Quick Answers
There are a few key things you should keep in mind when crafting a LinkedIn message to inquire about job opportunities:
– Personalize the message with the hiring manager’s name and company information. This shows you took the time to research who you’re reaching out to.
– Express your interest in the role or company. Explain why you’re intrigued and would be a great fit.
– Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications. Draw connections between your background and the job description.
– Ask for next steps, like the chance to further discuss the role and your qualifications. Provide your contact information.
– Keep the message concise yet compelling. Aim for 3-5 sentences highlighting your most relevant points.
Crafting an Engaging Opening
Here are some tips for crafting an opening that will catch the hiring manager’s attention:
– Offer a warm greeting with their name. This immediately personalizes the note. For example: “Hi [name], I hope you’re doing well!”
– Start with a compliment about the company. Show you’re excited by their work. For example: “I’ve been very impressed by [company’s] innovative approach to [mission].”
– Reference a mutual connection. This establishes common ground. For example: “[Mutual connection] suggested I connect with you.”
– State the role you’re interested in. This gets straight to the point. For example: “I’m very interested in the [job title] role you recently posted.”
– Explain why you’re reaching out. Briefly say you’re intrigued by the job and company. For example: “I was excited to see your opening for [job title] and wanted to express my strong interest.”
Expressing Interest in the Role
Once you have the hiring manager’s attention, express enthusiasm for the role:
– Compliment the role itself. For example: “The [job title] position seems like an excellent match for my experience in [relevant skills].”
– Compliment the company’s work and mission. For example: “I’m drawn to [company’s] innovative approach of [mission]. I would relish the chance to contribute and make an impact.”
– Share why the role excites you. Explain 1-2 key reasons you’re compelled to apply. For example: “The chance to [responsibility] while leading [initiative] is very appealing.”
– Use words that convey passion like “thrilled,” “eager,” “compelled,” and “excited.” This demonstrates sincere interest.
– Avoid generic language. Use details tailored to the specific job and company. This shows deep understanding of what they do.
Highlighting Relevant Skills and Experience
The hiring manager will want to understand how you’re qualified for the role. Succinctly highlight 1-3 of your most relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications:
– Tie these directly back to the job description. Explain how your background aligns with their needs.
– Quantify your achievements when possible. Provide brief examples like “[Increased sales by 30% over 2 years]” or “[Led team of 10 to deliver major project ahead of schedule].”
– Focus on transferable skills applicable to the role. These may include leadership, collaboration, analytics, problem-solving and more.
– Emphasize niche skills specifically called for in the job posting. These might include programming languages, industry knowledge, or methodologies.
– Mention awards and advanced certifications that demonstrate expertise. For example, “[Received ‘Salesperson of the Year’ 3 times].”
– List only the most relevant skills. Avoid flooding the message with an exhaustive inventory of your background. Keep it succinct and scannable.
Requesting Next Steps
Wrap up your message by requesting next steps to further discuss the role:
– Directly ask for the chance to interview or speak further about the position. For example: “I would appreciate the opportunity to interview for this exciting role.”
– Offer to provide any additional details about your background and experience. For example: “Please let me know if you would like me to expand on my background in [relevant skills].”
– Suggest meeting or speaking by phone to learn more. For example: “I’m happy to make myself available for a call at your convenience to further discuss my qualifications.”
– Express flexibility and interest in fitting their timeline. For example: “I can be available for an interview on [dates] or any other time that works well with your schedule.”
– Provide your contact information and preferred method of communication. Share your phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile link to connect.
– Thank them for their time and consideration. This closes positively by showing gratitude. For example: “Thank you very much for your time reviewing my background. I look forward to your response!”
Keeping the Message Concise
While you want to include critical details, it’s best to keep the message relatively short and scannable:
– 3-5 sentences is ideal for the full body of the message. This ensures important info is digestible.
– Lead with the most compelling details upfront. Hook them in the first 1-2 sentences.
– Use bullet points to organize key details and make them easy to absorb.
– Pare down extra words. Opt for crisp, clear language that gets straight to the point.
– Avoid excessive modesty or self-deprecation. Let your qualifications speak for themselves.
– Steer clear of unnecessary filler words like “very,” “really,” “basically,” etc. These clutter the message.
– Stick to highlights vs. comprehensive background details. Provide an overview with depth in key areas.
– Proofread thoroughly to cut unneeded words and tighten phrasing. Every word should serve a purpose.
Sample LinkedIn Message
Here is an example of how you can put these tips into action with a tailored LinkedIn message:
Subject: Software Engineer Role at XYZ Company
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I was excited to see XYZ Company is hiring a Software Engineer to join your product development team. I have over 5 years of experience successfully leading engineering initiatives and would love to contribute my skills to your team.
I have been very impressed by XYZ Company’s reputation for delivering innovative cloud solutions. Your use of cutting-edge technology and agile approach truly resonate with me. The opportunity you posted for a hands-on Software Engineer role focused on cloud architecture and infrastructure management strongly appeals to my background. I possess deep expertise in:
– Cloud architecture and migration best practices, having led my current company’s successful transition to the cloud
– Agile software development methodologies like test-driven development and pair programming
– Continuous delivery and DevOps workflows to optimize release velocity
I would appreciate the chance to discuss the position and my qualifications. Please let me know if I can provide any additional details about my experience. I can be available anytime that works with your schedule.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to learning more about this exciting opportunity!
Best regards,
[Your name]
[Your phone number]
[Your LinkedIn profile link]
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to make your LinkedIn outreach successful:
Craft an Attention-Grabbing Subject Line
– Include the job title so your message is quickly scannable
– Highlight the mutual connection who referred you, if applicable
– Intrigue them with value you can offer: “Experienced [Role] Candidate Eager to Contribute at [Company]”
Personalize Each Message
– Research the hiring manager and company being contacted
– Tailor each message using specific job details and company info
– Adjust tone appropriately for each recipient
Show Enthusiasm and Passion
– Use exclamation points sparingly to convey excitement
– Share specific reasons you’re interested in the company and role
– Highlight skills and experience that strongly fit their needs
Be Clear and Concise
– Front-load the most critical details
– Pare down wordy sentences
– Stick to 3-5 compelling sentences
– Use bulleted lists to organize key points
Follow Up Politely
– Wait 1-2 weeks before following up if you don’t receive a reply
– Briefly reiterate your interest and qualifications
– Respect their busy schedule and ask about next steps
Conclusion
A well-crafted LinkedIn message allows you to make a strong case for your candidacy when inquiring about job opportunities. Personalize each note with the hiring manager’s name, company details, and specifics about why you’re interested. Succinctly highlight your most relevant qualifications tied back to the role’s needs. Express sincere passion for the position and company. Request next steps while providing your contact information and availability. With a compelling, concise message tailored to the recipient, you can effectively get your foot in the door.
