LinkedIn is a social media platform designed specifically for professional networking and career development. With over 810 million members worldwide, LinkedIn allows users to connect with professionals in their industry, search for jobs, follow companies, and join relevant groups. One of the key features of LinkedIn is the ability to directly message other members through LinkedIn Messaging. This article will provide a detailed overview of LinkedIn’s messaging capabilities and how they can be used for chatting and direct communication between connections.
What is LinkedIn Messaging?
LinkedIn Messaging allows members to privately communicate with their 1st degree connections on the platform. It works similarly to email, with a personal inbox for receiving messages and the ability to compose new messages. Members can start conversations with any of their 1st degree connections – these are professionals they are directly connected with through inviting to connect or accepting connection requests.
Messages on LinkedIn go directly to the recipient’s LinkedIn inbox rather than their personal email. This allows for communication specifically within the context of the LinkedIn platform. Members receive notifications when they have new messages much like getting an email.
Overall, LinkedIn Messaging provides a way to directly reach out to and communicate with your network on LinkedIn. It facilitates ongoing conversations and allows you to establish deeper, more meaningful professional relationships.
Is LinkedIn Messaging a Chat Feature?
While LinkedIn Messaging provides direct communication, it differs from a true real-time chat platform in several key ways:
– No instantaneous back and forth – LinkedIn Messaging works like email, with asynchronous sending of messages back and forth rather than live chat.
– Not designed for quick conversations – The messaging interface has typing indicators and read receipts, but threads are not optimal for quick back and forth exchanges.
– No group chat – LinkedIn Messaging only facilitates 1-on-1 conversations and does not allow group chats between multiple connections.
– Mobile experience lacks features – The mobile app does not have robust notifications or an easy way to carry on multiple messaging conversations.
So in summary, while LinkedIn Messaging allows two people to communicate directly, it lacks some of the core features and user experience aspects of a true chat platform. The focus is more on ongoing professional communication rather than quick, casual chats.
LinkedIn Messaging Use Cases
Despite lacking some chat features, LinkedIn Messaging can still be extremely valuable for:
– Following up after connecting with someone new
– Maintaining an ongoing dialogue after meeting in-person
– Asking for professional advice from a connection
– Sending articles or other resources that would benefit a connection
– Reaching out regarding job opportunities
– Discussing shared business/networking interests
– General professional correspondence
The 1-on-1 nature makes it suitable for more substantive conversations rather than just saying a quick hello. With the direct access to your connections, it can facilitate more meaningful engagement.
How to Send a Message on LinkedIn
LinkedIn has made it relatively straightforward to send messages to your connections right from the platform:
1. Access your list of 1st degree connections by going to “My Network” and selecting “Connections”.
2. Scroll through your list of connections or use the search bar to find the person you want to message.
3. Click on their profile picture or name to access their profile.
4. In the “More” menu below their profile photo, click “Send message”.
5. Type out your message in the text box that appears. You can format text, add attachments, links, emojis, etc.
6. When ready, click the send icon to deliver your message.
The recipient will now see the message in their LinkedIn inbox. They can reply back to start an ongoing messaging thread with you.
LinkedIn Messaging Etiquette
As with any professional communication, there are some etiquette guidelines to keep in mind when messaging connections on LinkedIn:
– Clearly state your purpose upfront – Don’t make them guess why you are reaching out.
– Use a professional tone – Avoid overly casual language.
– Don’t over-message – LinkedIn isn’t meant for constant back and forth chats.
– Respect their time – Keep messages concise and don’t expect an immediate response.
– Add value – Share useful articles, insights, advice etc. rather than just saying hello.
– Proofread – Double check for typos, grammar issues and unclear phrasing.
– Follow up – Circle back if you don’t receive a response within a few days.
– Don’t take lack of responses personally – People are busy and may not be able to reply.
Following basic etiquette helps ensure your messages are well received and lead to productive conversations.
LinkedIn Messaging on Mobile
LinkedIn Messaging is available through both the mobile app and mobile site. The core functionality remains the same. You can view your message inbox, send new messages, receive notifications of new messages, and carry on messaging conversations.
