LinkedIn claims that 90% of professionals are open to job opportunities, but only 36% actively look for new roles. This means crafting the right message is your best shot at securing interest from passive candidates.
In this guide, I’ll cover:
- First-hand strategies for messaging candidates.
- Tailored copy-and-paste templates.
- My handpicked tools to amplify your outreach.
LinkedIn messaging needs some thought
If you want to message a candidate profile on Linkedin, your outreach must be:
- Personalized: Show you’ve put in the time and effort.
- Value-driven: Make it about them, not just your open role.
- Authentic: Build connections, not transactions.
Whether you’re sourcing passive talent or nurturing active candidates, the right message will start you off on the right foot.
A proven framework for LinkedIn messages
- Individualized opening: Reference something specific from their profile or work.
- Value proposition: Explain why you’re reaching out and how this benefits them.
- Call to action (CTA): End with a clear, low-pressure ask.
Let’s move onto how to apply it in different scenarios below.
Copy-and-paste LinkedIn message templates
General recruitment outreach
Example to copy and paste:
Hi [Name], I came across your profile while searching for [specific expertise/role], and your experience in [specific skill/field] stood out. At [Company], we’re working on [exciting project/goal], and I’d love to explore how your skills align with this opportunity. Would you be open to a quick chat this week? Looking forward to connecting!
Why it works: Personalized, concise, and focused on mutual value.
Passive candidate messaging
Example to copy and paste:
Hi [Name], your recent post about [specific topic] caught my eye – it’s clear you’re passionate about [specific skill/field]. We’re building a team at [Company Name] to tackle [project/initiative], and I immediately thought of you. Would you be open to a quick conversation about this opportunity? No pressure – just exploring options!
Why it works: It’s casual, respectful of their current situation, and piques interest.
Candidate follow-up
Example to copy and paste:
Hi [Name], I’m following up on my previous message about [opportunity/role]. I know you’re busy, but I’d love to discuss how [Company Name] could align with your career goals. Let me know if there’s a time that works for you!
Why it works: A polite nudge that keeps you on their radar without being invasive.
After connection request approval
Example to copy and paste:
Hi [Name], thanks for connecting! I’m impressed by your work in [specific area]. At [Company Name], we’re exploring innovative approaches to [field], and I’d love to see if there’s a fit for your expertise. Let me know if you’re open to a chat!
Why it works: It acknowledges their acceptance and continues the conversation.
Look at LinkedIn’s activity data
Recruiters often underestimate how much LinkedIn’s activity data can drive better candidate engagement. One overlooked tool is the “Who’s Viewed Your Profile” feature. Reviewing this data can help you identify individuals who are already interested in what you offer.
For example, after posting about an exciting new role, check your profile views for potential candidates who may not have actively reached out. These individuals might be exploring opportunities but are hesitant to initiate contact. Use this insight to craft messages like:
Example to copy and paste:
Hi [Name], I noticed you recently checked out my profile – thanks for stopping by! I wanted to personally reach out because your background in [specific expertise] aligns with a role we’re hiring for at [Company]. I’d love to connect and discuss how this opportunity could match your goals.
AI and outreach
Finding verified contact information is often the biggest hurdle in scaling LinkedIn outreach. That’s why AI and external tools have become entrenched as recruitment sidekicks.
AI holds huge potential in the recruitment industry. Partnering with LinkedIn’s AI-assisted messaging to improve candidate engagement enables teams to attract talent. LinkedIn is by far the biggest tool for a recruiter.
LinkedIn’s AI-assisted messaging offers recruiters suggested messages, tone enhancements, and real-time recommendations. By analyzing profiles, recent activity, and mutual connections, the AI ensures your outreach feels authentic.
Even with these features, sourcing verified contact information can be a roadblock, mainly when scaling outreach beyond LinkedIn’s messaging limits. That’s where tools like Wiza become indispensable. It integrates with LinkedIn to extract and verify email addresses, bridging the gap between AI-enhanced LinkedIn outreach and broader multi-channel campaigns.
How Wiza works
- Chrome extension: Install Wiza and access LinkedIn profiles.
- Contact extraction: Pull verified email addresses directly from profiles.
- CRM integration: Export contacts to your ATS or CRM for streamlined management.
Why Wiza stands out
- Accuracy: Verifies email addresses to reduce bounce rates.
- Scalability: Build extensive prospect lists for bulk campaigns.
- Efficiency: Saves hours by automating data collection.
When our team targeted candidates, we filtered profiles using LinkedIn’s search and Wiza to pull 500 verified contacts in under an hour. By personalizing our outreach, we secured 20 interviews in one week.
It’s all in how you say it
The key to winning over passive candidates lies in speaking directly to their career aspirations and frustrations. Often, these professionals aren’t actively searching because they’re comfortable, but that doesn’t mean they’re satisfied.
Your outreach should subtly address potential challenges they might face in their current role and position your opportunity as a solution.
Take this approach:
- Identify industry trends or challenges: Stay updated on pain points in their field. For example, a software engineer may be facing burnout from tight deadlines or lack of growth opportunities.
- Position your opportunity as a fix: Highlight how your role offers better work-life balance, exciting projects, or upward mobility.
Sample message to copy and paste:
Hi [Name], I admire your work in [specific field] and noticed your experience with [specific technology]. At [Company], we’re tackling [industry challenge] by [specific solution], and I’d love to explore how your expertise could drive this forward. Our team also emphasizes professional growth and flexibility, addressing common concerns many engineers face. Would you be open to discussing this?
The next time you message a candidate, ask yourself:
- Is this message tailored to them?
- Does it show genuine interest in their career?
- Am I offering something of value?
With this approach, you’ll stand out and win the race for top talent. Do you have strategies or tips you want to share? We’d love to hear about it in the comments section below.
Commonly asked questions
How do I message someone on LinkedIn if we’re not connected?
You can send a connection request with a personalized note, or if you have LinkedIn Premium, you can use InMail. Focus on making your message relevant and tailored to their expertise.
Example:
Hi [Name], I came across your profile and was impressed by your work in [field]. I’d love to connect and discuss potential opportunities that align with your expertise.
How can I write a message that gets a response?
Keep it personalized, concise, and straightforward. Highlight what’s in it for them and end with a specific, low-pressure ask.
Example:
Hi [Name], your contributions to [specific project] are impressive! At [Company Name], we’re working on something similar and could use your expertise. Would you be available for a 15-minute chat to explore this?
What’s the best way to follow up if they don’t respond?
Give them a few days before following up. Use a polite, professional tone and reiterate the value of the opportunity.
Example:
Hi [Name], I’m just circling back to my previous message. I’d love to discuss how [role] at [Company Name] aligns with your skills. Let me know if you’re interested!
Should I use LinkedIn or email for outreach?
Both have their place. Start with LinkedIn for initial contact and use email for follow-ups. Tools like Wiza help bridge the gap by providing verified email addresses.
