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By Jetze Eveleens
How to Write an Effective LinkedIn InMail Message in 8 Steps
In recruiting, reaching out to candidates on LinkedIn is a useful tool for attracting top talent, from operations managers to developers. Crafting a standout message is key to engaging and connecting with your target candidates effectively and professionally. This guide will walk you through the process of composing an InMail that is both impactful and respectful, tailored to professionals in any field.
Table of Contents
- 1. Personalize Your Greeting
- 2. Introduce Yourself and Your Company
- 3. Show That You Have Done Your Homework
- 4. Clearly State Your Purpose
- 5. Highlight Attractive Aspects of the Role
- 6. Make It Brief but Impactful
- 7. Include a Clear Call to Action
- 8. Be Appreciative and Open-Ended
- Additional Tips for Crafting Effective LinkedIn InMail Messages
- Conclusion
1. Personalize Your Greeting
Start with a personal touch. Address the candidate by name to set a connection. Make it more personal by referencing specific achievements or projects they've led that align with your company's goals. This attention to detail demonstrates genuine interest and respect, setting a positive tone from the start.
2. Introduce Yourself and Your Company
Introduce yourself with your name and role, particularly how it relates to the position you’re offering. Followed by telling them a little about your company, focusing on what would attract professionals in the target role— such as operational efficiencies for managers or innovative projects for developers. This not only introduces your company but also aligns it with the candidate's career motivations.
3. Show That You Have Done Your Homework
Show respect for their success in their career thus far. Mention specific projects or improvements or strategies they implemented that impressed you. This increases the relevance of your message and shows your respect for their contributions to their field.
4. State Your Purpose
Clearly explain why you are reaching out. Whether you're proposing a specific role, inviting them to discuss potential opportunities, or seeking collaboration on strategic projects, busy professionals value clarity and directness.
5. Highlight Attractive Aspects of the Role
Describe the role by detailing some challenges they may face, the systems they can improve, and the impact their work will have. Emphasize benefits like flexible work arrangements and opportunities for career advancement or appeal to their desire to make a significant impact in something they are passionate about.
6. Keep It Short but Impactful
Though thoroughness is important, but brevity is key. Busy professionals appreciate concise messages that quickly highlight the key points, such as role specifics, benefits, and the potential for significant impact within your organization.
7. Include a Clear Call to Action
What do you want them to do next? Offer a straightforward, actionable step, whether it's responding to your InMail, scheduling a meeting, or reviewing a document. Clear calls to action reduce barriers to engagement and prompt a quicker response or further interaction.
8. Be Appreciative and Open-Ended
Wrap up your message by thanking them for their time and consideration. Leave the conversation open-ended by encouraging them to share their thoughts or ask any questions they might have. This creates a relaxed atmosphere for them to freely decide how they wish to proceed, which can lead to more genuine and productive exchanges.
More Tips for Engaging LinkedIn InMail Messages
Start by Knowing Your Goals
Much like cold calling or emailing, your first LinkedIn InMail should not be about selling, as no one will be ready for buy-in from the initial contact stage. The goal should be to start a conversation. These people don’t know you, and you need to convince them talking to you is valuable and worthwhile.
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Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
Before you launch your InMail campaign, review your LinkedIn profile (if you’re the sender) and make sure it is complete and up-to-date. Here are a few items to look at:
- Profile photo: Use a professional image that looks trustworthy.
- Background image: A background photo of your company logo or achievements can build credibility.
- LinkedIn headline: Describe your position and/or unique skills and how you can be of service to others.
- Summary: Explain why you chose your career and why people can trust you.
- Work history and skills: Having these sections filled in gives you more credibility.
This will ensure that your profile works for you, not against you, when acquiring new leads.
Do Your Research
The most effective way to start a conversation with a LinkedIn user is by finding common ground. LinkedIn offers a wealth of information about a person's career trajectory and professional interests. When identifying a potential candidate, review their profile, recent activities, and the pages they follow. Observe their current role, duration at their company, and previous professional experiences to discover shared interests or unique aspects of their career that pique your interest.
LinkedIn InMail Writing Guidelines
When writing the perfect message, use a subject line that intrigues and piques interest. Since this is the first thing a user will see, it needs to be catchy, to the point, and relevant. Greet your prospect by their first name so that they know this message is intended for them.
The body of the message should revolve around the recipient rather than you and your needs. Quickly establish why you are reaching out so that the reader is not left wondering what the point of your message is. Stick to one reason for reaching out to maintain clarity and focus.
Keep It Short
Much like cold emailing, the length of your InMail message has a significant impact on whether someone reads your message and responds or not. Think of LinkedIn messaging as instant messaging, not emailing. Your goal in your first cold LinkedIn message is to get the recipient to respond. That’s it.
Give the Person a Reason to Reply
If you received a message from a stranger, you probably wouldn’t respond unless they gave you a good reason, right? Ask a question at the end of your message. It could be about their profile, something pertinent to their company or role, or their interests in a specific topic. This keeps the conversation going.
Increase Your Reach
It can be intimidating to reach out to someone you don’t know. But by practicing and using these tops, you can craft an InMail message that hits all the marks. The secret is to keep it short and relevant, tailor your message, and prioritize the reader. Personalization shows you did your research and care about the recipient and their company.Leveraging Automation with welovehumans
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Conclusion
Crafting an effective LinkedIn InMail message requires a balance of personalization, brevity, and clarity. By following these steps, you can increase the likelihood of engaging top talent and initiating meaningful conversations. Remember, the goal is to build a connection first, which can then lead to more in-depth discussions about potential opportunities. Use these guidelines to create compelling and converting messages that stand out in a crowded inbox.