Receiving a new message notification on LinkedIn can be an exciting experience, indicating that someone is interested in connecting or following up on previous conversations. However, at times these notifications can also be confusing, especially if you are new to the platform. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about LinkedIn’s messaging system and new message notifications.
What Triggers a New Message Notification
On LinkedIn, a new message notification is triggered when someone sends you a direct message within LinkedIn’s messaging platform. This includes:
- Messages sent to you by your 1st-degree connections
- Messages from 2nd and 3rd-degree connections sent along with connection requests
- Messages from recruiters or sales professionals who want to discuss job opportunities or business proposals
- Direct messages from anyone on LinkedIn who follows you or that you follow back
You will not receive notifications for any comments or posts on your profile, Groups, or Company pages. Notifications are only for direct 1:1 messaging.
Where You Can Find New Message Notifications
LinkedIn will alert you of new messages received through the following methods:
- Desktop website – A red notification counter next to the Messages icon on the top navigation bar
- Mobile app – A red notification dot on the Messages tab at the bottom
- Email – An email summary of your LinkedIn notifications, including new messages
- Push notifications – If enabled, you’ll receive mobile push notifications each time you get a new message
The notification counter and dots will display the total number of unread messages in your inbox. The summaries and push notifications will not specify the sender or message content.
Who Can Message You on LinkedIn
LinkedIn allows any member to send a direct message to any other member, with a few exceptions:
- You can only message your 1st-degree connections without needing to send a connection request first
- You cannot message members who have disabled messaging in their Preferences
- Members who are not your connections may not be able to message you depending on your Privacy settings
Essentially, you may receive messages on LinkedIn from recruiters, prospective clients or business partners, former colleagues, and anyone wishing to build their professional network on the platform.
Replying to Messages
When someone messages you who is not already in your network, LinkedIn will display a preview of their message in your notifications. You can choose to either:
- Reply directly – This will add them to your messaging contacts
- Connect first – You can send them a connection request before continuing the conversation
- Ignore – LinkedIn gives you the option to delete the message preview if you do not wish to engage
For messages from your existing connections, you can simply navigate to the conversation within your LinkedIn Messages and continue the discussion by sending a reply.
Your Options for Replying to Messages
Within an active messaging conversation, you have a few options for composing and sending your reply:
- Type into the text box at the bottom of the conversation
- Click the paperclip icon to attach files
- Use the emoji icon to insert emojis
- Send voice messages by clicking the mic icon (mobile app only)
You can also save draft messages to send later. LinkedIn will indicate when the recipient has read your message with read receipts.
Managing Your LinkedIn Messages
LinkedIn provides several tools to help you organize and manage your inbox:
- Search – Search for specific messages, senders, keywords, etc.
- Filters – Categorize conversations as Important or Unread
- Pin – Pin up to 3 conversations to the top of your inbox
- Mute – Mute notifications from particularly active conversations
- Mark as Read/Unread – Manually indicate whether messages have been read
You can also delete conversations and block senders you do not wish to engage with. Archiving outdated conversations helps keep your inbox organized.
Personalizing Your Message Notifications
Under Notification Settings, you can customize your preferences for receiving new message alerts, including:
- Enabling/disabling email notifications
- Enabling/disabling push notifications
- Setting notification frequency and type
- Choosing which conversations trigger notifications
You can further manage your notifications under the Me tab > Settings & Preferences > Communications.
Using LinkedIn Messages for Recruitment
Many members use LinkedIn messaging for recruitment and job hunting. Here are some best practices:
- Customize your career interests in your Profile to get messages from relevant recruiters
- Proactively reach out to connections at your dream companies to express interest
- Avoid sharing sensitive information like Social Security numbers via message
- Move the conversation to email or phone when needed for longer discussions
Following up on job leads quickly when you receive relevant messages can give you a competitive edge.
Messaging Etiquette on LinkedIn
To create positive messaging experiences on LinkedIn:
- Personalize messages with the recipient’s name and relevant context
- Be clear and direct about your purpose for connecting
- Keep messages focused on career-related topics
- Use proper grammar and punctuation
- Avoid overly casual language or slang
- Respect boundaries and do not send unsolicited outreach
Following basic etiquette helps ensure your messages are well-received and effective.
Troubleshooting LinkedIn Messages
Some common issues with LinkedIn messaging and how to address them:
- Not receiving notifications – Check notification settings and spam filters
- Cannot message member – Review their Privacy settings or preferences
- Errors sending messages – Try reloading page or app
- Attachments not going through – Reduce file size or convert to PDF
- Messages going to wrong inbox – Misspelled recipient name
Contact LinkedIn Customer Service if any persistent technical issues. For non-technical problems, politely follow up with the other member.
Using Third-Party Tools with LinkedIn Messages
You can integrate some third-party tools with LinkedIn to enhance messaging capabilities:
- Email integration – Forward LinkedIn messages to your email
- CRM systems – Sync LinkedIn conversations with your CRM
- Chatbots – Automate responses and messaging
- Social media management – Manage LinkedIn alongside other social platforms
Research integrations thoroughly to ensure they meet LinkedIn’s policies and your privacy needs.
LinkedIn Messages on Mobile
LinkedIn’s mobile app makes it easy to stay on top of your professional messaging on the go. Key features include:
- Mobile notifications for new messages
- Swipe gestures for archiving, replying, etc.
- Syncing between mobile and desktop apps
- Mobile search and filters
- Options for voice messages and emojis
Download the mobile app for your device and enable notifications to never miss an important message, even when you’re out and about.
Conclusion
LinkedIn messaging is a valuable way to build connections, nurture your professional network, and advance your career. By understanding the ins and outs of LinkedIn messaging and fine-tuning your notification settings, you can ensure you always receive relevant messages in a timely manner. Approach messaging with clear goals, proper etiquette, and prompt responses to make the most of LinkedIn’s communication capabilities.