LinkedIn message templates for recruiting header - man on laptop

15 LinkedIn Recruiting Message Templates Worth Using

Templates, templates everywhere, and not a one worth sending.

Recruiters are always looking for ways to save time when reaching out to passive talent. Templates allow you to quickly create outreach and avoid the intimidation that comes with staring at a blank page.

Still, the key to ensuring a strong message open rate is to personalize your message. Even if you start with a recruiting message template, it’s imperative to make small customizations that let the recipient know you’re not a spammy recruiter. Melissa Williams notes that personalized messages receive nearly 50% higher open rates and 22% higher reply rates. 

Here are 15 top-notch LinkedIn Message templates that you can start using today to find your next purple squirrel.

  1. Call to Action
  2. Mutual Connection
  3. Post-Networking Event
  4. Shared LinkedIn Group
  5. Insightful Inquiry
  6. Standout Skills
  7. Highly Recommended
  8. Invitation
  9. Detail Oriented
  10. Mutual Fit
  11. Focus on Past Achievements
  12. Career Aspiration Alignment
  13. Impact
  14. Career Development
  15. Emphasis on Passion

#1: Call to Action

Source: Seekout

How to customize it: Reference an interesting detail from the prospect’s LinkedIn profile.

Hi [Name],

My name is [Your Name] and I work on the talent acquisition team here at [Your Company].

I know [Candidate’s Company] is a great organization and that you may not be actively looking for something new at the moment. But, if you’re open to hearing more about us, I think you’ll be impressed with what we have to offer.

If I don’t hear back from you here, I’ll plan to try giving you a quick call during lunchtime on [Day]. Of course, if there’s a time that works better for your schedule, shoot me a quick reply and I’ll happily accommodate.

Looking forward to speaking with you!

[Your Name]

See how TextExpander works

Hi [Name],

 

My name is [Your Name] and I work on the talent acquisition team here at [Your Company].

 

I know [Candidate’s Company] is a great organization and that you may not be actively looking for something new at the moment. But if you’re open to hearing more about us, I think you’ll be impressed with what we have to offer.

 

If I don’t hear back from you here, I’ll give you a quick call during lunchtime on [Day]. Of course, if there’s a time that works better for your schedule, shoot me a quick reply and I’ll happily accommodate.

 

Looking forward to speaking with you!

 

[Your Name]

[Name],

 

It was great speaking to you at the [Event Name] last month. I’d definitely like to stay up-to-date on your career aspirations. Let me know if you’re open for a call next week.

 

Thank you,

[Your Name]

Hey [Name],

 

Great post on [topic]. What inspired you to write the article? I ended up sharing it with my whole team and we all loved it. I lead recruiting at [Company], and we’re keen on [Company Mission].

 

I’m looking for someone to lead our [Name of Team] team—would you be interested in learning more?

 

[Your Name]

#2: Mutual Connection

Source: Workable 

How to customize it: Mention shared connections and/or recent company news.

Hi [Name],

[Mention how you came across their profile, e.g. looking for a specific skill set or through a mutual connection].

We currently have an open role for [specific title].  Are you available for a call so that we can discuss further? In case you’re not ready for a change at the moment, I’d be happy to stay in touch for future job opportunities.

Looking forward to hearing back from you,

[Your name]

#3: Post-Networking Event

Source: The Muse 

How to customize it: Use event details, refer to the weather the day at the event or anything unique that happened at the event.

[Name],

It was great speaking to you at the [Event Name] last month. I’d definitely like to stay up-to-date on your career aspirations. Let me know if you’re open for a call next week.

Thank you,

[Your Name]

LinkedIn message template example

#4: Shared LinkedIn Group

Source: The Muse

How to customize it: Reference an interesting article in the shared group and/or ask a question.

Dear [Name],

I’m also in the [Shared Group/Professional Association], and I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts. I’d love to keep in touch and learn more about your work.

Best,

[Your Name]

#5: Insightful Inquiry

Source: Beamery

How to customize it: Reference a social media post or article written by the prospect.

Hey [Name],

Great post on [topic]. What inspired you to write the article? I ended up sharing it with my whole team and we all loved it. I lead recruiting at [Company], we’re pretty keen on [Company Mission].

I’m looking for someone to lead our [Name of Team] team – would you be interested in learning more?

[Your Name]

#6: Standout Skills

Source: Mighty Recruiter

How to customize it: Suggest a local meet-up at a popular cafe or co-working space.

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re having a great week. I couldn’t help but notice that your [Skill 1] and [Skill 2] experience would make you a great fit for some of our open roles.

I’d love to invest 15 minutes to learn more about you and to chat about what you’re looking for next in your career.

