Sending an InMail is a great way to directly contact another LinkedIn member that you may not already be connected with. InMail allows you to send private messages to any LinkedIn member, even if you are not currently connected in their network. This can be very useful for making new professional connections or reaching out regarding job opportunities.
InMail messages are delivered directly to the recipient’s LinkedIn inbox, so they are much more likely to see your message than if you tried contacting them in other ways. However, you are limited in the number of InMails you can send per month based on your LinkedIn account type.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly send an InMail message to connect with another LinkedIn member:
Find the LinkedIn member you want to contact
The first step is to find the LinkedIn profile of the member you want to get in touch with. The easiest way to do this is using LinkedIn’s search bar at the top of the page. Simply type in their name or other identifying details like location or company.
Once you’ve located the correct member, click on their profile picture or name to open their full profile. Make sure you’ve found the right person before proceeding.
Click the “Connect” button
With their profile open, look along the top of the page for the blue “Connect” button. This will be on the right side, near the “Follow” and “More” options.
Clicking “Connect” is the first step in contacting them through any method, including InMail.
Select “Send InMail”
After clicking the Connect button, a dropdown menu will appear. Here you will see options like adding a note or following the member.
To send an InMail, select the option that says “Send InMail.” This will open up a messaging window where you can compose your InMail.
Compose your InMail
In the InMail messaging window, you’ll be able to write out your message similarly to an email. Make sure to address the member by name and include a clear, specific purpose in your opening.
The message field allows you to format text, add hyperlinks, and make bulleted or numbered lists. You can write a brief paragraph or multiple in-depth ones depending on your purpose.
Keep the tone polite and professional. The goal is to introduce yourself and give the member a compelling reason to want to connect.
You can also attach files like a resume, portfolio, or other materials if desired. This allows you to share more information about yourself.
Send the InMail
Once you’ve composed your message, click the blue “Send” button at the bottom of the InMail window.
This will deliver your InMail directly to that LinkedIn member. They will see it in their inbox just like an email.
Now you just have to wait for them to read and hopefully respond to your InMail! The process of connecting may take some back and forth communication.
Tips for writing effective InMail messages
Here are some key tips to follow when drafting your InMail to maximize the chances that the recipient will respond:
– Personalize the message by referring to their name, company, location or interests. This shows you took the time to view their profile.
– Be clear about your purpose for contacting them right up front. Don’t make them guess why you are reaching out.
– Offer value by sharing something that could benefit them like an article, resource, or introduction.
– Explain why you thought of them specifically for the purpose of your message.
– Keep it concise yet friendly. Long messages can be off-putting.
– Ask a question or propose meeting up to continue the dialogue. Give them a reason to write back.
– Avoid sounding like you are selling something or requesting job search favors.
– Use proper grammar, punctuation, spelling to put your best foot forward.
– Follow up if you don’t get a response within a week. Persistence pays off.
InMail Character Limits
When writing your InMail, you will need to keep in mind the character limits. Here are the InMail length restrictions to follow:
– Subject line: 100 characters
– Message body: 5,000 characters
That allows you to write a fairly detailed note, but staying concise is recommended. You can always continue the dialogue in further messages once connected.
InMail Sending Limits
In addition to message length limits, LinkedIn also enforces monthly sending limits based on your account type. Here’s how many InMails you can send each month:
Account Type | InMails Per Month |
---|---|
Free/Basic | 0 |
Premium Business | 25 |
Sales Navigator Pro | 30 |
Recruiter Lite | 30 |
Job Seeker | 30 |
Recruiter | 50 |
Sales Navigator Team | 75 |
As you can see, those with free accounts are very limited. Upgrading to premium access allows more outreach capabilities.
Unused InMails do not roll over month to month, so use them regularly. You can always see your remaining InMail count on your account.
Who Can Receive InMail?
While InMail allows you to message any LinkedIn member, there are a few exceptions:
– Members can opt out of receiving InMails from those they aren’t connected to. This is uncommon though.
– Members with certain privacy settings may not accept unsolicited InMails.
– Members who have hit the limit for unread InMails in their inbox may not receive new ones.
– LinkedIn screens for inappropriate content and spam messages.
As long as you are sending genuine, thoughtful InMails, most members will be able to receive them without issue. Focus on making quality connections.
LinkedIn InMail Etiquette
To ensure you are using InMail effectively and appropriately, keep these etiquette guidelines in mind:
– Only send InMails to those you have a legitimate interest in connecting with. Don’t overuse the capability.
– Personalize each message rather than just blasting the same text to many people.
– Be transparent about who you are and your purpose for reaching out.
– Avoid asking for sensitive information like salary requirements.
– Follow up your initial InMail, but don’t bombard someone if they don’t respond.
– Don’t make your entire message sound like a sales pitch. Offer value.
– Use proper grammar, spelling and punctuation to put your best foot forward.
– Don’t rely solely on InMail to make connections. Try engaging on posts, articles, etc first.
Following proper InMail etiquette will leave the recipient with a positive impression of you as they consider your request to connect.
InMail vs. LinkedIn Messages
It’s important to understand the difference between InMail and standard LinkedIn messaging capabilities:
InMail
– Paid feature requiring premium account
– Can message any member even if not connected
– Messages go to primary inbox like email
– Limited number can be sent per month
LinkedIn Messages
– Free to send between connected members
– Goes to separate message folder, not main inbox
– No limits on number that can be sent
– Cannot message members you are not connected to
InMail allows that initial contact, while LinkedIn messaging fosters ongoing conversations. Use both communication methods to best maximize your LinkedIn networking.
Conclusion
Sending InMails to other LinkedIn members is a powerful way to directly introduce yourself and request a professional connection. Now that you know the ins and outs of properly contacting others through InMail, you can begin strategically expanding your network.
Just remember to personalize your messages, provide value to the recipient, follow etiquette guidelines, and limit your outreach to those you genuinely want to connect and build relationships with. Mastering InMail takes your LinkedIn networking to the next level.