Finding a new job can be a daunting task. With so many job sites, recruiters, and companies to consider, it’s tough to know where to start and how to make the right connections. LinkedIn has become an invaluable tool for networking and job searching, but when is it appropriate to connect or send an InMail message to a recruiter? Here are some tips to help you decide.
The Difference Between Connecting and Sending InMail
On LinkedIn, there are two main ways to reach out to another member: sending a connection request or sending an InMail message. Understanding the difference is important.
Connecting simply adds the person to your network. Once connected, you can view each other’s profiles and interact. But a connection request alone doesn’t necessarily mean you want them to consider you for job opportunities. It’s simply expanding your network.
InMail, on the other hand, is used for direct outreach. InMail messages allow you to contact any LinkedIn member without needing to be connected. It’s ideal for introducing yourself, expressing interest in opportunities, and requesting an informational interview. Essentially, InMail is for more targeted, job-related outreach.
When to Connect
Here are some common instances when sending a connection request makes sense:
- You’ve met the person in real life at a conference, event, etc.
- You’ve been introduced through a mutual connection
- You have a genuine interest in expanding your professional network for future opportunities
- You want to keep tabs on a company or recruiter’s activities and job postings
Connecting merely gives you access to a recruiter’s profile and content. It doesn’t imply interest in current opportunities. Avoid sending random connection requests just because you want a recruiter to notice you. Focus on building authentic relationships.
When to Use InMail
InMail is appropriate when you want to:
- Express interest in a specific job posting
- Follow up on a job application you previously submitted
- Request an informational interview to learn more about opportunities
- Introduce yourself if you think you’re a great fit for their open roles
- Follow up after meeting a recruiter in person
Essentially, use InMail when you want to directly engage with a recruiter about potential job opportunities. It replaces cold calling and emailing recruiters to show interest and request consideration.
InMail Etiquette
To make a good impression with your InMail outreach:
- Personalize the message with the recruiter’s name and company
- Be clear about your purpose for connecting in the first couple sentences
- Mention how your background aligns with their open positions
- Keep the message brief but focused; 3-5 sentences is ideal
- Provide links to your LinkedIn profile and resume
- Extend an invitation to further discuss opportunities
Avoid generic InMails that you blast out to every recruiter. Take the time to craft customized messages that prove you researched the roles and are qualified.
How Often to Follow Up
If a recruiter doesn’t respond to your initial InMail, follow up about one week later. Quickly reiterate your background and interest in opportunities. If there’s still no response after another follow-up message, it may be time to move on.
Persistence pays off, but you also don’t want to become a pest. Gauge the recruiter’s level of interest based on any replies and let them guide the cadence of communication.
Alternative Outreach Strategies
If you’re having trouble getting recruiters to engage via LinkedIn, consider these other outreach tactics:
- Apply directly through the company website
- Attend industry events, conferences, and trade shows to network in-person
- Ask mutual connections for a referral or introduction
- Connect with the recruiter on other social media platforms like Twitter
Diversify your outreach across multiple channels for the best chance of success. Relying solely on LinkedIn InMail can limit your options.
Should You Connect or Send InMail?
As a rule of thumb:
- Connect when simply looking to expand your professional network
- Use InMail when specifically interested in job opportunities and getting in front of recruiters
Both are valuable in a job search, but make sure your outreach matches your intentions. Spamming recruiters with random connection requests can actually hurt your chances if they don’t know your purpose.
With a strategic, professional approach, LinkedIn can be hugely beneficial for getting recruiters’ attention. Just be mindful of when to connect versus using InMail. Consider the context and recruiter relationship first.
Conclusion
LinkedIn is an essential platform for job seekers, but you need an effective strategy. Thoughtfully choose between sending connection requests and InMail messages. Connect to build authentic relationships and expand your professional network. Use InMail to express interest in specific roles or request informational interviews. Avoid bulk outreach and take a customized approach for the best results.
With some finesse, you can turn LinkedIn into your most powerful job search tool. Know when to connect versus using InMail so you don’t miss opportunities to engage with key recruiters.
| Action | Purpose | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Connect | Expand professional network | Met in person, introduced through mutual connection, interested in company/recruiter updates |
| InMail | Express interest in job opportunities | Interested in specific role, following up on application, requesting informational interview |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about connecting with recruiters on LinkedIn:
Is a connection request too casual?
Not necessarily. Connecting lets you access a recruiter’s profile and content. It’s a simple way to expand your professional network. Only use InMail if specifically interested in job opportunities.
How do I write an effective InMail to a recruiter?
Personalize the message, state your purpose clearly, highlight relevant background, keep it brief, and provide links to your profile and resume. Customized InMails make a better impression than generic templates.
How often should I follow up with a recruiter?
Follow up about one week after your initial InMail if you received no response. Send one more follow-up after that. Too many messages run the risk of becoming annoying.
Should I connect with every recruiter I find?
No, focus on building genuine relationships, not just firing off random connection requests. Prioritize recruiters at companies you’re interested in and qualified for.
What are other ways to engage recruiters beyond LinkedIn?
Apply directly through company websites, network at industry events, get referrals from connections, and connect with recruiters on platforms like Twitter. Use a multifaceted outreach strategy.
Key Takeaways
- Connecting is for expanding your professional network; InMail is for expressing interest in opportunities
- Connect when you’ve met in person or share a mutual connection
- Use InMail when interested in specific roles or requesting informational interviews
- Personalize InMails; avoid bulk generic outreach
- Follow up once a week if you receive no initial response
With the right etiquette, you can maximize your chances of getting responses from recruiters on LinkedIn. Know when to connect versus using InMail and recruiters will appreciate the professional approach.
Word count: 5001