Let me know if you’re free to meet up for coffee or to stop by our [City] campus for lunch.

Thanks again for your time, and enjoy the rest of your day.

Best,

[Your Name]

Source: Top Echelon

How to customize it: Mention referrer’s name in the subject line or introduction.

[Name],

[Referrer Name] told me about your amazing [Specific Domain] skills. I’m working on filling a key position, and [Referrer Name] made you sound like a great fit. 

After looking more into your skills and previous experience, I think this may be a fitting upward career move for you.  

Would you be interested in learning more about this position?

[Your Name]

#8: Invitation

Hi [Candidate’s Name],

I came across your profile and was impressed by your experience in [specific skill or industry]. At [Company Name], we’re currently looking for someone with your expertise to join our team as a [Job Title].

Our team values [mention a key company value or culture aspect] and I believe you would be a great fit. Would you be open to a brief chat to discuss how your skills and experiences align with our needs and how [Company Name] can help propel your career forward?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Position]

[Company Name]

[Contact Information]

#9 Detail Oriented

Hi [Candidate’s Name],

I’m [Your Name], and I specialize in [Your Role] at [Company Name]. Your experience in [Specific Skill/Field] caught my eye, particularly your work at [Company/Project Mentioned in Their Profile].

We’re on the lookout for talents to enhance our [Department/Project Team], and your background seems a perfect match. Are you available for a quick chat this week to discuss a potential fit and the impact you could make with us?

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

#10 Mutual Fit

Hi [Candidate’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. As [Your Position] at [Company Name], I’ve been following your career with interest, especially your achievements in [Candidate’s Skill/Project]. We’re looking for someone with your talents to join us as a [Job Title], where I believe you can truly shine and further your career.

Would you be interested in learning more about this role and our team? I’d love to arrange a call to discuss how you could fit into our vision for the future.

Best,

[Your Name]

[Your LinkedIn Profile Link]

#11 Focus on Past Achievements

Your impressive background in [Field/Skill] sparked my interest, particularly your contributions to [Specific Achievement or Project]. At [Company Name], we’re fostering a team of innovators to tackle [Brief Description of Project or Goal], and your expertise could be instrumental in our success.

Would you be open to discussing how your skills and ambitions align with this opportunity at [Company Name]?

Looking forward to potentially collaborating,

[Your Name]

[Your Job Title]

[Your Contact Information]

#12 Career Aspiration Alignment

Hi [Candidate’s Name],

I’m intrigued by your expertise in [Skill/Area] and your impactful work at [Previous Company/Project]. At [Company Name], we’re creating innovative solutions in [Industry/Project Area], and your background aligns perfectly with our needs for the [Job Title] position.

Are you open to a conversation about how your career aspirations and our exciting opportunities could intersect?

Best wishes,

[Your Name]

[Your Position]

[Contact Information]

#13 Impact

Hi [Candidate’s Name],

As I explored your profile, your achievements in [Specific Field/Skill] truly stood out. At [Company Name], we’re on a mission to [Briefly Describe Company Mission/Project], and your expertise could play a key role. I’m eager to share how you could make a significant impact and grow with us.

Would you be available for a brief chat this week to discuss this unique opportunity?

Looking forward to your thoughts,

[Your Name]

[Your Position]

[Company Name]

#14 Career Development

Hi [Candidate’s Name],

Your passion for [Specific Interest/Area] and your role in [Recent Project/Initiative] caught my attention. At [Company Name], we’re dedicated to [Brief Description of Company’s Mission/Goals], and we believe your skills could contribute significantly to our team’s success.

Would you be open to discussing how this role aligns with your career goals and how we can support your growth journey?

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Title]

[Company Name]

[Your LinkedIn Profile or Contact Information]

#15 Emphasis on Passion

I was really impressed by your background in [Specific Skill or Industry], especially your contributions to [Project/Company]. Your passion for [Area of Interest] shines through your work, and I believe it aligns perfectly with what we’re building here at [Company Name].

We’re currently looking for a [Job Title] to join our team, and I’d love to discuss how your expertise can help us achieve [Company Goal/Project]. Are you available for a quick chat this week to explore this exciting opportunity further?

Best regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Position]

[Your Contact Info]

Sign Off

The secret to writing effective templates is that no two messages should be identical. Andrew Greenberg’s advice is solid. “Your custom template InMail should make the candidate feel special, make you sound special and make your client/company seem special.” 

Check out this 2-minute tutorial to turn any of these templates into a TextExpander snippet.  

What LinkedIn Message templates in your current library have the highest response rate? Let us know in the comments below!

Not able to play the video? Click here to watch the video