Some aspects to keep in mind about the mobile experience:
– Notification options are more limited – You can’t customize notifications like on desktop.
– Fewer formatting options – Can’t format text, add attachments, etc. from the app.
– More difficult to manage multiple conversations – App only shows one message thread at a time.
– Small text box – Entering longform messages can be tricky on the small keyboard.
The mobile messaging interface is designed for quick, short communications rather than extensive conversations. For more robust messaging, it’s better to use the desktop site.
Differences from InMail
In addition to LinkedIn Messaging, LinkedIn also offers a feature called InMail that facilitates direct communication. However, there are some notable differences:
– **InMail** – Direct messages used to contact any member on LinkedIn, regardless of whether they are a 1st degree connection. You purchase InMail credits or gain a monthly allowance with premium accounts.
– **Messaging** – Only works between 1st degree connections. Free to use with any LinkedIn account type.
– **InMail** – Often used for initial outreach to new contacts or cold leads due to broader reach.
– **Messaging** – Used for ongoing communication with existing connections.
– **InMail** – Sent messages go to the Other tab in a recipient’s inbox rather than Primary.
– **Messaging** – Goes directly to Primary inbox tab just like an email.
While InMail offers greater versatility, standard LinkedIn Messaging is the preferred method for conversing with your established professional network.
LinkedIn Messaging vs. Email
Given that they both facilitate asynchronous, 1-on-1 written communication, how does LinkedIn Messaging compare to email? Some key differences:
– **Messaging** – Recipients must have a LinkedIn account to get messages. Email can reach anyone with an email address.
– **Email** – Much broader reach since almost everyone has an email address.
– **Messaging** – Only channels communication between existing LinkedIn connections.
– **Email** – Allows outreach to new contacts or people you don’t know.
– **Messaging** – Content stays within the LinkedIn platform and user ecosystem.
– **Email** – Delivered through external email providers.
– **Messaging** – Use for professional correspondence in the context of networking/career development.
– **Email** – Wider range of personal and professional uses.
– **Messaging** – Limited capabilities on mobile. Email has robust mobile apps.
– **Email** – More messaging formatting options and the ability to attach files.
The appropriate medium depends on the specific use case and context of the communication.
LinkedIn Messaging FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about LinkedIn’s messaging capabilities:
**Can I message someone who is not a 1st degree connection?**
No, LinkedIn Messaging can only be used between 1st degree connections. To message someone you are not connected with, you would need to send them an InMail.
**Is there a size limit for attachments?**
Yes, attachments sent via LinkedIn Messaging are limited to 25MB. Supported file types include PDF, JPG, PNG, GIF, and DOC/DOCX.
**Can I message multiple LinkedIn connections at once?**
No, LinkedIn Messaging only facilitates 1-on-1 conversations. If you wanted to reach multiple people at once, you would need to individually message each person separately.
**How do I know if someone read my LinkedIn message?**
There are read receipts that show if your message has been read. You’ll see the text “Seen by recipient” below messages once the recipient has opened your message.
**Can I message someone without them receiving a notification?**
No, LinkedIn automatically sends notifications when you message a connection. There is no way to send a “silent” message that doesn’t notify them.
**Is there a character limit for LinkedIn messages?**
The character limit for an individual message is 28,000 characters. This is significantly more than platforms like SMS or Twitter.
**Can I message connections on the LinkedIn mobile app?**
Yes, you can send, receive, and view LinkedIn messages right within the iOS and Android apps. While more limited, it enables basic messaging capabilities on the go.
Conclusion
In summary, while LinkedIn Messaging does not provide true real-time chat capabilities, it is an invaluable tool for direct communication with your professional network right within the LinkedIn platform. With its focus on substantive conversations between connections, it opens up opportunities to build stronger relationships and have meaningful dialogues. Understanding the nuances of LinkedIn Messaging versus other communication channels enables you to use it most effectively in your networking and career building activities.