The Sent InMail page on LinkedIn allows you to view and manage the InMail messages you have sent to other members. InMail is LinkedIn’s internal messaging system that allows you to directly contact any member, even if you are not connected. Here is a guide to using the Sent InMail page and getting the most out of LinkedIn’s messaging features.
Finding the Sent InMail Page
To access the Sent InMail page, first click on the “Messaging” icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage. This will bring you to your Messages page. Next, click on the “Sent” tab at the top of the page. This will display all of the InMail messages you have sent to other members.
Page Layout and Features
The Sent InMail page displays your sent messages in a list view by default. For each message, you can see the recipient’s name and headline, the subject, and the date sent. Icons indicate if the message was replied to or marked as spam by the recipient.
You have several options to manage your sent messages on this page:
- Search – Enter keywords to search through your sent InMails.
- Filter – Filter your InMails by status, date, or recipient.
- Compose – Start a new InMail message.
- View message – Click on any InMail to view the full message text and thread.
- Recall message – Recall a sent message if the recipient has not read it yet.
- Delete message – Delete any InMail from your sent list.
- Mark as spam – Notify LinkedIn if a recipient has marked your message as spam.
Viewing Sent InMail Messages
To view the full message text and thread of any sent InMail, simply click on it from your Sent items list. This will open up a detailed view of that message and any replies.
From this message view, you can see the full text of your initial InMail as well as any responses from the recipient. LinkedIn will indicate if your message was read and when. You can also continue the conversation by replying within the message thread.
In addition, you can delete the message thread or mark it as spam from this detailed view. This allows you to manage your Sent InMail list and keep it clean of any unwanted messages.
Recalling Sent InMails
One unique feature of LinkedIn InMail is the ability to recall a message after you’ve sent it. This can be useful if you notice a mistake or want to reword your initial message before the recipient has read it.
To recall an InMail, find it in your Sent items list and click the “Recall” link. LinkedIn will withdrawing the message as long as the recipient has not yet read it. The message will then disappear from the recipient’s inbox.
You can tell an InMail has been successfully recalled when the recall icon displays next to it in your sent list. The recipient will not be notified that you recalled the message.
Spam Reporting
If a recipient marks your InMail as spam, you’ll receive a notification on the Sent InMail page. The spam icon will display so you know your message was flagged.
It’s important to use the “Mark as Spam” link on these messages to notify LinkedIn. If you receive too many spam complaints, your account could face restrictions. Marking the messages yourself helps identify abuse.
In addition, you should customize your message and avoid mass InMail blasts. Personalized messages are less likely to be considered spam by recipients.
InMail Limits and Payment
LinkedIn limits the number of InMails you can send per month depending on your account type. Free accounts may only be able to send a few InMails.
To lift your limits, you can purchase additional InMail credits. Paid subscriptions like Premium Career allow unlimited InMails. You can also buy extra credits á la carte if needed.
Your current InMail allotment and usage is displayed at the top of the Sent InMail page. Review this to see if you need to purchase more credits.
InMail Best Practices
To get the best results from LinkedIn InMail, be sure to follow these best practices:
- Personalize each message and demonstrate you read the recipient’s profile.
- Be clear and concise about your purpose for connecting.
- Follow up if you don’t receive a response within a week.
- Use sparingly and avoid mass messaging campaigns.
- Follow up an accepted InMail invite with a customized connection request.
Difference Between InMail and Regular Messages
InMail messages are different from regular LinkedIn messages in a few key ways:
- InMail can be sent to any member without connecting first.
- InMail messages are highlighted prominently in the recipient’s inbox.
- There are limits on the number of InMails you can send.
- InMail messages cannot be forwarded to another member.
- You can recall InMails as long as they haven’t been read yet.
For most communication, the regular LinkedIn messaging system should be sufficient. But InMail provides a more direct way to reach members when you really need to get their attention.
Troubleshooting InMail Issues
Some common InMail issues and how to fix them:
- Recipient not receiving – Check your Sent list to confirm the InMail was sent. Also verify you entered the correct member name.
- InMail limits reached – Purchase more credits or wait until your monthly allotment resets.
- Unable to recall InMail – Recipient likely already read the message so it cannot be recalled.
- Messages marked as spam – Customize your messages and don’t send in bulk.
- Reply notifications not working – Adjust your notification settings on the Messaging page.
If issues persist, you can also contact LinkedIn customer support for assistance on any InMail problems.
InMail Etiquette
To use InMail effectively, be sure to follow proper etiquette, including:
- Introduce yourself and provide context on how you found them.
- Be clear and concise about your purpose for reaching out.
- Personalize each message based on the recipient’s profile and interests.
- Use a professional but friendly tone.
- Respect it if a recipient does not respond or declines connecting.
- Avoid sending frequent or overly promotional messages.
- Thank recipients who engage or provide helpful information.
With proper etiquette, InMail can be an effective way to build your network and reach prospective clients and partners.