Reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn is an effective way to get your foot in the door for job opportunities. When messaging a recruiter, you want to grab their attention and showcase why you are a strong candidate for open roles at their company. Here are some tips for crafting an effective message to a recruiter on LinkedIn.
Make Your Subject Line Appealing
The subject line of your message is your first chance to capture the recruiter’s interest. Some good options for subject lines include:
- “Interest in [Job Title] Role at [Company Name]”
- “Experienced [Your Profession] Seeking New Opportunities”
- “Referral from [Mutual Connection] for [Job Title]”
Avoid generic subject lines that will likely get lost in the recruiter’s busy inbox. Create a subject line that is tailored to the specific role or company you are interested in.
Address the Recruiter Directly
Always start your message by addressing the recruiter with their first and last name. This personalizes the note and grabs their attention from the start. For example:
“Dear Jane Smith,”
Note Any Mutual Connections
If you and the recruiter have any shared connections on LinkedIn, mention them near the top of your message. For example:
“Jane, I noticed we are both connected to Mike Brown, who mentioned you are the hiring manager for marketing roles at Company X.”
Name dropping mutual connections makes your outreach more natural and gives you some common ground with the recruiter.
Express Enthusiasm for the Company
Show the recruiter that you have done your homework on their company and are excited by their mission, values, and work culture. For example:
“I am very interested in opportunities at Company X. After researching your organization, I was impressed by your commitment to sustainability and promoting volunteerism.”
This demonstrates you are truly interested in their specific organization, not just blindly applying anywhere.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience
Connect your background to the types of roles the recruiter likely hires for. Focus on highlights that would make you a strong candidate, such as:
- Years of experience in the industry
- Specific skills or certificates
- Notable projects or accomplishments
For example: “With over 5 years in digital marketing and experience managing strategic campaigns that have driven over $500K in revenue, I believe I would be a great fit for open marketing roles on your team.”
Explain Why You Want to Work There
Give a brief explanation of why this company appeals to you and matches your career goals. Are you drawn to their culture? Excited about their growth potential? Align your “why” with details you highlighted earlier about being enthusiastic for the company.
For example: “I am looking to join a rapidly growing startup where I can take on a leadership role in marketing. Based on what I’ve learned about Company X, it seems like an excellent environment to develop and hone my marketing skills.”
Include Your Resume
Attach your resume to the message or let the recruiter know it is available on your LinkedIn profile. This gives them easy access to review your full background and qualifications.
For example: “Please find my resume attached, which outlines my experience in further detail. I’m happy to discuss my qualifications at your convenience.”
Suggest Next Steps
Close your message by proposing next steps to move the process forward. Some options include:
- “I would welcome the opportunity to discuss current openings and how I may be a good fit.”
- “Are you available for a quick phone call to discuss my background and your hiring needs?”
- “Please let me know if you would like any additional information from me.”
This shows you are eager to engage and lets the recruiter know the ball is in their court.
Thank Them
Always end your note with a simple “Thank you” and your name. Politely expressing gratitude makes a positive impression on recruiters.
For example:
“Thank you for your time,
[Your Full Name]”
Proofread Before Sending
Be sure to thoroughly proofread your message before hitting send. Check for typos, grammar issues, and unclear phrasing. Ask a friend to review it as a second set of eyes. You want your communication to be professional and polished.
Following these tips can help you craft an effective LinkedIn message to recruiters that grabs their attention. Showcasing your genuine interest, relevant background, and fit for the company role is key. With a compelling note, you can open the door to exciting new job opportunities!
