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Recruiting template

LinkedIn Recruiter InMail Templates

A LinkedIn recruiter InMail is a short, personal message to someone you have not connected with, saying why you are writing to them, what the role is and what you would like them to do next. Pick the version for your situation below, add your details and copy it into LinkedIn.

LinkedIn Recruiter InMail Templates

Fill in your details

Every version below updates as you type. A field left empty stays as a [placeholder] in the text you copy.

Email versions open straight in your email app with the subject and text filled in. You add the recipient there.

Your company and sender details are remembered, so the next template starts with them filled in.

First InMail to a passive candidate

When to use it: Someone who has not applied and may not be looking, whom you found through search.

Subject[Job title] at [Company name]: [Why them (specific)]

Hi [Candidate first name], I came across [Why them (specific)], and it is close to the problem we are working on at [Company name]. We are hiring a [Job title] to [What they would do]. The role is [Location and working pattern]. I don't know whether you are open to a move, so no pressure either way. Would you be up for a [Call length] call next week so I can tell you more and hear what you would want from a next role? Thanks, [Your first name] [Your job title], [Company name]

InMail mentioning a mutual connection

When to use it: A colleague or contact suggested the candidate, and has agreed to be named.

SubjectVia [Mutual connection]: [Job title] at [Company name]

Hi [Candidate first name], I'm getting in touch because [Mutual connection] and I worked together at [Where you know the connection from], and they mentioned your work on [Work the connection mentioned]. They thought you would be a strong fit for a role we are hiring for at [Company name]. The role is [Job title]. You would [What they would do], and it is [Location and working pattern]. Would you be open to a [Call length] call to hear more? If the timing isn't right, I'd still be glad to stay in touch. Thanks, [Your first name] [Your job title], [Company name]

InMail to a past candidate

When to use it: Someone who interviewed with you before, came close, and may suit a new opening.

SubjectSince we last spoke: [Job title] at [Company name]

Hi [Candidate first name], We spoke [When you last spoke]. I saw on your profile that you've since [What has changed on their profile], and it lines up well with a role we've just opened. We are now hiring a [Job title] to [What they would do]. It is [Location and working pattern], and it is a closer match to the experience you described than the role we spoke about last time. Would you be open to a [Call length] catch-up to see if it's a fit? If you have moved on to something you're happy with, I'd still love to hear how it's going. Thanks, [Your first name] [Your job title], [Company name]

InMail to a candidate who is open to new roles

When to use it: The candidate has said they are looking, so you can be direct about the role and the pay.

Subject[Job title] role at [Company name], [Location and working pattern]

Hi [Candidate first name], I saw that you are open to new roles, and your background in [Industry or area] fits a role I am hiring for. Role: [Job title] What you would do: [What they would do] Location: [Location and working pattern] Pay range: [Pay range] If this sounds like what you are looking for, reply here and I'll send the full job description and set up a [Call length] call. If it isn't quite right, tell me what you are after and I'll keep an eye out. Thanks, [Your first name] [Your job title], [Company name]

InMail for a confidential or senior role

When to use it: A senior hire where you cannot name the role publicly yet, or the candidate would expect a discreet first approach.

SubjectA confidential [Job title] search

Hi [Candidate first name], I'm leading a confidential search for a [Job title] in [Industry or area], and your experience, particularly [Why them (specific)], is close to what the role needs. I can't share every detail in writing yet. In short, the role would [What they would do], and it is [Location and working pattern]. Would you be open to a [Call length] confidential conversation? I'll share more on the call, and nothing goes any further unless you want it to. Thanks, [Your first name] [Your job title], [Company name]

Reply to "not right now"

When to use it: The candidate replied that they are not looking, and you want to keep the door open without pushing.

SubjectRe: [Job title] at [Company name]

Hi [Candidate first name], Thanks for getting back to me, I appreciate it. That makes complete sense. Would you mind if I checked back in around [When to check back]? If anything changes before then, my inbox is open. And if anyone in your network comes to mind who might like to [What they would do], I'd be grateful for an introduction. All the best, [Your first name] [Your job title], [Company name]

How to use this template

  • 1Read the candidate's profile before you write, and put one specific reason you chose them in the first line and the subject.
  • 2Keep it short: who you are, why them, what the role is, and one easy next step. LinkedIn's help centre says candidates are more likely to respond to shorter messages.
  • 3Stay inside LinkedIn's limits: up to 200 characters for the subject and 1,900 for the body. Every version above fits with the example details filled in.
  • 4Ask for a short call or a reply, never for a CV or an application in the first message.
  • 5Track who replies, and send the "not right now" reply to everyone who says no, so the conversation stays open.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Opening with the company's history instead of why you are writing to this person.
  • A personalisation line that could apply to anyone, such as "I was impressed by your profile".
  • Pasting the whole job description into the message.
  • Naming a mutual connection who has not agreed to be named.
  • Hiding the location or working pattern, which is often the first thing a candidate wants to know.

Questions

How do I write a LinkedIn recruiter message?

Start with one specific reason you are contacting this person, describe the role in a sentence or two, include the location, and end with a single easy next step such as a short call. Keep it short and sign with your name and job title.

How long can a LinkedIn InMail be?

LinkedIn's help centre says an InMail can have up to 200 characters in the subject line, which is required, and up to 1,900 characters in the body. Most effective recruiter InMails use far less than that.

What is a good subject line for a recruiter InMail?

Something specific to the candidate or the role, such as the job title with the reason you picked them, or the name of a mutual connection. Avoid generic subjects like "Exciting opportunity".

Do I get InMail credits back if the candidate replies?

LinkedIn's help centre says every InMail that is accepted, declined or responded to within 90 days of being sent is credited back. Recruiter and Recruiter Lite licences come with a monthly allotment of credits that depends on the account type, so check the details for your plan in LinkedIn's help centre.

Can I send an InMail without LinkedIn Recruiter?

Yes. Recruiter Lite and LinkedIn Premium subscriptions also come with InMail credits, though LinkedIn says Premium credits can't be used on Sales Navigator or LinkedIn Recruiter. You can also send a connection request with a short note, or email the candidate if you have their address.

Should I include the salary in a LinkedIn InMail?

If the candidate has said they are looking, a pay range up front saves both of you time, and in some places the law requires pay ranges in job postings. For a first approach to a passive candidate, many recruiters share it on the call.

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