Reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn can be an effective way to find new job opportunities, but it’s important to approach these conversations strategically. Having an initial outreach message that grabs the recruiter’s attention and encourages them to respond is key. In this article, we’ll explore tips for crafting an effective recruiter outreach message on LinkedIn.
Keep it short and focused
When reaching out to a recruiter on LinkedIn, brevity is key. Recruiters are busy and likely receive many messages a day, so you want to be respectful of their time. Keep your initial outreach message to 3-4 sentences maximum. Get right to the point about why you are contacting them and what type of opportunity you are interested in.
Here’s an example of a short, focused outreach message:
“Hi [name], I noticed that you have been placing candidates for [job title/description] roles at [companies]. I have [X years] of experience in [field/industry] and would be interested in learning more about opportunities you may have. Please let me know if you would be open to a quick phone call to discuss. Thank you for your time.”
This message is clear about why the recruiter is being contacted and what the job seeker is looking for, all in just a few concise sentences.
Personalize the message
While template outreach messages can be handy, it’s important to personalize your note to each recruiter. Mention why you are reaching out to them specifically based on their experience and the roles they fill.
For example:
“Hi [name], I noticed that you have filled several [job title] roles at [company] over the last few years. Given your experience placing candidates in [industry], I hoped you could be a great resource for my job search.”
Taking just a minute to scan the recruiter’s profile and tailor your message shows extra effort on your part.
Highlight relevant experience
Your goal with the initial outreach is to get the recruiter interested enough to respond. One way to do this is highlight your relevant experience and skills for the types of roles they work on.
For example:
“With over 5 years in client services for retail brands, I have experience managing cross-functional teams, developing client retention strategies, and delivering excellent customer service. Based on the account manager roles you’ve recently filled at XYZ Company, I think I could be a strong fit.”
This provides key details upfront about your background and why you may be qualified for opportunities in their network.
Have a clear call to action
Close your outreach message by clearly stating any next steps or call to action for the recruiter. This gives the recruiter clarity on what you are asking for and makes it easy for them to respond accordingly.
Some examples of call to actions include:
– “Please let me know if you have any related opportunities available.”
– “I’d love to schedule a quick 15-minute phone call to learn more about your firm and share my background in more detail.”
– “If you believe my experience could be a fit for any open roles, I’d greatly appreciate being considered or hearing your advice.”
Proofread before sending
Before hitting send on your message, carefully proofread for any spelling, grammar, or formatting issues. Recruiters often receive messages with errors, so sending a pristine note shows extra polish on your end.
You want to put your best foot forward from the very first communication. Double check that you used the correct recruiter name, company details, and have a clear call to action included.
Follow up strategically
If you don’t hear back from the recruiter within a week, consider sending a polite follow up message. Here are some tips for effective recruiter follow ups:
– Restate who you are and why you originally reached out. They may not remember every message.
– Ask if they had a chance to review your background and if they have any current opportunities that may be a fit.
– If they have opened but not responded to your LinkedIn messages, politely ask if they have any feedback on how you can improve your initial outreach.
– Suggest scheduling a brief phone call to discuss further rather than extended back and forth messaging.
– Only follow up 1-2 times maximum. Any more than that may come across as aggressive.
Following up shows you are serious about connecting, but be careful not to badger the recruiter or reach out repeatedly if they don’t respond.
Use LinkedIn features to enhance your message
LinkedIn provides features to make your outreach stand out a bit more and showcase relevant information upfront. Consider using these strategies:
– **Attach your resume** – Allow the recruiter to easily view your resume and skills right from your message.
– **Share your LinkedIn profile** – Include a link to your profile to showcase your full background.
– **Send an InMail** – InMail messages go directly to the recipient’s inbox rather than getting lost among other messages.
– **Follow the company page** – This signals extra interest in the recruiter’s firm. They may be more inclined to engage with followers.
– **Share relevant content** – If you notice they shared an interesting article or post, you can comment on it as part of your outreach.
Connect with multiple recruiters
Rather than pinning your hopes on one recruiter response, cast a wide net and reach out to multiple recruiters at a time. Look for recruiters who specialize in your target job function, industry, or companies you’re interested in.
Connecting with several recruiters expands your chances of hearing about relevant opportunities. You can even politely mention in your message if you have reached out to others at the firm to expand your search.
Don’t get discouraged
It’s likely that some of your recruiter outreach messages, even those that are well crafted, may be ignored or rejected. Try not to get discouraged. In some cases, the recruiter may simply not have any relevant openings. Persistence and consistently reaching out to new contacts is key to success.
If you get outright rejections, use them as learning opportunities. Ask for feedback on why your background wasn’t a fit and what skills or experiences you can work on to improve. Any feedback can help you adjust your search and future outreach approaches.
