How to reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn?
But, most importantly!
Can you reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn?
Actively looking for a job? How many CVs and active job requests have you sent over LinkedIn for the past few weeks? …and are there still *crickets* from the recruiters? It is not an error from your end but something you are missing out on.
If you are actively searching for your next dream job and expecting an upgrade from your previous one, you need more than simply sending CVs in bulk!
Like all norms and ethics that govern other parts of your life, job searching also has its fair share of etiquette.
After all, your qualifications can match those of a hundred (some are even ready to take a salary offer less than what you are expecting). Then what makes you stand out?
That is what we will be discussing in the excerpt below!
The Pros & Cons of LinkedIn Job Searching
LinkedIn is undoubtedly one of the biggest social media platforms that has helped many find jobs. But is it the best platform to look for when finding a job?
Here are some of the pros and cons of the LinkedIn platforms (especially in terms of job seeking) that you should be aware of.
Pros
If you are wondering about whether to go through the process of looking for a job on social media handles like LinkedIn, here I am with some encouragement. Here are the benefits of looking for a job through LinkedIn.
1. It is Beginner Friendly
If you are a fresh graduate looking for a job. In most jobs, you get the easy LinkedIn application option.
This is where you must fill in some basic details like age, and experience. Then upload your CV, and your application will automatically reach the recruiters.
Therefore, this is a good place to start for someone who doesn’t have much experience in terms of job seeking.
2. Mail Updates
LinkedIn offers you a mailing update feature. This is where you get updates about your application.
- When your application is successfully submitted.
- Or whether the recruiter viewed your application.
- In fact, you also get an automated update when your application is rejected. Yes, it is painful to swallow at times, but at least you are not waiting on a false sense of hope.
3. High Candidate Volume Jobs
LinkedIn is a good place for someone planning to look for a freelancing job or a work-from-home job.
Generally, recruiters over LinkedIn are posting for jobs which require a high number of candidacies. Therefore, the chances of you getting a job even if most seats are filled are high.
Because there are generally many seats to fill!
4. It is also a social media Tool
LinkedIn is a one-of-a-kind recruitment platform because it bridges the gap between candidates & recruiters even before getting a call for an interview.
Alongside sending your resume and applying for the job, you can also send them a connection request.
Plus, interact with their post and get the chance for personal communication to strengthen your candidacy.
Cons
Now, let’s discuss how LinkedIn is not helping you. Everything has a good and a bad side and does the process of Job application on LinkedIn. So, you should be looking forward to what not to do!
1. No Customization
Since the job application process is generic, you have little chance for customization. These include offering a cover letter or portfolio which caters separately to the company & job role.
Therefore, all you can do is send them your resume and wait!
Only once they have replied can you send these customized items to strengthen your candidacy.
2. Not a Great Platform for Specialist or Management Post
LinkedIn is good for fresher positions that don’t require much scrutiny. Whether it is about your experience or your resume.
However, a customized portfolio, and cover letter are important when it comes to senior management job roles.
LinkedIn is not where recruiters are looking to fill higher management job roles.
Dos & Don’ts to How to Reach out to a Recruiter on LinkedIn
For someone looking for a job and who wants to do the LinkedIn job well, here are some of the Dos and Don’ts you should be aware of.
Dos – LinkedIn Job Seeking
Here is what you should be doing when seeking a job over LinkedIn. Especially when you want to make a good impression for recruiters.
#Do Create a Good Resume
If a resume is your only means to impress on the first step, create a very good resume. In fact, write a general cover letter template and attach the same to your resume.
However, do not forget to change the organization’s name & the necessary edits to make it look customized.
Having that personalized message attached to your resume can help your case more.
#Do Reach out to the Recruiter
Be careful when you do so because it is not that simple.
First, check whether the recruiter has requested candidates not to reach out. Yes, they are likely to get a lot of messages every day.
Second, send them a connection request with a good opening message. Do not talk about your job here.
