How to Message Recruiters on LinkedIn (With Templates That Actually Get Replies in 2025)

In 2025, reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn is a must – LinkedIn now has ~310 million active users, and roughly 3 million hires happen through it every year. Nearly three-quarters of recruiters use LinkedIn when hiring, so a well-crafted message can open doors. With so many job seekers competing, success hinges on how and when you message. LinkedIn’s own data show there’s no “magical” hour to hit send – response rates stay roughly the same any time of day or week. What really drives replies is personalization and clarity. Short, punchy InMails perform best, and messages tailored to the person can boost acceptance rates by ~40%. In short, focus on quality of content: clear subject lines, genuine personalization, and concise value propositions. Below we share data-backed tips and real templates you can customize – so you’ll know exactly what to say to recruiters on LinkedIn (and get real replies!).

Proven Tips: What Recruiters Want to See

• Strong, clear subject line. Your subject (or the first line of a connection request) is your headline. Recruiters often ignore messages with vague headers. State your purpose up front, e.g. “Question about [Job Title] opportunity” or “[Job Title] at [Company]”. Keep it short and direct – in fact, LinkedIn data show shorter InMail subjects get higher opens.

• Personalize every message. Reference something specific to the recruiter or role. Mentioning a mutual friend, shared alma mater, or something from their profile immediately grabs attention. For example, one cold-message template might open with “Even if you’re not planning a move, your former colleague Van Reyes mentioned you’re an amazing programmer”. Calling out a common connection like this makes your note feel warm and sincere. LinkedIn reports that referencing a shared company or contact can increase response rates by ~27%. (Shown below: an example InMail that highlights a mutual contact and a compliment to stand out.)

  Personalization example: This sample outreach mentions a mutual colleague (“Van Reyes”) and a compliment to start the conversation. Referencing a real person or specific detail like this signals genuine effort and boosts the odds of a reply.

• Keep it brief and relevant. Long, generic messages get skipped. LinkedIn analysis finds InMails under ~400 characters see roughly 22% higher response rates than average. In practice, focus on one or two key points: who you are, why you’re messaging, and what you’re hoping for. As one recruiter put it, many job pitches fail simply because they’re not clear. A strong pitch “states what the candidate is looking for as well as their current situation” in just a few lines. Bullet-point lists of achievements (if used) should be very short. Avoid cut-and-paste fluff.

• Highlight fit and value. Quickly explain why you’re a match. State your relevant experience or skills in relation to the role. LinkedIn’s research found over half of candidates expect recruiter messages to include specifics about why they’re a fit. For example, mention a key project or outcome you delivered: “In my 5 years as a software engineer I built a feature that cut costs by 30%.” Framing what’s in it for them — how you solve their problem — makes your message compelling.

• Professional but personable tone. Address recruiters by name and use a friendly, respectful voice. A polite greeting and genuine enthusiasm go a long way. For instance, start with “Hi [Name], thank you for reaching out about [Position]…” or “Hello [Name], I noticed your post about [Topic]…”. Avoid overly formal language (“Dear Sir/Madam”) or overly casual slang. End with a thank-you or a call-to-action (“I’d love to discuss this further” or “Could we arrange a brief call?”) so they know what you want. As one recruiter notes, kind and appreciative messages stand out as simple but effective.

• Proofread and research. Always double-check names and details. Make sure the person really does recruit for your field. A generic “Hello my dear” or using the wrong name will get you ignored. Take a moment to scan the recruiter’s profile or company site — noting something relevant shows you did your homework. (For example, if you see they recruit IT roles, start by saying “I see you specialize in IT recruiting” rather than “I want any job you have.”) Customized messages build relationships; spammy mass emails destroy them.

