Reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn is a great way to get your name out there.

Recruiters are constantly searching for candidates on LinkedIn, so getting in front of them can be a great way to get a job or internship.

Unfortunately, many job seekers don't know how to reach out to recruiters on LinkedIn. They send generic messages, like 'Hello,' or 'I'm interested in your open position.'

That's a big mistake.

To reach out to recruiters on LinkedIn, you need a compelling message. Every second, 101 job applications are submitted through LinkedIn, so you need to find a way to stick out from the crowd.

In this blog post, I'll show you how to reach out to recruiters on LinkedIn and share five useful message templates you can use.

Why you should Reach Out to Recruiters on LinkedIn

As a job seeker, your LinkedIn is probably always open. You check your LinkedIn inbox every day. And your LinkedIn activity increases when you apply for new jobs.

Recruiters check LinkedIn regularly, too. They look at who's viewed their profile and who's gotten in touch. They scan your headline and profile summary for keywords. And, if they're interested, they'll click through to see your work history.

1. Recruiters are actively looking for candidates

When a recruiter is on LinkedIn, they're actively looking for candidates. They know which companies are hiring and which roles are in high demand. They're also scouring the platform to find passive candidates and people they're not connected with.

Because recruiters are so active, they're more likely to see your messages than if you sent them a cold email. Use that to your advantage by customising your messages.

2. Recruiters can introduce you to new opportunities

Recruiters have contacts at companies and opportunities that are not publicly available. If you're open to new opportunities, they can introduce you to them.

Some recruiters are headhunters. That means they recruit candidates for other companies.

If they like what they see in your profile, they might pass you on to one of their client companies. That can lead to more job opportunities.

3. Recruiters can help you find the right fit

Recruiters can help you find the right job or company fit. They know what skills are needed, what companies are looking for, and how to find the right people for the job.

Some recruiters have close relationships with employers. They understand the employer's needs and can help match you with a job and get noticed by employers.

Before you reach out to recruiters

Optimise your profile

Make sure that your LinkedIn profile is complete and well-optimised by adding a professional photo, banner, optimised title with keywords, detailed summary, work history with descriptions, education, skills, and endorsements section.

• Profile picture - a polished headshot is a must. Having an image that feels genuine, professional, welcoming, warm, pleasant, and sharp with confidence is the aim here.
• Banner Image - Swap out the boring geometric blue for something that better represents you or your field of expertise.
• Headline - Leave off specifics about your present employer and focus instead on broad descriptions of your competence, areas of study, areas of interest, and essential skills for your chosen profession.
• About section - Use the About section to summarise yourself, provide a high-level summary of your experience, including customers, sectors, and your approach to leadership. Instead of just copying and pasting your resume's professional summary, take the time to really flesh it out and build a picture of your professional journey so far.

Research the companies you'd like to work for

If you're serious about finding a new career, you should sit down and make a list of potential employers you'd like to work for.

Then, after finding the firm pages using the search box, click the persons link to get a complete directory of everyone from the CEO to the Janitor who works there.

Positions like Recruiter, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Head of Talent, Recruitment Consultant, HR Manager, and Recruitment Manager are just some of the options you'll see when you utilise the search box.

Ensure that you've found the right person

Make sure you're targeting the proper recruiters or hiring managers on LinkedIn before you begin planning your strategy.

If you want to find a recruiter, you should search for the industry you want to work in plus the phrase 'recruiter,' for example 'marketing recruiter.' You may also restrict your LinkedIn search to local recruiters by selecting a specific location.

Remember to verify that the hiring manager or recruiter has not retired or gone on to other pursuits.

Once you've found the right people, make sure to manage LinkedIn connections so you can easily find them later on. You can also add custom notes so you can quickly personalise your messages once it's time to reach out to them.

Visit their profile before connecting

Before you reach out to recruiters or send the connection request, go to their LinkedIn page and make sure your privacy settings are adjusted so that they can see you've visited their profile.

For the recruiter's benefit, this will provide them access to your whole profile; in certain cases, they may even initiate contact with you.

When you're ready to connect

Always send a personalised message along with a connection request

Hold on a second before you hit the connect button in the bottom right! Finding the right words to express yourself is the first step.

It's crucial to include a note in your connection requests. Do you accept connection requests from strangers if there is no accompanying message? Probably not. When reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn, including a personalised message increases the likelihood that they will respond positively.

To get a recruiter's attention on LinkedIn, job-seekers should begin with a personalised message.

