As a recruiter, sending InMails on LinkedIn is a critical part of sourcing top talent. However, crafting the perfect message can be a challenge, especially when you want to stand out in a candidate’s inbox. The right InMail should be personalized, concise, and value-driven to ensure that candidates see the opportunity as beneficial and worth pursuing.
To help you get started, here are some of the best LinkedIn InMail templates for recruiters, covering various recruiting scenarios, from cold outreach to follow-ups. These templates are designed to engage candidates, build trust, and maximize response rates.
Cold Outreach to a Passive Candidate
Many high-quality candidates aren’t actively looking for new opportunities, so a cold outreach InMail should focus on introducing the role in a compelling way, while highlighting why the opportunity might be worth exploring.
Subject Line: “Exciting Opportunity at [Company Name] – Let’s Connect!”
Message:
Hi [Candidate’s First Name],
I came across your LinkedIn profile, and I’m really impressed by your experience in [specific skill or field]. At [Company Name], we are currently looking for someone with your expertise to join our [team/department] as a [Job Title].
This role offers an exciting opportunity to [mention key benefits of the role, such as career growth, impactful projects, or work with innovative technologies]. Based on your experience in [mention a specific skill or project], I think you could be a great fit.
Would you be open to a quick chat to explore this opportunity? I’d love to tell you more about the role and learn about your career goals.
Looking forward to connecting!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Job Title] at [Company Name]
[Contact Information]
Following Up After Initial Contact
Following up is essential, especially if a candidate hasn’t responded to your initial InMail. This message should be polite and reiterate your interest in the candidate, while offering new information or a specific next step.
Subject Line: “Just Checking In – Exciting Opportunity at [Company Name]”
Message:
Hi [Candidate’s First Name],
I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to follow up on my previous message regarding the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].
Your background in [specific skill or field] really stood out to me, and I think you’d be a fantastic fit for this role. We’re particularly excited about [mention new development or unique aspect of the role that wasn’t highlighted in the first message].
If you’re open to it, I’d love to schedule a quick 10-15 minute chat to discuss how this opportunity could align with your career goals.
Feel free to let me know what time works best for you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Job Title] at [Company Name]
[Contact Information]
InMail for a Referred Candidate
When reaching out to a candidate who has been referred by a mutual connection, it’s important to mention that referral upfront. This adds credibility and increases the likelihood of a positive response.
Subject Line: “[Mutual Contact’s Name] Suggested We Connect About a Role at [Company Name]”
Message:
Hi [Candidate’s First Name],
I hope this message finds you well! [Mutual Contact’s Name] recommended that I reach out to you regarding an exciting opportunity at [Company Name].
We are currently looking for a [Job Title] with strong experience in [mention relevant skills or industry]. Given your impressive background in [specific area], [Mutual Contact’s Name] thought you might be a great fit.
I’d love to chat with you for a few minutes to discuss the role and see if it aligns with your career goals. Are you available sometime this week?
Looking forward to connecting!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Job Title] at [Company Name]
[Contact Information]
InMail for a Senior-Level Candidate
Senior-level candidates often have more experience and a more extensive network, so your message should be professional and focused on high-level aspects such as leadership opportunities, company vision, and strategic impact.
Subject Line: “Leadership Opportunity at [Company Name] – Let’s Connect”
Message:
Hi [Candidate’s First Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to reach out to you regarding an exciting leadership opportunity at [Company Name]. We are currently looking for a [Job Title] to help shape the future of our [specific department or business unit].
Given your extensive experience in [specific field or industry], I believe you could bring valuable insights and leadership to our team. This role offers the opportunity to [mention strategic responsibilities, key projects, or company vision].
I would love to discuss this further and see if it could be the right fit for your next career move. Are you available for a quick conversation this week?
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Job Title] at [Company Name]
[Contact Information]
InMail for a Candidate at a Competing Company
If you’re reaching out to a candidate who currently works at a competing company, you should focus on how your company offers a distinct advantage, whether it’s growth opportunities, company culture, or a specific challenge they may be interested in tackling.
Subject Line: “Exciting New Opportunity in [Industry] – Let’s Chat”
Message:
Hi [Candidate’s First Name],
I came across your profile, and I was impressed by your work at [Current Company Name]. We’re currently looking for a [Job Title] at [Company Name], and I believe your background in [specific skill or area] would be a fantastic match.
At [Company Name], we’re doing some innovative work in [industry/field], and I’d love to share how this opportunity could offer you new challenges and growth that might not be available at your current company.
If you’re open to exploring this, I’d love to set up a quick chat. Let me know when you’re available!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Job Title] at [Company Name]
[Contact Information]
InMail for Recruiting Freelancers or Contractors
When reaching out to freelancers or contractors, you’ll want to emphasize the flexibility of the role, the interesting projects you have lined up, and any long-term potential.
Subject Line: “Freelance Opportunity – Work with [Company Name] on Exciting Projects”
Message:
Hi [Candidate’s First Name],
I hope you’re doing well! I’m reaching out because I’ve come across your profile and think you’d be a great fit for some exciting freelance projects we’re working on at [Company Name].
We’re looking for someone with expertise in [specific skills or field] to help us with [mention project details]. There’s also the potential for ongoing work if it’s a good fit for both of us.
Would you be open to a quick conversation to discuss this opportunity in more detail? I’d love to hear about your experience and see how we can collaborate.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Job Title] at [Company Name]
[Contact Information]
InMail for Nurturing Talent Pools
Sometimes, you may want to reach out to candidates to build relationships, even if you don’t have an immediate role for them. This is especially useful when recruiting for high-demand roles where you need a talent pipeline.
Subject Line: “Let’s Stay Connected – Opportunities at [Company Name]”
Message:
Hi [Candidate’s First Name],
I came across your profile, and I wanted to reach out to introduce myself. While we don’t have an immediate opening that aligns with your skills right now, I was really impressed by your background in [specific area or skill].
I’d love to stay connected as we often have exciting opportunities in [mention relevant industry or department], and I think you’d be a great fit for future roles.
Feel free to connect with me here on LinkedIn, and let’s stay in touch for when the right opportunity arises.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Job Title] at [Company Name]
[Contact Information]
Conclusion
LinkedIn InMail is a powerful tool for recruiters, but getting a candidate’s attention requires thoughtful, personalized, and value-driven messages. The templates above provide a variety of approaches to help you craft compelling InMails, whether you’re reaching out to passive candidates, senior professionals, or building long-term relationships with top talent.