• Timing and follow-up. While there’s no perfect time to send a LinkedIn message, it’s smart to message during typical work hours (mid-week late mornings often work well). If you don’t hear back in a week or so, a polite follow-up can help – or even try an email if you find their address. In general, waiting about a week after the first message is reasonable before nudging again. Keep follow-ups short: reiterate your interest and ask if there’s any update. (E.g. “Hi [Name], just touching base on my application for [Role]. I’m still very interested and happy to provide more info.”)

LinkedIn Message Templates for Job Seekers

Below are four copy-ready templates to use as a starting point. Remember to customize each: fill in the brackets, tweak the details for your situation, and add any personal touch you can. Each template follows best practices (clear intro, one strong fit statement, polite ask), based on recruiter advice.

1. Cold Outreach (New Opportunity)

If you’re reaching out about a job opening or to introduce yourself:

Example: Hi [Recruiter Name], I hope you’re doing well. I noticed that [Company] is hiring for a [Job Title] and I’m very interested. I have [X years] in [Industry] and experience in [key skill/project] that I believe would add value. Would you be open to a quick call to discuss this opportunity? Thank you for your time.

• This cold message is brief and specific. It names the target job, summarizes relevant experience, and ends with a clear ask. Recruiters have noted that stating your interest and fit plainly helps your pitch stand out. Personal touches (like how you found them or a mutual contact) can be added if appropriate.

2. Follow-Up After Applying

Use this after you’ve applied for a role and want to nudge the recruiter or hiring manager:

Example: Hello [Recruiter Name], I hope all is well. I applied online for the [Job Title] position at [Company] last week and remain very excited about it. With [X] years of experience in [Field] and a recent success where I [briefly mention achievement], I feel I could contribute strongly to your team. Would you be available for a quick call to discuss how I might fit the role? Thank you!

• This follow-up is friendly and reaffirms your enthusiasm. It restates the job title to remind them and highlights a concrete achievement. The tone is polite but proactive. Career experts emphasize clarity and purpose in follow-ups – avoid vague “any job?” notes. This template does just that and offers to discuss next steps.

3. Informational Interview / Advice Request

When you want career advice or info (not applying for a specific role):

Example: Hi [Name], I hope your day is going well. I’m a [Your Position] at [Your Company], and I’ve been following your work in [Industry/Company]. I admire how you’ve built your career in [field], and I’m currently exploring similar paths. Could we schedule a 10-minute call? I would really appreciate any advice you have about breaking into [Industry/Role]. Thank you for your time!

• This message is framed as a request for advice. It praises the recruiter’s experience and politely asks for a short conversation. Such informational notes shouldn’t ask for a job outright; instead they show respect for the person’s expertise. The customization (mentioning their work or company) demonstrates research and sincerity, which makes a response more likely.

4. Responding to Recruiter Outreach

When a recruiter contacts you first:

Example: Hi [Recruiter Name], thank you for reaching out about the [Job Title] opportunity at [Company]. I’m very interested in learning more. My background is in [Field], and I recently [mention a relevant achievement or skill] that I believe aligns well with the role. I’d love to discuss this further – would you be free for a brief call next week?

• This reply is prompt and positive, as experts recommend. It thanks the recruiter, shows enthusiasm, and points out why you fit the role, then suggests a next step. If you’re not interested or the fit isn’t perfect, a courteous decline is best: you can simply thank them and either say you’ll pass or mention that you know someone else who might fit. Keeping the tone professional ensures you stay in good standing.

Each of these templates follows proven advice: be concise, relevant, and warm. As one recruiter coach puts it, tailored responses help you “stand out in a sea of candidates by showing you’re genuinely interested”. Mix in a bit of your own personality and facts about your background, and you’ll have a message that resonates.

Ready to Reach Out? Customize and Send!

You now have actionable tips and example messages backed by recruiter insights. Don’t wait – pick a template above, fill in the specifics for your situation, and send a polished note to a recruiter today. With a clear subject, a personal touch, and a concise pitch (as shown here), you’ll dramatically increase your odds of getting a reply. Good luck – your next job conversation could be just one message away!