Sample Outreach Messages
Here are some sample outreach messages to recruiters highlighting the best practices:
Example 1:
Subject: Product Manager with 5+ Years Experience Seeking New Opportunities
Hi Jane,
I noticed on your LinkedIn profile that you’ve successfully placed several product managers at high-growth software startups over the last few years. Given your specialization in the space, I hoped you could be a great resource for my job search.
I have over 5 years of hands-on experience managing agile product development and leading cross-functional teams to deliver innovative products users love. Most recently, I led product strategy for ACME’s mobile apps, driving a 20% increase in engagement.
Please let me know if you have any relevant product manager opportunities available at the startups and tech companies you work with. I’d be excited to schedule a call to discuss further. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to connecting.
Regards,
[Your name]
Example 2:
Subject: Experienced Account Manager Interested in Roles at [Company]
Hi Matt,
I came across your LinkedIn profile and saw that you’ve recently filled account manager roles at [Company]. I have over 7 years of experience in account management for SaaS companies and have been interested in [Company] for some time.
In my current role at XYZ Corp, I managed strategic accounts generating over $2M in annual revenue. Iexcel at building executive relationships, identifying upsell opportunities, and ensuring client retention and satisfaction.
Please let me know if you anticipate any account manager positions in the near future that could be a fit for my background. I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications and interest in [Company] in more detail. Thank you for your consideration.
Best,
[Your name]
Following Up Politely
If you haven’t received a response after about a week, sending a polite follow up message is appropriate. Here are some examples:
Example 1:
Hi Jane,
I wanted to follow up on my earlier message in case you may have overlooked it. I’m very interested in learning more about any product management opportunities you’re currently working on filling.
Please let me know if you have time for a quick phone call to discuss. I can be flexible with timing. Looking forward to connecting.
Thanks again,
[Your name]
Example 2:
Hi Matt,
Checking in here – I wanted to reiterate my strong interest in account manager roles at [Company]. I believe my 7+ years in SaaS account management could be a great fit.
If you have any feedback on how I can improve my initial outreach, I’d greatly appreciate hearing it. I know you’re busy, so I’m happy to follow up via email or a quick phone call at your convenience. Please let me know!
Thank you,
[Your name]
If You Don’t Hear Back
If you follow up once or twice politely and still don’t receive a response, it’s best to move on. Continuing to message repeatedly will likely only annoy the recruiter.
Don’t take the lack of response personally. It’s possible the recruiter lacks any relevant openings. Maintain a professional, gracious tone in your outreach, and keep trying with other recruiters in your network.
With persistence and continually honing your outreach approach, you will eventually connect with recruiters who can advance your search.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key tips to remember when reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn:
– Keep your initial message brief and focused – 3-4 sentences max.
– Personalize each message based on the recruiter’s profile and roles they fill.
– Highlight your relevant skills and experience upfront.
– Have a clear call to action, such as requesting a phone call.
– Proofread closely before sending.
– Follow up politely no more than 1-2 times if you don’t hear back.
– Try using LinkedIn features like InMail and sharing your profile.
– Connect with multiple recruiters rather than just one.
– Don’t get discouraged if some outreach is ignored – persistence pays off.
With a strategic approach, reaching out to recruiters via LinkedIn can significantly expand your job search prospects and opportunities. The key is crafting messages that succinctly showcase your fit while respecting the recruiter’s time. With practice, you’ll refine your outreach skills over time and learn what works best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I reach out to recruiters at companies I’m interested in?
Yes, directly reaching out to recruiters who work at companies of interest is an effective way to get your resume directly in front of the right people. Even if they don’t have immediate openings, they may keep you in mind for future roles.
How do I find recruiters to reach out to?
Search LinkedIn for recruiters at your target companies and look those who specialize in your function and industry. Check profiles for keywords like “hiring” and “talent acquisition” to identify recruiting focused roles.
Should I send the exact same message to every recruiter?
No, you should personalize each message to the recruiter’s profile and be specific about why you are reaching out to them. Mass sending templated messages is less effective.
How soon after applying should I reach out?
Wait at least 1-2 weeks after applying online before following up with a recruiter directly. Immediately reaching out to the same recruiter comes across as impatient.
Is it appropriate to reach out about jobs that aren’t posted?
Yes, many openings are not publicly posted, so recruiters can still be a resource. However, focus your message on showing your relevant background rather than directly asking about unposted roles.
Conclusion
Reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn is a great way to expand your job search prospects and get connected to new opportunities. With a focused, personalized message showcasing your fit and qualifications, you can grab a recruiter’s attention even if they don’t have immediate openings listed.
The most effective outreach focuses on what you can offer a potential employer rather than asking what roles are available. With persistence and continually refining your messaging strategy, connecting with recruiters can significantly further your career goals and job search. Just be respectful of their time, and you’ll be on the path to building relationships with industry insiders who can help you land that perfect next role.