Crafting an effective subject line for a LinkedIn message when reaching out to a recruiter or hiring manager is crucial for getting your message opened and read. The subject line is often the first and only thing the recipient sees before deciding whether or not to open the message. For job seekers using LinkedIn to connect with potential employers, having a compelling subject line can make or break your chances of getting a response.
Understand the Context
When reaching out cold on LinkedIn, keep in mind that recruiters and hiring managers are busy and likely bombarded with messages daily. Yours needs to grab their attention quickly. Put yourself in their shoes – what kind of subject line would make you want to open a message from a stranger? Make sure your subject line is:
- Short, clear and descriptive
- Relevant to the role or company
- Unique to stand out
Include Key Details
The subject line should provide key details about why you are contacting them specifically. Include relevant information such as:
- The position you are applying for
- A connection such as a shared contact, university, or previous employer
- A reference to the company’s products, services or values
This helps give the context upfront and shows you have done your research on the role and company.
Examples
Here are some examples of effective subject lines for LinkedIn messages when reaching out about job opportunities:
- “Marketing Manager role at Company X”
- “John Smith referred me for your Sales Rep opening”
- “Recent Industrial Design grad interested in UX role”
- “Passion for green energy solutions at Company Y”
Let’s break down why these work:
“Marketing Manager role at Company X”
This subject line immediately tells the recipient what position you are interested in at their company. It is clear and direct about the intent of your message.
“John Smith referred me for your Sales Rep opening”
Mentioning the mutual connection provides credibility and a reason for contacting that specific person. Name dropping a referral is a great way to get your message opened.
“Recent Industrial Design grad interested in UX role”
This highlights your background and qualifications and ties it directly to the type of position you want to be considered for.
“Passion for green energy solutions at Company Y”
Demonstrating knowledge of and passion for a company’s mission or products is an effective way to show alignment with their values.
What to Avoid
There are also some common mistakes to avoid when crafting your subject line:
- Being too vague – “Following up on application”
- Looking like spam – “Urgent – Read This!”
- Typos or poor grammar
- Too long and wordy
Subject lines with these issues are likely to be ignored or perceived as red flags.
Tips for Standing Out
Here are some additional tips to make your subject line compelling and increase the odds it will get opened:
- Personalize – Include the hiring manager’s name: “Ross Daniels – Product Manager Application”
- Urgency – For time-sensitive roles, note application deadlines: “Seeking Finance Associate Role – Ends Sept 30th”
- Numbers – Stats that demonstrate your fit: “Increased sales by 30% over 2 years”
- Value – State the skills you bring: “Marketing Leader with Brand Strategy Experience”
Test different options and see what resonates best with recipients. Tailor your approach based on the company culture and decision-maker.
Following Up
If you do not get a response to your initial outreach, follow up in 3-5 days with another message using a new, compelling subject line such as:
- “Following up on [position] inquiry”
- “Checking in on [company] application”
- “Quick question regarding [role] at [company]”
Changing the subject line signals this is a new message, not the same one resent. Follow up politely but persistently.
A/B Test Your Options
The best way to determine what works is to test multiple subject line options. Try A/B testing different variations when reaching out to several recruiters or hiring managers for similar roles. For example:
- Version A: Marketing Manager Role
- Version B: Referred by John Smith for Marketing Manager
Track which version gets more responses and yields the best results. Refine your subject line approach accordingly.
Use a Template
Develop a subject line template you can tailor for each application. This ensures you include relevant details upfront in a consistent, professional format:
[Your Name] – [Personalized Connection] for [Position] at [Company]
Try plugging in your specifics to come up with a starting point, then tweak as needed.
Align with the Job Description
Review the job description closely and include key requirements or skills they are looking for in your subject line to signal a strong match:
- “MBA Candidate for Product Manager”
- “Python and SQL experience for Data Analyst role”
This demonstrates you fit what they are seeking in applicants.
Show You Did Your Research
Look at the company’s website, press releases, news articles, and LinkedIn profiles to find angles you can work into the subject line:
- “Experience with Ecommerce Expansion for Company X”
- “Passion for Green Technology Innovations”
This conveys your genuine interest and understanding of what they do.
Adapt Your Approach
Certain factors may influence how you construct an effective subject line:
- Experience Level – Entry-level applicants may need to emphasize education more.
- Industry – Finance or technology roles may value hard skills in subject line.
- Company Culture – Playful startups may appreciate humor and creativity.
Understand the norms and expectations given the role type and employer. Adjust your messaging accordingly.
Review Examples From Others
See what subject lines other applicants are using by checking your own LinkedIn inbox. Sort by industry or position title to view real-life samples you can model.
Look at messages from contacts who landed jobs and analyze their approach. What worked for them that you can adapt?
Check Character Limits
LinkedIn subject lines can be up to 300 characters. But shorter is usually better for grabbing attention quickly.
Aim for 50-70 characters to ensure the key details are visible on mobile as well.
Proof your subject line to confirm it fits within acceptable limits.
Use Numbers Strategically
While length matters, so does positioning. Place the most important details first:
- “Software Engineer with 4 Years Experience Seeking New Role”
Lead with your years of experience as that is likely a key requirement.
Leverage Emotional Triggers
Subject lines that create a sense of urgency, scarcity or curiosity may compel the viewer to open the message:
- “Moving to Your City Next Month”
- “Experience Attracting Top Talent”
- “Referral from Susan Johnson”
Emphasize the time factor or social proof elements that prompt action.
Showcase Relevant soft Skills
In addition to hard skills, highlight soft skills that may give you an edge:
- “Proven Leadership Skills for Team Manager Role”
- “Creative Problem-Solver”
- “Certified Coach Eager to Mentor”
Soft skills are often key selection criteria, so flaunt them.
Turn Weaknesses Into Strengths
If you lack certain experience or requirements, briefly state the gap but emphasize the value you do offer:
- “Passionate Marketing Student Eager to Learn”
- “HR Manager Seeking New Industry Challenge”
This shows self-awareness and positioning yourself as an asset despite missing pieces.
Be Clear About Purpose
Unambiguously state the reason for your outreach so the recipient immediately understands:
- “Application for Project Manager Role”
- “Interview Request for Sales Associate Position”
- “Seeking Referral for Software Developer Opening”
No ambiguity about what you want will get you looked at faster.
Check for Errors
Typos or grammatical errors in a subject line immediately give a poor impression. Always proofread carefully before sending.
Ask others to review your phrasing and confirm it makes sense.
A clean and polished subject line prevents getting dismissed right away.
Set Expectations
Give a sense of what is in the message itself to motivate opening it:
- “Resume for Project Manager Attached”
- “Portfolio Sample for Graphic Designer Role”
- “Article Highlighting Analytics Expertise Included”
This provides a preview of what the viewer can expect to see.
Summing Up
Your LinkedIn message subject line is prime real estate to convince a hiring manager or recruiter to open your note. Make sure it is:
- Succinct but descriptive
- Error-free and professional
- Personalized and relevant to the role
- Unique to help differentiate you
With a compelling subject line optimized for LinkedIn outreach, you will be on your way to getting your message read and landing an interview.