Receiving messages from recruiters on LinkedIn when you’re not actively looking for a new job can be tricky to navigate. You want to maintain a polite and professional relationship, but also clearly communicate your lack of interest in their opportunity. Here are some tips on how to thoughtfully respond to a recruiter’s message on LinkedIn when you’re not interested in their job opening:
Acknowledge the message and thank them for reaching out
The first thing you’ll want to do is open the message and respond in a timely manner. Don’t ignore or delete the message, even if you have no plans to pursue the role. Take a moment to thank them for thinking of you and reaching out. A message like “Hi [recruiter name], appreciate you reaching out to me about the [job title] role at [company]” is a good start.
Compliment or express interest in the company/role (even if you’re not interested)
Next, say something positive about the opportunity they presented, even if it’s not one you’re considering at the moment. This maintains a friendly rapport and leaves the door open to potentially working together in the future. For example: “The [job title] position at [company] seems like an exciting opportunity to [mention aspects of role that sound interesting or noteworthy about the company].”
Decline the role in a professional way
Now it’s time to politely decline interest in the job itself. Keep it simple and direct. Some examples of professional ways to say you’re not interested:
- “I appreciate you thinking of me for this opportunity, but I am not actively searching for a new role at this time.”
- “Thank you so much for reaching out, but I am happy in my current position and not open to new opportunities now.”
- “This sounds like a great role, however I am not looking to make a career change right now. I hope we can connect on opportunities in the future.”
Give a reason (if you want to)
You can choose to briefly explain why you’re declining the offer, which helps provide context for your decision. But it’s optional – you don’t have to share specifics if you’d rather not. Some possible reasons you could give:
- “I’m happy in my current role and industry right now.”
- “I’m not looking to relocate at this time.”
- “I’ve decided to take a break from the corporate world for personal reasons.”
- “I’m currently pursuing other opportunities more closely aligned with my experience and interests.”
Refer them to other contacts (if possible)
Since they reached out thinking you were a good fit, you may want to reciprocate the favor by referring them to someone else who may be interested. If you know of contacts in your network who could be a match, suggest they connect.
“I have a colleague [name] who may be interested in this opportunity given their background in [relevant experience]. I’d be happy to make an introduction/connect you.”
Not only is this helpful for the recruiter, but your colleague will appreciate you thinking of them.
Express interest in future opportunities
It’s always a good idea to end the message by leaving the door open to future opportunities with this recruiter or company. Make it clear you’re open to connecting down the road.
Some examples:
- “Should your company have any other openings more closely aligned with my background, please keep me in mind!”
- “I hope we can stay connected on LinkedIn. I’m interested in learning more about [company name] and potential roles in the future.”
- “Please do keep me in mind for future opportunities once I’m ready to make a career move. I look forward to following [company]’s continued growth and success.”
Thank them again for reaching out
Close your message by thanking the recruiter again for contacting you. This brings the conversation full circle and ends things on a polite, gracious note.
For example: “Thanks again for reaching out to me about this opportunity. I appreciate you thinking of me and wish you the best of luck in your search.”
Being appreciative of their time and effort, even if it’s ultimately not the right fit, will be remembered for next time.
Sample messages declining a LinkedIn recruiter
Putting it all together, here are a few sample scripts for responding to a recruiter on LinkedIn when you’re not interested that incorporate the tips above:
Sample Message 1
Hi [recruiter name],
Thank you for reaching out to me about the [job title] role with [company name]. It sounds like an exciting opportunity to [mention aspects that sound interesting about role/company].
While I’m not actively searching for new roles at this time, I’m honored you thought of me for this position. At the moment, I am happy in my current job and not open to new opportunities.
Please keep me in mind for future openings at [company name] that may be more aligned with my background in [your experience]. I would be excited to learn more down the road.
Wishing you the best of luck in your search! Let’s stay connected here on LinkedIn.
Best,
[Your name]
Sample Message 2
Hi [recruiter name],
I appreciate you reaching out to me about the [job title] opportunity with [company name]. While I am not looking to make a career move right now, this sounds like a great role for someone with a background in [relevant experience].
I have a former colleague [name] who may be a great fit given their expertise in [relevant skills]. I would be happy to connect you if they are open to new opportunities.
Thanks again for thinking of me. I’m always open to learning more about great companies like [company name]. Feel free to keep me in mind for future roles once I’m ready to explore new opportunities again.
Wishing you the best,
[Your name]
Sample Message 3
Hi [recruiter name],
Thank you for reaching out and sharing the [job title] opportunity with [company name]. It was so thoughtful of you to contact me.
While I am not currently job searching, the position seems very interesting given [company]’s impressive track record in [industry space]. I truly appreciate you thinking of me.
At this time, I am happy in my current role at [company] and plan to remain here for the foreseeable future. But please do keep me in mind for future opportunities once I am ready to make a move. I would love to learn more about [company name] then.
Thanks again for reaching out. I hope we can stay connected here on LinkedIn.
Best regards,
[Your name]
The key is to decline the specific role while still being positive and expressing interest in the recruiter, company and potential future opportunities. Maintaining a gracious, polite tone will preserve your relationship and reputation.
Staying on recruiters’ radars for when you are ready for your next move is all about networking and relationship-building. Even if a particular job isn’t the right fit, who knows what exciting opportunities may come in the future through new connections made.