Third, do not give vague messages. For example, “I applied for the job”. Try to be specific in your approach.
For example, “Hi! I am (Y/N), and I applied for your recent opening for the job of (job name). I believe I am well qualified for the job (give 2 to 3 qualifications). Can we connect & talk about the position?
#Do Update your Profile
Start by updating your profile picture and background photo. If needed, get a professional photo.
Then, update your job role or what you do underneath your profile picture. In fact, use the keywords that the recruiters are searching for when hiring.
Your information about us should also be informative & compelling. So that any recruiter visiting should know what you do.
Lastly, your qualifications & how you will make them credible. These include all the past jobs, degrees, and skill certifications you have done.
You should also try your best to remain active on your LinkedIn. Add a few posts from time to time and interact with others.
Don’ts – LinkedIn Job Seeking
When seeking a job on LinkedIn or asking how to reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn, here are things you shouldn’t do.
#Don’t Irritate the Recruiters
Personal messing will be one of the suggestions If you are looking through how to contact a recruiter on LinkedIn.
However, irritating them will do you no good if you are looking for a job in a particular company they are recruiting for, or you have applied for a job.
In fact, it can derail your chances of getting that job even if you are qualified for it.
Stop asking about the job opening once or twice a day. If they have rejected your resume, an automated mail will reach you. So, be patient and look through other job openings.
#Don’t Treat Them like Career Counsellors
Let’s get one thing clear: recruiters get paid to get candidates for a particular job role. No, they are not career counselors. So, stop asking them questions like –
“Can you help me find a job?”
“These are my qualifications. Which job role am I most suited for?”
“Can you help me write my resume?”
If you are trying to build a good connection with your recruiters, then this activity could pose detrimental. The recruiters will immediately put off these questions.
#Don’t Ask Just About the Job
If you have already applied for the job and reached out to the recruiter, then talking directly about the job posting is unprofessional.
Plus, the recruiter needs to get more messages & mails regarding the job offer. Therefore, your message will also be lost in that crowd of texts.
This is why you should always curate a customized message when sending a connection request or your very first text.
Here is what to message a recruiter on LinkedIn:
- Begin with a normal note of greeting.
- Then, talk about the job offer a little.
- You then move to talking about you as a candidate. Since this is your first impression, try to make the most of it. But do not copy-paste your entire cover letter, rather try to explain in a few words why you could be right for the post. Talk about your conceptual skills, and how it can help you get the job done better than others.
Interacting with LinkedIn Recruiters
Before understanding how to reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn, it is better to learn the tips and tricks of getting noticed by recruiters.
How do you send requests with the right message, what comment should you post, and how do you professionally tag someone on LinkedIn ?
Day 1-2: Profile Optimization
- Ensure your profile is complete: professional headline, photo, summary, experience.
- Use relevant keywords in your headline and summary.
- Highlight key skills and industry-related endorsements.
Day 3-5: Network Building
- Connect with professionals in your industry.
- Engage with your connections’ posts (like, comment, share).
- Follow key companies and recruiters in your field.
Day 6-10: Content Engagement & Creation
- Comment on industry-relevant posts with insightful thoughts.
- Share articles or posts that align with your expertise.
- Post a short, value-driven update or tip related to your field.
Day 11-15: Strategic Outreach
- Identify and follow recruiters for your target companies.
- Engage with their posts before sending a personalized connection request.
- once connected Send a brief, professional message, focusing on mutual interests or industry insights.
Day 16+: Consistency
- Stay active by posting weekly.
- Keep engaging with relevant content and building relationships.
Final Note
When reaching out to the recruiter on LinkedIn, here are a few things to remember!
Be authentic and patient. Recruiters notice consistent, value-driven engagement and well-crafted profiles over time.
Keep refining your approach based on what resonates with your network.
&
No matter what you do, refrain from irritating the recruiters for no reason!
