Customizing Your LinkedIn Outreach to Recruiters

How many times have you logged on to Linkedin and found yet another email that starts with: "Hey [First Name]," followed by a generic pitch that does not concern your interests or needs. Sound familiar? We've all been there. And it's frustrating. As a fractional CMO/Consultant, I've seen this happen repeatedly. Businesses think they're doing personalization right but need to do better. It's not enough to use someone's name or company. 👉🏾 True personalization is about understanding their challenges, goals, and needs. For example, on LinkedIn, scroll through their feed and see what they post, talk about, like, and comment on. This helps as a starting ground on how to approach them and what to discuss. So, instead of sending a LinkedIn message that says: "I'd love to connect and learn more about your business," try something like: "I noticed you're working on [specific project]. I have some ideas on how you could [achieve a specific goal]. Would you be open to a quick chat?" See the difference? It's not just about being personal; it's about being relevant. And when you're relevant, you're not annoying — you're helpful. 👉🏾 So, think about this the next time you craft a personalized outreach campaign. →"Would I find this message valuable? →Does it address my specific needs and interests?" If the answer is no, it's time to return to the drawing board. 👉🏾 Also, tools like Crystal Knows help you fine-tune your message and tone when reaching out to maximize the impact of every conversation. Let's aim for genuinely helpful messages, not just another annoyance in their inbox. What do you think about personalized outreach? #b2bmarketing #demandgeneration #leadgeneration #ABM

How to avoid losing your chance on LinkedIn As someone who regularly receives messages from job seekers, I recently came across a message that started with the wrong name. While mistakes happen, such errors can harm your chances, especially when making a first impression in a professional context. Here are some tips to craft the perfect LinkedIn message when reaching out for a job: 1. Research and personalize. Always verify the recipient’s name, designation, and company. A well-researched message shows effort and professionalism. 2. Include the Job ID. If you’re inquiring about a specific role, mention the Job ID and title. It shows you’re clear about the opportunity and helps the recipient provide focused assistance. 3. Be clear and concise. Introduce yourself briefly, explain why you’re reaching out, and make your request specific (e.g., asking for guidance, advice, or a referral). 4. Show genuine interest. Mention something you admire about their work, the company, or a shared professional area. 5. Proofread before sending. Typos, misspelled names, or overly generic messages can leave a negative impression. 6. Be respectful of time. Keep the message polite and to the point, acknowledging that they may have a busy schedule. Here’s an example of a strong outreach message: Hi [Correct Name], I’m [Your Name], a [Your Profession/Background], and I admire your journey at [Company Name]. I noticed an opening for [Job Title] (Job ID: XYZ123) and believe my skills in [Skill/Field] align well with the role. Could you kindly guide me on how to position myself for this opportunity, or let me know if there’s someone on your team I can reach out to? I’d truly value your insights. Thank you so much for your time! Remember, LinkedIn is a platform to build meaningful connections, and a little extra effort in your approach can make all the difference. What’s the most memorable outreach message you’ve received? Let me know in the comments. #LinkedInTips #JobSearch #ProfessionalNetworking

It's networking week! You told me you wanted to learn more about networking, so this week I've been sharing networking tips. Today we're talking about how to connect with recruiters. Well, here's how NOT to approach recruiters: “I’m looking for a job. Can you help?” "Can you help find some suitable roles in [job title] and [job title]?" "Can you find a job for me?" I am not a recruiter and I get these messages often. And not in the "I see you’re a career coach and I need help with my job search" way. I get messages that are "I think you’re  a recruiter who can help me get a job." On behalf of overworked recruiters everywhere, let me break it down ... • Recruiters don't find jobs for you. They fill jobs that are in their pipeline. • Please don’t approach recruiters in this way. You will never get a response. Recruiters are juggling dozens of roles and hundreds of contacts at once, they don’t have time to respond to messages like this. • Recruiters are busy and risk-averse. They want to put forward the best candidates, so you have to explain why you are that person. ❗ If you are contacting a recruiter about a specific role, APPLY FOR THE JOB FIRST and include in your message: "I applied on this date for this job title (include a req # if available)..." then follow my message template below. If you are cold-calling a recruiter, here’s a few things to do: 1) Do your research - Only contact recruiters who hire for your ideal company, job title, and/or industry. 2) Make your message short and to the point. Use short sentences, short paragraphs, and bullet points. (If you’re sending a direct message on LinkedIn, you are limited to 300 characters.) 3) List your ideal job title and industry. 4) Include your location. 5) Share top skills. 6) Mention your most impressive accomplishments. 7) Attach your resume. SAMPLE MESSAGE TO A RECRUITER: "Hi [Name], I’m a SaaS product manager in Boston skilled in Agile, data analytics, and market research. My products have increased user engagement 50% and brought in $3M+ in revenue. I’ve included my resume if you are recruiting for this type of role. With gratitude, - Emily" (274 characters! Woot!) If you want to send a direct message but you only see the “Follow” button or messaging is not an option, click “More” → “Connect” → Add a note to your connection request. (See attached picture.) I'm rooting for you 👊 ***** Hi, have we met? I'm Emily, and I'm on a mission to get the #greenbannergang back to work, one actionable step at a time. #networking #jobsearch #recruiters #jobhunt #jobseekers