Examples

Hi [Name], I see that you are based out of [Location]. I spent my adolescent years there and hold many fond memories, but I am now a [Location]-based [Position] on the lookout for fresh career challenges. I'd be grateful for any advice you could provide. Let's get in touch.

Hi [Name], I saw you mentioned collaborating with firms in the [Industry]. It has occurred to me that I may try my luck as a [Position]. It would be my pleasure to submit my resume for consideration.

Keep your messages short and to the point, with a clear CTA

Keeping your message brief and straightforward is preferable since no one wants to read a novel. Your first message requesting a connection can only be 300 characters long, so pick your words carefully.

Don't hog the spotlight by reciting your long list of accomplishments. If your profile is properly optimised, which should include a few recommendations, it will accomplish that for you.

The most important thing is to have a clear next step. Nobody can help you if they have no idea what you want since you weren't specific enough in your message. Phrases like 'Let's connect' or 'please check out my profile to see how I may help' are helpful here.

Examples

Hi [Name]. Let me introduce myself: my name is [Name] and I'm a [Industry]. At this point, I'm just wanting to make some connections and learn from individuals in my field. Please take a look at my profile and let me know if I can be of service to you in any way.

Hello [Name], I noticed that you are employed at [Company name]. Just wanted to say hello and let you know I'm open to suggestions for future employment. I've worked in the field for [Number of years] and am eager to take on a new challenge. Let's connect.

After you connect with a recruiter

Send a follow-up message

If a recruiter accepts your LinkedIn connection request, you should send them a thank-you note immediately afterward.

Explain why you want the job and what you can bring to the table for the organisation.

Although you have up to 2,000 characters to express yourself, keep it brief. The message needs to get across one idea and encourage the reader to take some sort of action, so always include a CTA.

Examples

Hi [Name], I just wanted to drop you a quick message and thank you for accepting my connection request. I'm currently looking for a new challenge in my professional development, so if you have any openings for [Position], I'd be curious to hear more about it. Let me know if you think there's a way we can collaborate.

Hi [Name], thanks for connecting with me. Recently, I've pivoted from [Industry] to [Industry] and I'm looking for open [Positions]. I see that you're hiring entry-level employees at [Company] and I would like to become a part of your team. Would you be interested in meeting with me?

Send your resume

Now that the recruiter or hiring manager has accepted your connection request, you may get in touch with them directly by email or a LinkedIn message. Check the 'Contact details' section of a recruiter's profile for an email address; if you can't find one, use LinkedIn to get in touch with them.

Just drop the recruiter a line or two outlining your experience, skills, and what you're searching for, and include your CV in the message.

Examples

Hi [Name]

I appreciate your response to my LinkedIn connection request.

On your profile, I saw that you said you just began working at [Company name]. You're lucky to work for a company that's expanding so rapidly; it must be thrilling to be a part of it.

Please check out my LinkedIn page and let me know if there are any positions you are looking to fill in which I would be a good fit. Attached you will find my resume for your review.

Do you have time to talk on the phone?

Best regards,

[Name]

Hi [Name],

I hope everything is going well for you.

I am writing to express my interest in a position at your organisation. When it comes to the company's culture, I've only heard good things about [Company name]. It would be very appreciated if my qualifications and expertise were considered for any [Positions] that might become available.

Here is my resume, if you're interested. I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you by phone or Zoom about the possibility of working together in a suitable capacity.

Thanks for taking the time to consider this message!

Best,

[Name]

Keep in touch

Communicating with hiring managers via LinkedIn may not provide immediate results. A less-than-encouraging 'I'll keep your resume on file' might be the response you receive.

However, keeping in touch is one way to guarantee that you remain at the forefront of this recruiter's thoughts.

Perhaps you read an article about a recent development in the recruiting sector. A simple 'This made me think of you' remark attached to the link is all that's needed to convey your sentiment.

Keeping the discussion flowing in a polite and casual manner will help the recruiter remember your name, which may lead to a favorable impression of you as someone who is both informed and helpful.

Examples

Hello [Name], I just came across your post on [Website] and wanted to thank you for the insightful information you provided regarding the [Topic]. For today's reading, it was both enjoyable and informative.

I hope you're having a good day so far!

Best,

[Name]

Hi [Name]

I just registered for a webinar about [Topic] and I thought it might be interesting to you. You can check it out here [Link]. We discussed the [Topic] in one of our previous conversations, and I would like to pick that discussion back up if you're interested.

Best,

[Name]

Over to you

As you can see, reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn doesn't have to be difficult.

By following the steps above, you'll find it much easier to connect with recruiters on LinkedIn and convince them to look at your resume.

And, most importantly, you'll get your foot in the door at your dream company.

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