LinkedIn is the go-to destination to connect with recruiters, as professionals can network, find open roles, and connect with others in their industries. However, because LinkedIn is so popular, it’s important to stand out among other applicants and be strategic about how you approach recruiters about potential job opportunities.
So, how do you reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn in a way that actually leads to an interview? The ideal outreach method involves a blend of research, timing, and straightforward communication skills. This step-by-step guide breaks down how to reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn, plus extra examples and tips to help you grab their attention.
How to Use LinkedIn To Contact Recruiters
LinkedIn is a valuable networking tool if you know how to use it correctly, whether you’re dealing with a high-level headhunter or a recruiter for entry-level roles. Follow these steps to give yourself the greatest shot at getting a response on LinkedIn.
Optimize Your Profile
First, make sure your profile is polished and up-to-date. After you message a hiring manager or recruiter, they’ll likely click on your profile to learn more about your professional experience. You want to make sure that every detail on your page showcases you as a top candidate.
Start by updating your profile with a professional headshot. Selfies and candid photos can be a bit too casual for LinkedIn. A polished photo in business attire puts your best foot forward and shows your professionalism.
Next, update all of the dates, roles, and responsibilities listed on your profile. You want the recruiter to have an accurate understanding of your experience and your career timeline so they can find the best match and address any concerns upfront.
Finally, give your profile a good, old-fashioned proofread. Typos and misspellings can show a lack of care and attention to detail.
Pick a Specific Person
The person you message is just as important as the content of the message itself. Do your research and find out who is in charge of hiring or recruiting for your target roles. Sending out an email blast to everyone who works at a company shows a lack of thought and research; it’s better to be strategic and reach out to a specific individual. Even if you accidentally contact the wrong person, they may be able to give you a personal referral to the correct point of contact.
Send a Personalized Connection Request
When you send a connection request to add someone to your LinkedIn network, you have the opportunity to send a message. This is the best way to introduce yourself and set up a conversation about available opportunities.
Recruiters and hiring managers likely get tons of messages every day, so be concise and to the point. You want to start your message with a tagline that summarizes who you are, what you’re looking for, and how it relates to the recruiter’s work. Mentioning your field, your current role, your years of experience, or any key accomplishments can help you stand out and get your foot in the door.
Mention Target Roles
If you have a specific position you’re targeting, bring it up in the message. Do your research ahead of time to see which roles most interest you, then highlight them in your introduction.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see any open roles from your dream company. You can also use an open approach where you share your resume and inquire about any future opportunities. Connecting with a recruiter can lay the groundwork for future roles, even if you don’t see any active job postings at the time.
Attach Your Resume
After you type your message, attach your resume before you hit send. Even if you have some information listed on your LinkedIn profile, including your resume is the best way to showcase your full experience to recruiters. If a recruiter opens your message and wants to learn more, but doesn’t have your resume on hand, they may simply move on to the next opportunity.
Time Your Message Thoughtfully
When you send your message could impact whether or not you get a reply. You want to time your message carefully based on the recruiter’s schedule. It can be helpful to send a message first thing in the morning so the recruiter has a chance to respond before being overwhelmed with other tasks. Later in the evening can also be a good timeframe, as some recruiters will keep an eye on messages from prospects, even after official business hours are over.
Regardless of the specific time of day, try to reach out to recruiters early in the week. This gives you time to schedule calls and follow-ups throughout the week.
Follow Up – But Allow Time for a Reply
If your recruiter doesn’t respond, you should absolutely follow up. However, make sure you give them ample time to reply. They’re likely juggling multiple prospects, so they may simply need a day or two to respond. Wait 48 hours, then try sending a polite follow-up message to get their attention.
How to Reach Out to a Recruiter on LinkedIn: Examples and Template
Now that you know the formula to success, it’s time to start crafting your messages. You’ll need to modify your messages to fit in with your specific situation, but here are a few examples to use as inspiration, plus a basic template to get you started.
Example 1: Targeting Specific Role
Hi Casey,
My name is Jordan Thompson, and I’m a software engineer with five years of experience in QA and back-end development seeking a new challenge. I noticed your job posting for a Quality Assurance Engineer at EcoTech, and I’m interested in talking more about this opportunity. If you think I would be a good fit, or you have other roles that might be a better match for my experience, I would welcome an open conversation.
Looking forward to connecting,
Jordan
Example 2: General Connection Request
Hi Brian,
My name is Portia Robbins, and I’m a marketing specialist with three years of experience in DTC marketing and e-commerce. While I didn’t see any marketing specialist roles available at Digital Transformations, I would love the opportunity to connect now so I can learn about open roles as they become available.
Please take a look at my profile or resume if you’d like to learn more about how I could support your team.
Basic LinkedIn Recruiter Outreach Template
Hi [recruiter name], my name is [your name], and I have [X] years of experience in [relevant fields]. I’m looking for [type of role] and would love to learn about any opportunities you have available at [company]. I’ve attached my resume or your consideration if I might be a good match for any openings.
Streamline Recruiter Outreach With Daley and Associates
Once you know how to reach out to a company recruiter on LinkedIn, you’ll be able to network with confidence and start turning job opportunities into job offers. By adding the personal touch of an individual LinkedIn message, you can emphasize your interest and give recruiters the opportunity to get to know you beyond what they see in the job application.
Learning how to reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn can be a valuable skill in your job search toolkit. However, even the best messages can get lost in the fray of a busy recruiter’s inbox. By working with our staffing team at Daley And Associates, you can get curated job opportunities delivered directly to you. Because the Daley And Associates team has well-established relationships with top employers, our job referrals hold a lot more weight than a simple cold email or message. To start connecting with motivated hiring managers for your dream role, contact us today.
