You’re in your full-on job search mode. No new relevant job listing goes past your radar. But could you actually do more and reach out to recruiters directly?
That’s a big YES from our team. Whether you’re eyeing a job in a particular company, want to check in before a scheduled interview, or just make a new connection, you should send that message.
And here’s your crash course on how to message a recruiter on Linkedin professionally.
Why You Should Build Relationships With Recruiters
Recruiters do much more than just scan through the applicants’ resumes.
They also:
- Source candidate’s directly for hard-to-fill roles
- Build out the company talent pool for future openings
- Share exhaustive information about the company
- Help candidates prepare for different types of interviews
In other words — a recruiter can be your guide to accessing “hidden job opportunities” — non-publicly promoted open roles in the company.
Essentially, many employers no longer post ads directly to job search websites. Instead, they use other means like employee referrals, staffing agencies, or direct outreach in professional communities like LinkedIn to source candidates. Many employers view headhunting as a way to avoid screening hundreds of poor-fit candidates. Others use such strategies to fill in senior or executive roles.
As Alex King, a Talent Acquisition partner, well summed it up:
“There is a tremendous amount of noise that hiring managers and recruiters face, and oftentimes, that noise will drown out qualified candidates. As a result, many jobs never even make it to job boards. Recruiters and referrals have become increasingly important to streamline the process and cut through the clutter ”.
And even if you applied for a publicly listed job, it’s still a good idea to reach out to the recruiter before the interview. Most recruiters perceive this as a positive gesture and you can also obtain extra information about the company this way.
How to Reach Out to a Recruiter on LinkedIn
Building meaningful connections on LinkedIn with recruiters is easy as long as you follow several simple rules.
1. Refresh Your LinkedIn Profile
Before you send a LinkedIn request to a recruiter, give your profile a quick once-over. Does your photo look professional? Is your career information up-to-date? Have you added new skills or certificates recently?
Your LinkedIn profile should immediately communicate what you do and what competencies you have. A few quick LinkedIn optimization tips can make a major difference:
- Update your profile URL to include your full name, so it’s easier for recruiters to find you.
- Update your profile headline to encapsulate your value proposition as a professional.
- Refresh your profile summary to include your biggest career accomplishments and most marketable skills.
2. Locate the Right Recruiter
If you’re reaching out before or after applying for a job, finding the right person shouldn’t be a problem if you have their name. Otherwise, you might need to go to the company’s page on LinkedIn and search the people tab using keywords like “Recruiter” or “Talent Acquisition”.
And you can do the same when looking for recruiters in specific companies.
Remember: Big enterprises have many people in the talent department. Use location and department filters to zoom in on someone who’s likely sourcing people for your role.
3. Send a Connection Request
With a free LinkedIn account, you can only message connections or connections of connections. So you’ll first need to add your prospect to your network.
Pair your connection with a quick message, explaining why you’d want to add them. The character limit is 300 characters.
For example:
Name, I’ve noticed that you specialize in recruiting software engineers. I’m a mid-level Java developer and would love to connect with you!
Once they accept, follow up with a longer introduction. Thank them for connecting with you. If you are aware of a specific job or company for which they are recruiting, mention that directly.
Note that you are interested, and list one or two things you have to offer. Otherwise, simply list your niche and one or two skills. Then close by asking if they’d be willing to work with you.
Pro tip: Enable Open Profile on LinkedIn
If you have some cash to spare, LinkedIn Premium allows you to send messages to recruiters without adding them first. Plus, you can also enable “Open Profile” — a feature that allows anyone on LinkedIn to contact you directly for free, even if they aren’t your connection. Recruiters love that as it streamlines their outreach. Similarly, look for talent acquisition specialists who have this feature enabled.
3. Write a Personalized Into Message
Once the recruiter accepts your connection request, follow up with your agenda. Here are several LinkedIn message examples to recruiters for different scenarios.
For Networking
Hi [Recruiter’s Name],
I came across your post [about an industry trend] and wanted to reach out because I’m currently looking for [specific job] opportunities in [your industry].
Are you currently looking to fill in any positions? If there’s anything I can do to make your job easier, let me know.
Best,
[Your Name]
For Open Company Role
Hi [Recruiter’s Name],
I came across your profile while researching [Company Name] and wanted to connect. I’m currently looking for opportunities in [your field].
Are you currently hiring for roles requiring [your top skill 1] and [your top skill 2]?
Even if there’s nothing available right now, I’d love to stay in touch for future openings. Also, if you’re ever looking for referrals in [your industry], I’d be happy to connect you with great people from my network.
Best,
[Your Name]
For Internship
Hi [Recruiter’s Name],
I hope you’re having a great day! I’m a [your year, e.g., junior/senior] studying [your major] at [your university], and very interested in interning at [Company Name]. I wanted to reach out to see if you’re currently hiring interns for [specific department/role].
Thanks for your time!
Best,
[Your Name]
How to Reach Out to a Recruiter After Applying to a Job
A short follow-up to the recruiter after you’ve applied or interviewed with the company is always a good gesture, according to Rick Bravo.
You can shoot a quick follow-up message about your application status (if you haven’t heard anything past the stated deadline). Or ask about other open roles.
Here’s a sample message to use:
Hi [Recruiter’s Name],
I hope you’re having a good week! I recently applied for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name] and wanted to follow up on my application status. The listing said, there would be a decision in [X] days, but I haven’t received an update.
If you have any information, I’d greatly appreciate it.
Best,
[Your Name]
How to Reach Out to Hiring Managers
Unlike recruiters, hiring managers may be slightly less open to communication with candidates outside of the job interviews.
Some companies discourage casual private chats to maintain a fair, bias-free hiring process. Avoid sending messages before the interview as this may be perceived the wrong way. But it’s fine to connect with a hiring manager post-interview. Still, you have to be careful about choosing the subjects of your message.
Never ask a hiring manager on LinkedIn to share:
- How you compare to other candidates
- How many interviews they’re still having
- Any salary or compensation details
- Any personal information
Sample message to a hiring manager
Hi [Manager’sName],
I really enjoyed our conversation on 2025 about [role]. I really appreciated your time and insights about the company goals and team culture.
Let me know if there’s anything else you need from me at this stage.
Best,
[Your Name]
Final Tip: Work With a Broad Job Search Plan
The best approach to your job search is casting a wide net. Use job listings and other traditional methods. Then, expand out to networking, recruiter outreach, and word-of-mouth referrals. This will best ensure that you land the right opportunity!
The post How to Reach Out to a Recruiter on LinkedIn appeared first on Freesumes.com.