How to Message Recruiters on Linkedin 

LinkedIn is a popular platform where professionals gather and build connections. It is also a famous app for job seekers and recruiters to meet. Job searching could be challenging, so reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn could be a great way to get your name out there - with a note: as long as you do it right. 

Although it might feel strange to be so direct on your job seeking approach by contacting recruiters on LinkedIn, reaching out to them is completely acceptable. Afterall, that is what the platform was made for. Nearly all (93 percent) of hiring managers use the platform to find candidates. So, this is a platform you need to take advantage of, right? 

See also: Planning a Fresh Start for a New Career

If you are struggling with exactly how to reach out to recruiters on LinkedIn, here are some practical tips for you. Read on...

Send a personalised connection request + short message 

Sending personalised connection request allows you to connect deeper with the recruiter of your choice, but before you click on the connect button, you should first figure out what to say first. 

Adding a message to your connection requests is essential so the chance of getting accepted is bigger. In the short message, you need to start with something personal to catch recruiter’s attention. You can refer to the following example: 

“Hello, (recruiter’s name). I noticed you live in London! I grew up there and I miss it. Now I am a financial advisor based in Malaysia and looking for new opportunities in the finance niche. I would appreciate any guidance you could give me. Would you like to connect and speak further?” 

Set yourself apart 

If you already have a recruiter connection but have never been speaking with them, Talent Acquisition Manager Angela Buhr suggested that you should set yourself apart when you want to connect with recruiters. 

Recruiters might receive dozens of new messages every day in their inbox thus it might not be easy to stand out as an individual. As a result of receiving tons of messages, recruiters might also not be able to get back to you right away, especially if they have a very active inbox. To get away from this job seeker wave, there are things you can try which is by sending a message with a question not directly to your job search, such as: 

• “I read your article and was wondering your advice on this, if you have the time” 

• “I see you know xyz (a common connection you have), may I ask how you know them?” 

• “I know you must receive a lot of messages being a recruiter. I am actually considering applying to xyz (considering a change in my career) and I was wondering if you have worked with (the company you have done research on) and if you might be able to provide any insight or let me know who would? Any feedback would be much appreciated."

Treat it like networking opportunity 

Buhr went on to say that job seekers have to be smart in their approach. When looking for a job, they should treat it the same as if going to a networking party. Use sales pitch to get that hot client that everyone is vying over. Some tips before contacting recruiters: 

• Know your purpose 

• Do your research 

• Be direct and smart in your communication 

• Use positive and encouraging words 

• Put yourself in their shoes (a.k.a re-read your messages before ending them and read it from recruiter’s perspective)

Stay in touch and don’t burn bridges 

After reaching out to recruiters, results might not come right away. There are processes recruiters must do, such as screening your resume and finding the right job that match with your interests and skills. But along with these processes, the communication with your connection should not end. Instead, you can simply circle back every couple of months in a casual, friendly way. Perhaps, you can read an article about a new trend in the recruiter’s industry and send the link with a quick note, “This made me think of you. Hope you are doing well.” Keeping a relaxed and warm conversation running will help the recruiter remember you and the kind of person you are. 

Next read: Job Seeker’s Tips: How to Collaborate Well with Recruiters