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How to Message Recruiters on LinkedIn – with Examples

Hunt the Headhunters Down! Get winning templates & real-life examples to craft messages that recruiters on LinkedIn simply can't ignore!
by Chris Allmer | May 24 2024
How to Message Recruiters on LinkedIn - with Examples

LinkedIn is home to over 6 million job opportunities in the US alone, and the number keeps growing every week! But, where there are so many job opportunities, there are also many other applications. The competition is tough, and the key to landing your dream job lies in catching the attention of recruiters.

Luckily, you can easily message them on platforms like LinkedIn. However, the way you reach out to them makes all the difference.

This guide equips you with 5 killer messages that crack the LinkedIn code. We will explain what recruiters do and how to find them. By the end, you will have all the skills to know exactly how to message recruiters on LinkedIn successfully—and maybe land your dream job!

What Do Recruiters Do?

Ever wondered how companies find those perfect puzzle pieces for their teams? It’s the recruiters, who are the matchmakers of the professional world

But how exactly do they operate on this massive platform? Let’s explore the inner workings of recruiters and how you can use this knowledge to your advantage.

1. Scouting & Targeting

Recruiters are focused talent hunters, using LinkedIn’s advanced search filters to target candidates with specific skills and experiences that match open positions. 

2. Deep Research

Recruiters go beyond just scanning resumes on LinkedIn. They carefully review your work history, skills, recommendations, and even your engagement on the platform. This involves joining relevant groups and interacting with industry content.

For additional tips on enhancing your LinkedIn profile, take a look at our article “10 Excellent LinkedIn Summary Examples.” This can significantly improve your prospects of securing the job you desire.

3. Building Bridges

Recruiters excel at building relationships by connecting with potential candidates and industry professionals to expand their network.

4. Active Outreach

If your profile shines bright, a recruiter might reach out if you seem like an excellent fit for an open position.

Hiring isn’t just a routine task; it’s the lifeblood of any organization, influencing the caliber of its workforce and ultimately, its success. That’s precisely why we’ve handpicked a selection of books designed to understand more about the hiring process itself.

Hunting the Headhunters: How to Find Recruiters on LinkedIn

Now we’ll show you how to effectively use LinkedIn’s search tools, tap into your existing connections, and get involved in relevant groups. These tips will help you navigate the platform and connect with recruiters who can help boost your career.

1. Use LinkedIn’s Search Filters

  • Job Title: Search for job titles like “Recruiter,” “Talent Acquisition Specialist,” or “HR Manager.”
  • Company: Look up companies you’re interested in and browse their employees to find recruiters.
  • Industry: Use the industry filter to narrow down recruiters specializing in your field.

2. Leverage Your Network

  • Connections: Check your existing connections to see if anyone works in recruitment or HR.
  • Introductions: Ask mutual connections for introductions to recruiters they know.

For more networking tips and strategies, check out our article How to Network: The Best Networking Tips For Beginners in 2024. Learn how to make a great first impression and build strong connections online and offline.

3. Join LinkedIn Groups

  • Industry Groups: Join groups related to your industry or profession where recruiters might be active.
  • Job Search Groups: Participate in job search or career networking groups to connect with recruiters.

Are you ready to take your job search to the next level? “The 2-Hour Job Search” by Steve Dalton is a game-changer. With Blinkist, you can access a summary that provides practical tips on using technology and networking to land your dream job faster. 

4. Follow Companies and Recruiters

  • Company Pages: Follow the LinkedIn pages of companies you’re interested in to see posts from their recruiters.
  • Recruiter Profiles: Follow recruiters who post job openings and industry insights regularly.

Pro-Tip: Use the “I’m Hiring” Trick

Advanced Search: In the search bar, type “I’m hiring” along with the role you are interested in (e.g., “I’m hiring Marketing Manager”). This will bring up posts and profiles of recruiters looking to fill that position.

