InMail response rates are up 25%. Exchanges between recruiters and LinkedIn members have increased by 40% over the last 2 years. And now, more than ever, folks are finding new roles through the InMails they receive.
This means that, whether you’re using LinkedIn for networking or for recruitment, thoughtful cold InMails are a must. Just like any form of good communication, they need a strategy.
To learn how to increase open and response rates on LinkedIn, read on for some basic InMail best practices.
Stay away from small talk
Don’t fill the message with frilly small talk—no one’s got time for it. The whole message should only be a few sentences. If someone has to spend more than a few minutes just to get your pitch, it doesn’t look good for ya.
InMail subject lines are just as important as the InMail itself. Make them snappy, memorable, and concise.
Ditch impersonal InMail templates
I know how appealing InMail templates are when the time is of the essence for a recruiter. However, those lame templates actually reduce response rates.
If you send a personalized message in its place, you can increase response rates by 15%. This isn’t to say that you can’t use templates; just jazz them up a bit and tailor them to the candidate.
That brings me to my next point.
Make the message about the candidate—not about you
Speak directly to candidates. Use “you” whenever possible. Replace over-used clichés like, “I have a great sales role that pays XYZ…” with “You have the sales expertise to lead our team.” People are happier when they talk about themselves. Give them the opportunity to do so. Plus, it never hurts to stroke the ego a little bit.
When you tailor cold InMails to specific people, it shows that you a) actually took the time to review their credentials, and b) aren’t a self-serving recruiter cranking out InMails to whoever crosses your path.
Establish common ground
Commonalities jumpstart the relationship-building process. So, if you see that you and a candidate are part of the same group, went to the same school, or have similar past experiences, weave it into your messaging. The more unique, the better.
Talk like a real person
Lots of folks can tell if they’ve received a copy-and-pasted template. And like I said: totally fine if you do as long as you personalize it. When you do, act like yourself.
Write how you talk, ditch jargon, and don’t be formal. Approach the cold InMail like you’re meeting the person outside of a screen. I know, I know: sounds like a scary strategy, but I’m here to tell you that you should be more afraid of the latter.
I mean, think about it: are your friends stale and boring or are they fun and easy to talk with?
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