My client secured 6 interviews in 6 days (and here’s exactly how) When my client came to me, he’d been looking for 2 months and hadn’t landed a single interview… Then he applied a 3-pillar approach, and everything changed. (Because doing things in isolation doesn’t work.) For example…. 10/10 resume + poor strategy = Zero interviews 10/10 outreach + poor resume = Zero Interviews 10/10 linkedin + poor outreach = Zero Interviews 10/10 strategy + poor targeting= Zero Interviews What to do instead 👇 Step 1: Get Clear on Your Target (before the pillars are even applicable) Define your - Target roles - Target companies - Target hiring managers Without this clarity, everything else (resume, LinkedIn, outreach, content) falls flat. 🟢Pillar 1: Optimize Your Resume & LinkedIn A. Resume Updates - Focus on quantifiable achievements (e.g. "managed $5M project that improved efficiency by 20%"). - Use industry-specific keywords that recruiters actually search for. - Replace generic objectives with a powerful summary that acts as your elevator pitch. - Create a tailoring blueprint so you can easily tweak the resume for each role. B. LinkedIn Profile Updates - Use a professional profile photo, strong banner image, and a headline that follows this format: → [Target Job Title] | [Years of Experience] | [Keyword Skill 1] | [Keyword Skill 2] | [Value Proposition] - Make it easy for recruiters to scan and understand your fit within seconds. - Ensure your LinkedIn mirrors your resume to reinforce credibility. 🟢 Pillar 2: Direct Outreach - Use a 3-sentence cover letter template that highlights only the 2–3 most relevant experiences. - Avoided life stories or long text blocks. - Include a low-friction call to action (e.g. “Let me know if this sounds useful—happy to share more”). Key Point: Hiring managers don’t want to dig through a wall of text. You must show the value you bring fast (within 30 seconds). 🟢 Pillar 3: Build Visibility Through Content Post regularly on LinkedIn to - Increase visibility with recruiters and hiring managers. - Show personality, expertise, and alignment with company culture. - Demonstrate initiative and value beyond the resume. The Outcome After months of hearing nothing back, Brendan started implementing this strategy. Got 6 interviews in 6 days. Landed his #1 role with a salary above his asking range. Want to do the same? I've dropped a video overview in the comments 👇

Hey everyone, Crafting a message to a recruiter on LinkedIn can be a critical part of your job search. Here are a few pro tips to help you make a positive impression: 1. Personalize your message: Instead of sending a generic (copy & paste) message, take the time to mention why you're interested in a specific company or role. Besides compensation and benefits...what was it? For me with Leidos QTC Health Services, it was the impact I could potentially have on my fellow veterans as they go through the VA disability process, being able to offer them employment opportunities, and the organizational culture that Casey Farr described when he reached out to me. This can truly help you stand out as a potential candidate and show that you've done your homework. 2. Be professional and polite: Remember that you're reaching out to a professional contact, so make sure your message is polite and respectful. Avoid using slang or informal language. Please make sure to spell the individuals name correctly. My name is Nathanael not Nathaniel. 3. Check their LinkedIn page/job board: Messaging a hospitality recruiter about a cyber secruity position that their organization doesn't even offer is a waste of both parties time. 4. Highlight your relevant experience: If you're reaching out about a specific job opportunity, make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills. This can help the recruiter understand why you're a good fit for the role. 5. Keep it concise: Recruiters are often busy, so it's important to keep your message brief and to the point. Try to get your main points across in just a few sentences. 6. Follow up appropriately: If you don't hear back from the recruiter after your initial message, it's okay to follow up after a week or two. Just make sure to do so in a respectful and non-pushy way. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of making a positive impression on a recruiter and starting a valuable professional relationship. Good luck!

