With over a billion members, LinkedIn has become the go-to space for professional networking. For job seekers, reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn can be one of the smartest ways to get your name out there. Why? Because recruiters are the bridge between talented candidates and exciting career opportunities.
When you reach out and establish a connection, you’re opening the door to more career options, valuable insights into industry trends, and, of course, potential job leads.
Knowing how to message recruiters to connect on LinkedIn, though, requires more than shooting over a simple “Hello.” You’ll need a message that stands in a crowded inbox. We’ll walk you through how to find recruiters on LinkedIn and how to approach them the right way—with examples for writing your perfect opening line.
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Step 1: How to find recruiters on LinkedIn
LinkedIn has made it easier than ever to locate recruiters who specialize in your field, so you can spend less time searching and more time building connections. Here’s how to find a recruiter on LinkedIn.
Use LinkedIn’s search filters to locate recruiters
LinkedIn’s search function can be one of your best tools for finding relevant recruiters. Start by typing “recruiter” along with keywords related to your industry or job title (e.g., “marketing recruiter” or “software engineer recruiter”) into the search bar. Once you’ve done that, you’ll see an option to filter results by people, jobs, companies, and more.
- Use the “People” filter to see profiles of recruiters, sorted by relevance to your search.
- Filter by location if you’re only looking for jobs in a specific area. This can narrow your search to local recruiters.
- Use the “Connections” filter to prioritize recruiters who are connected to people in your network—this can sometimes increase the likelihood of a response.
Also, many companies list their recruiters under the “People” section on their LinkedIn company pages, which can be a great resource if you already know where you’d like to work.
Follow relevant companies and industry hashtags
Following companies in your industry and engaging with their content on LinkedIn can often lead you directly to recruiters. Many recruiters post job openings, hiring events, and career advice on their company’s LinkedIn feed.
Additionally, try following hashtags like #HiringNow, #MarketingJobs, or #TechCareers. Recruiters use these hashtags to reach job seekers, and you may find posts or recruiters directly reaching out to potential candidates through comments and likes.
Step 2: How to message recruiters to connect on LinkedIn
Found the right contacts? Next hone your strategy for how to message recruiters on LinkedIn. “Including a message can significantly increase the chances of your request being accepted,” says Gev Balyan, who has over 10 years of experience recruiting in tech. “It adds context to why you're reaching out, which can make the interaction feel more personal and less random.”
Your message is an opportunity to set the stage for a positive first impression, showcase your communication skills, and highlight why you’d be a valuable connection. “Even a short message gives you a head start in building a professional relationship and helps you stand out in the recruiter’s network of connections,” Balyan says.
Choose the right time to message
Timing matters. Sending a message early in the week, typically Monday or Tuesday, can help your message be seen before recruiters get deep into mid-week tasks. Avoid Fridays, as messages sent before weekends can often get buried. This timing gives your message a better chance of a timely response.
Personalize your message
A rule of thumb for how to reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn: Don't just send a blank connection request or a generic message like “Hi, I’d love to connect!”
Instead, personalize your note. “I appreciate when people take a few seconds to make the approach personable and relevant,” Balyan says. “When they mention a common interest, a shared connection, or something specific about our industry or my company, it shows they’ve done their research and are genuinely interested.”
By making your message specific, you show that you’re not simply adding recruiters at random. Tailor your message to each recruiter and company to improve your chances of building a meaningful connection.
Keep the tone friendly but professional
Recruiters are professionals who are accustomed to being contacted by job seekers, so don’t feel intimidated. Be friendly and to the point, keeping your message professional but personable. This will help you build a positive rapport right from the start.
What to message a recruiter on linkedin: Examples
Now that you know how to reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn, it’s time to craft a message that showcases your professionalism and enthusiasm. To help you get started, we’ve created example messages for various scenarios below, from job applications to informational connections. It’s time for you to master how to message a recruiter on LinkedIn.
Example #1: When applying for a specific job
When messaging recruiters on LinkedIn, mention the position directly in your message. Here’s an example:
Hi [Recruiter’s name],
I came across your profile while researching [Company name] and noticed the [Job title] opening. I’m really interested in this role and believe my background in [Your field] could be a great fit for your team. I’d love to connect to learn more about the company’s culture and any additional insights you can offer about the position.
Thank you,
[Your name]
Example #2: When seeking general networking opportunities
If you’re not reaching out about a specific position, keep your message broad but focused on your mutual interests:
Hi [Recruiter’s name],
I'm always looking forward to connecting with like-minded people. I’ve followed some of your recent posts, and I admire the work you’re doing in [specific industry topic or field]. If you have the time, I’d be interested in learning more about how your team approaches recruiting for roles in [Your specific field].
Looking forward to connecting,
[Your name]
Example #3: When looking for insights on a company or industry
If you’re early in your career or considering a transition, asking for industry insights can be a good approach:
Hi [Recruiter’s name],
I’m currently exploring opportunities in [Industry] and was struck by your expertise in recruiting top talent for [Company name]. I’m especially interested in learning more about what companies in this field are looking for in candidates. If you’re open to it, I’d appreciate any advice you might have on making a strong impression in this industry.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Example #4: Following up after connecting
If a recruiter accepts your connection request, consider sending a brief follow-up message to reinforce the connection:
Hi [Recruiter’s name],
Thanks for connecting! I’m looking forward to staying in touch and following updates from your end. I’m always eager to learn about trends and opportunities in [Industry]. Please feel free to reach out if you think my background in [Your field/experience] might align with any upcoming roles.
Best,
[Your name]
Bottom line: How to reach out to recruiters on LinkedIn
Reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn is an effective way to build professional connections and stay informed about job opportunities. By finding the right recruiters, crafting thoughtful messages, and keeping your approach professional yet friendly, you’re setting the foundation for future career success. Remember, networking isn’t a one-time effort; it’s about building relationships that can last and enrich your career journey.