Get That Job: How to Message a Recruiter on LinkedIn

Now it’s time to put all the theory into practice. Here are five tips to help you craft messages that capture their attention and pave the way for fruitful conversations. And if you need support with your writing skills, first check out this Blinkist article: How to Write Better Emails.

Tip #1: Personalize Your Message

Generic messages often get overlooked. Show that you’ve done your homework by personalizing your message to the recruiter or the company.

Example:

“Hi [Recruiter Name], I noticed you recently spoke at the [Industry Event] about [Specific Topic]. As a [Your Job Title] with a passion for [Relevant Skill/Industry], I found your insights very inspiring and would love to connect.”

Tip #2: Be Clear and Concise

Recruiters receive numerous messages daily. Keep your message short, clear, and concise to respect their time.

Example:

“Hello [Recruiter Name], I’m a [Your Job Title] with [X years] of experience in [Industry]. I’m interested in opportunities at [Company Name] and would love to discuss how my skills in [Key Skill] could contribute to your team.”

Tip #3: Showcase Your Value

Briefly highlight your skills and experiences that align with the recruiter’s needs. Focus on how you can add value to the company.

Example:

“Hi [Recruiter Name], I recently came across your profile while researching opportunities at [Company Name]. With my background in [Relevant Skill] and [Achievement], I believe I can bring valuable contributions to your team. Could we schedule a time to discuss potential opportunities?”

Tip #4: Include a Call to Action

Don’t forget to motivate the recruiter to take action by incorporating a compelling call to action in your message.

Example:

“Hi [Recruiter Name], I’m excited about the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] and believe my experience in [Relevant Experience] would be a great fit. Could we set up a quick call to discuss how my background aligns with your needs?”

Tip #5: Follow Up Politely

If you don’t get a response right away, it’s okay to follow up. Be polite and express your continued interest.

Example:

“Hello [Recruiter Name], I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my previous message about the [Job Title] position. I’m very enthusiastic about this opportunity and would appreciate the chance to discuss it further.”

And just like mastering the art of messaging recruiters on LinkedIn, networking is a must-have skill in today’s interconnected world. 

It’s all about building those meaningful connections that can open doors to exciting career opportunities and enrich your personal life.

Get ready to enhance your networking skills and build valuable connections! Explore our curated selection of the top 55 networking books on Blinkist. These books provide practical tips and real-life examples to help you navigate the networking scene with confidence.

Plus, to help you get started on the topic of how to message a recruiter on LinkedIn, we’re offering a 7-day free trial. This trial grants you access to our entire collection of books at no cost.


But remember, LinkedIn isn’t the only platform where you can enhance your job search. To explore your options, check out our comprehensive guide: “Indeed vs LinkedIn: Which Platform is Right for Your Job Search?.” Making the right choice between Indeed vs LinkedIn can make your job search more effective. This guide delves into each platform’s advantages, premium features, and how they can aid you in landing your dream job.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Most Common Questions When Messaging a Recruiter on LinkedIn

Q: How do I message a recruiter on LinkedIn after applying for a job?

A: After applying for a job, it’s important to follow up with a personalized message to the recruiter on LinkedIn. Express your continued interest in the position, briefly highlight your qualifications, and politely inquire about the status of your application. Remember to keep your message concise and professional.

Q: How can I reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn if we’re not connected?

A: If you’re not connected with a recruiter on LinkedIn, you can still reach out to them by sending a personalized connection request. In your message, introduce yourself briefly, express your interest in connecting, and explain why you believe you’d be a valuable addition to their network. Be Aware: You just got 200 characters for this message.

Q: What should I include in a message to a hiring manager on LinkedIn?

A: When messaging a hiring manager on LinkedIn, the process is similar to how to message a recruiter on LinkedIn. Introduce yourself briefly, mention any mutual connections or shared interests, and highlight your relevant skills and experiences. End your message with a clear call to action, such as requesting a follow-up conversation or interview.

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