How to Get a Recruiter to Reply to Your LinkedIn Message 🎯 Here’s a quick backstory: On average, I receive 10–15 LinkedIn messages from candidates daily. Most go like this: "I saw you're hiring, and I think I'm a good fit." 💡 Why this doesn’t work: Recruiters are busy reviewing hundreds of applications. A generic message like this shows little effort and doesn't stand out. ✅ Here’s the better approach: Do your homework: Before reaching out, understand the role and its requirements. Craft a personalized message: For example: "Hi [Recruiter's Name], I noticed you're hiring for a CMO role. I believe I'm a strong fit because I have [list 1–2 relevant qualifications, skills, or experiences]. I'd love to explore how I can contribute to [Company Name]." 💼 Why this works: By being specific and aligning your skills with the role, you make it easier for the recruiter to assess your fit and prioritize your message. 🚀 Other Ways to Grab a Recruiter’s Attention: Engage with their content: Like, comment, or share posts they’ve published—it puts you on their radar. Showcase your expertise: Highlight relevant achievements in your LinkedIn profile so it stands out when they view it. Be concise and professional: Keep your message short but impactful. Putting in a little extra effort upfront can go a long way in setting yourself apart from other candidates. 🌟 What else can you add here?

I get Messages, Connection Requests, and Similar comments often. I decided it could be helpful to give you some advice for reaching out to Recruiters on LinkedIn. So here's my LinkedIn Do's and Don'ts when Reaching Out to Recruiters. Do's: • Send a message with every LinkedIn Connection Request you're sending. It will help you remember to send a message as well as stand out from those that do not • Follow up. Give us time to get back to you. • Reach out for general connections. Talk to us, let us know what you're looking for, what types of roles you're interested in • Find a mutual connection, whether that's a person, background, school, area of study, or maybe some other hobby/interest. This can be a general networking tip as well • Research the recruiter. Understand what they recruit on. I have in my bio that I work at NBCU but if you click on my page it says Entertainment and Film East Coast & West Coast. Have an interest in those areas? Inquire about what that space looks like • Get to know us, the best way to stay in the loop for roles, stay top of mind is to establish a connection not only for one job but for future jobs. Network and reach out before your dream role opens. • Write an interesting hook. When reaching out whether in your initial connection or later on. Write an interesting first line. Interviewing, messaging, and anything with recruiting is the time to sell yourself and it is a sales game. Know how to strategically set yourself up for success. Dont's: • Expect an answer. Recruiters are busy, some are active on LinkedIn, some are not. Hope for an answer but do not expect one. I'm sure this is going to be a controversial one but I just have to be honest. Some recruiters (often times me included) don't check our LinkedIn Messages. • Follow up too quickly. Give us time to take a look at your message. Messaged us today, give us a few days then follow up again in a kind way. Kindness goes a long way in networking. • Only inquire about jobs. Sending me a LinkedIn message asking about an open role more than likely won't help • Ask me if I have any open roles that might be a fit for you. On the corporate recruiting side we are not finding jobs we are finding candidates for our jobs Hope this helps and don't hesitate to comment below any great strategies you have when reaching out to Recruiters. Have any wins that you have found work well for you? Let me and the others know!

Recruiter Outreach Tip #18 💡 In my efforts to train the modern day job seeker to move like a business I have this one SUPER underrated tip to net you more interviews. It's quick, easy and effective and grossly underutilized by your competition. What's the big secret? Strategically following up with Recruiters. Anti-climatic I know. But let me explain. Did you know that 35%-50% of new business is won through follow ups? It's a reason why every business in the world wants your email address. Customers included in this percentile have to be contacted 3 or 4 times before they bite. Why? Because a business understands its customers are human. They understand their customer wakes up everyday with a million competing priorities. Recruiters are human too. They also have a million priorities to juggle, endless job reqs to fill and indecisive Hiring Managers to deal with all while working in an under-staffed industry. You think following up makes you look "desperate" and this my young padawan is where you're wrong. In the past 6 months I've helped 5 of my clients land 1-3 additional interviews per month using this method. There is an art to it however. I'll share that creative process below: 📌As soon as a Recruiter accepts your request, immediately favorite or "star" the conversation. LinkedIn's inbox UI is limited - it's incredibly easy to lose track of conversations. This helps you stay organized and efficient. 📌 If you don't get a response right away, wait 24 hours before following up. If there's still no response wait 1 week. If we're still being left on read wait one more week - sending out a final follow up before moving on. Recruiter's inboxes move a mile a minute. Using this method keeps you at the top of their radar. 📌 Attach your resume and include the job link in the DM's. It's easy access and less leg work for the Recruiter. Explain in 2 sentences why you're reaching out and why you're a good fit. Make sure your resume is tailored for the role. Approach is everything. Ultimately, the job search is just a numbers game. Despite this advanced method, the majority of Recruiters you reach out to still won't respond. But some will. I contacted and followed up with 30+ Recruiters each month I worked with my client. 16 of them left me on read, 8 responded and 3 requested an interview. Compound this over 3 months and that's 9 potentially life-changing opportunities you're now being considered for. In this challenging market you must squeeze and leverage every advantage you can. Your competition isn't doing this. A competitive market only rewards competitive players. So get to it! #recruiteroutreach #followup #linkedinrecruiter #jobsearchstrategy #careercoach #federalworkers #remotejobs