Most LinkedIn messages do not get a reply. Not because the sender is unqualified or uninteresting — but because the message is about them rather than the person they are writing to, or because it is so generic it is impossible to respond to in any meaningful way.
The templates in this guide are built around a simple principle: every message should give the recipient a specific, low-friction reason to respond. That means a clear purpose, a brief explanation of why you are reaching out to them specifically, and a concrete ask that takes less than a minute to answer.
How to Write a LinkedIn Message That Gets a Reply
Keep it short. Three to five sentences is the target. If you cannot explain why you are reaching out and what you are asking in five sentences, the message needs editing — not expanding.
Be specific about why them. "I came across your profile" is not a reason. "I read your post on AI-driven hiring tools last week" is a reason. Specificity signals that you have paid attention.
Make the ask small. A first message asking for a job or a one-hour call is too much. A focused question or a request for a 15-minute conversation is a manageable ask that most people can say yes to.
12 LinkedIn Message Templates
Connection Requests
Template 1: Connecting after meeting at an event
Hi [Name], it was great to meet you at [event name] yesterday — I enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic]. I would love to stay connected. Looking forward to seeing your work.
Template 2: Cold connection request — same industry
Hi [Name], I have been following your work in [specific field or company] for a while and wanted to connect. I am a [your role] at [your company/context] working on similar problems. Hope to stay in touch.
Template 3: Cold connection request — different backgrounds with a reason
Hi [Name], I am a [your role] exploring a move into [their industry/function]. I came across your profile while researching [specific company or topic] and would love to connect — your background in [specific aspect] is exactly the kind of experience I am trying to learn from.
Recruiter Messages
Template 4: Replying to a recruiter who reached out
Hi [Name], thank you for reaching out. I am open to hearing more about the [Job Title] role. A few quick questions before we set up a call — could you share the salary range and whether the role is remote, hybrid, or in-office? Happy to schedule something once I have that context.
Template 5: Reaching out to a recruiter proactively
Hi [Name], I am a [Job Title] with [X years] of experience in [specialism] and I am currently exploring new opportunities. I noticed you recruit in [sector/function] and wondered whether you are working on any relevant roles at the moment.
I am looking for [specific role type] in [location/remote], ideally at [type of company]. Happy to send my CV if that would be useful.
Template 6: Following up with a recruiter after no response
Hi [Name], I wanted to follow up on my message from [X days] ago about [role type] opportunities. I understand you are busy — if the timing is not right, no problem at all. If something does come up in [sector/function], I would welcome the chance to connect.
Networking and Cold Outreach
Template 7: Reaching out about a specific job opening
Hi [Name], I came across the [Job Title] role at [Company] and wanted to reach out directly before applying. I have [X years] of experience in [relevant area] and have [specific achievement relevant to the role]. Would you be open to a brief conversation before I submit my application? Happy to share my CV.
Template 8: Requesting an informational interview
Hi [Name], I am a [your role/background] exploring a move into [their field or company type]. I have been reading about your work in [specific area] and would love to ask you a few questions about your experience — particularly around [specific aspect].
Would you be open to a 15-minute call or a few questions over message? I would be grateful for any perspective you are willing to share.
Template 9: Reaching out to a second-degree connection via a mutual contact
Hi [Name], I noticed we are both connected with [Mutual Contact]. I am currently [brief context] and your experience in [specific area] caught my attention. Would you be open to a brief conversation? I would value any perspective you are willing to share.
Job Search Specific
Template 10: Asking about an unadvertised role
Hi [Name], I have been following [Company]'s work in [specific area] for some time and am very interested in joining the team. I do not see a current opening that matches my background in [specialism], but I wanted to reach out in case there are roles in the pipeline.
I am a [job title] with experience in [brief relevant background]. Would you be open to a brief conversation?
Template 11: Asking for a referral from a connection at a target company
Hi [Name], I hope you are well. I wanted to ask whether you would be comfortable referring me for the [Job Title] role at [Company]. I think my background in [relevant area] is a strong match, and I know that employee referrals carry weight in the process.
No pressure at all if it does not feel right. I would be happy to send my CV so you can get a sense of my background before deciding.
InMail Templates
Template 12: InMail to a hiring manager at a target company
Hi [Name], I am [your name], a [job title] with [X years] of experience in [specialism]. I am reaching out because I am very interested in [Company] and noticed the [Job Title] opening on your careers page.
In my current role I [specific achievement relevant to the role]. I would welcome the chance to learn more about the team and the role.
Would you be open to a brief conversation?
What Not to Do: LinkedIn Message Mistakes
- Asking for a job in the first message. "Please consider me for any open roles" in a connection request is the most common and most counterproductive approach.
- Copy-pasting the same message to everyone. Recipients can tell. Even minor personalisation dramatically increases response rates.
- Sending a wall of text. Paragraphs that run to six or seven sentences lose people before they reach the ask.
- No clear ask. Every message should end with a clear, low-friction next step.
- Following up more than once. One follow-up message is appropriate after a week. A second follow-up crosses into pressure.
Make Your CV Match Your Message
Once your LinkedIn message leads to a conversation, resum8 helps you tailor your CV to the specific role — so your application reinforces the impression you made.
Try resum8 FreeFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best LinkedIn message to send to a recruiter?
Be specific about what you are looking for — role type, location, company stage — and ask a focused question or offer to send your CV. Recruiters respond to clarity. A message that requires them to ask five follow-up questions will often not get a reply.
How long should a LinkedIn connection message be?
Two to three sentences is ideal for a connection request. The 300-character limit is a useful constraint — save the full pitch for a follow-up message after they accept.
Is it okay to message someone you do not know on LinkedIn?
Yes, within reason. LinkedIn is a professional network built for exactly this. The key is relevance and brevity — you need to give the person a specific reason why you are reaching out to them specifically.
What is the difference between a LinkedIn message and an InMail?
LinkedIn messages go to your first-degree connections for free. InMail is LinkedIn's paid messaging system that lets you message anyone on the platform regardless of connection status.
How do I message a hiring manager on LinkedIn without being connected?
You can use InMail if you have a Premium account. Alternatively, look for a mutual connection who can make an introduction, or try to find the person's email via the company website.
Should I send a thank you message after someone replies?
Yes, briefly — but keep it proportionate. A one-line acknowledgement after a useful informational interview response is appropriate and professional.