is the message professional and articulate?
- Qualifications – Does this person have the needed skills and experience?
- Fit – Would this candidate align with open positions?
- Motivation – Does this person seem genuinely interested?
- Presentation – Is their profile polished and professional?
Making a solid first impression and showcasing your qualifications will get your foot in the door. But also continuing to nurture the relationship beyond just connecting goes a long way.
In Summary
A winning LinkedIn connection request to a recruiter clearly states your intent, highlights your relevant background, and kicks off a relationship. Avoid generic outreach by personalizing each message while also following up after connecting. If your request provides value and makes their job easier, recruiters will remember you for future openings.
With a customized approach and consistent networking, connecting with recruiters on LinkedIn can significantly expand your job opportunities and chances of getting noticed.
We hope these tips help you write effective recruiter connection requests that lead to productive conversations and advance your career. Let us know if you have any other questions!
