An InMail is an email message sent through LinkedIn to connect with other professionals. InMails allow you to contact LinkedIn members outside of your network. Used strategically, a well-crafted InMail can help you make valuable connections and advance your career. However, generic or low-effort InMails are unlikely to get responses. So what makes an effective InMail that stands out? Here are some tips and examples for writing a good InMail message.
Do Your Research
Before reaching out to someone, learn about them and their professional background. Study their LinkedIn profile and any other available information online. Understand what they do, where they work, and what their role entails. Look for shared connections, interests, or experiences that you have in common. This context will allow you to write an InMail that shows you’ve done your homework and are contacting them for good reason. Avoid generic outreach language that could have been sent to anyone. Demonstrate that you’re reaching out to this person specifically.
Personalize the Message
Always personalize your InMail by addressing the recipient by name. Avoid just saying “Hi” or “Dear Sir/Madam.” Mention how you found their profile, such as through a LinkedIn search, group, shared connections, or other specifics. Reference something that stood out to you about their background, experience, company, interests, or other unique details. This shows you actually reviewed their profile and connects the conversation topic to them specifically.
Introduce Yourself
Briefly introduce yourself and explain who you are and your professional role. But keep it concise, just 2-3 sentences. You can elaborate more in the conversation. Focus on providing context that will interest them and compel them to learn more about you.
For example:
“I am a Corporate Recruiter at XYZ Company focused on hiring software developers and engineers.”
“I am an Account Manager at ABC Agency representing brands in the automotive industry.”
“I am a Project Manager at 123 Corporation managing IT infrastructure projects.”
Explain Why You’re Connecting
Articulate your reason for contacting them and what you’re hoping to learn, gain, or explore through the connection. Be upfront about your intent and what you’re asking for. Some examples include:
– Seeking their advice or insights about a specific topic or issue
– Interested in learning more about their career path and industry
– Hoping to discuss potential job opportunities at their company
– Wanting to connect about a business partnership or collaboration
– Exploring the possibility of them being a guest on your podcast
The goal is to be clear about your purpose for connecting while piquing their interest at the same time.
Offer Value
Think about how connecting could potentially benefit or interest this professional. Communicate what value you bring to the table. Offer to share an interesting article, introduce them to someone, or provide a recommendation. Providing value makes it more enticing for them to want to connect with you.
For example:
“I recently published an article discussing digital transformation trends that I thought might interest you.”
“I know of an open IT project manager role at a former client that could be a great fit based on your background.”
“I would be glad to connect you with a few former colleagues of mine who now work at your company.”
Extend a Specific Request
Close your InMail by extending a clear, direct request to continue the conversation. This gives the recipient a specific call-to-action. Don’t just generally ask to connect. Provide a sense of next steps.
Some examples include:
– Requesting a 20-30 minute phone call to discuss a specific topic
– Inviting them to connect on LinkedIn (if not already connected)
– Suggesting meeting for coffee at a future date when convenient
– Asking if they might be open to answering a few brief questions over email
– Requesting they forward your InMail to more relevant contacts if appropriate
Keep it Short
InMails have a very limited length of only 300 characters. Keep your entire message concise, direct, and to the point. Long-winded introductions and background info are not needed in an InMail.
Focus on the key details:
– Who you are
– Your purpose for connecting
– The value offered
– A specific request or next step
Use Proper Grammar and Etiquette
Given the professional context, always use proper grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and etiquette. Write complete, structured sentences. Stay polite and formal. Do not use slang or informal language. Proofread to avoid typos or errors. A thoughtful, professional tone will encourage the recipient to perceive you as a serious, credible contact.
Example InMail
Here is an example InMail applying the tips discussed:
Subject: Exploring Corporate Recruiting Roles
Dear Elena,
My name is John Smith. I came across your profile while researching talent acquisition roles at ABC Company. As a current college senior studying business, I am extremely interested in learning more about a career in corporate recruiting. Your background as a Recruiting Manager is very impressive. Would you have 20-30 minutes to connect on the phone to discuss your career path and experience in this field? I would greatly appreciate any insights you can offer. I can be flexible regarding timing. Thank you for considering, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
John
Conclusion
An effective InMail starts with personalization and expressing a clear purpose for connecting. Demonstrate you have something of value to offer the recipient. Extend a direct request for continuing the conversation, whether by phone, LinkedIn, or email. Keep the message concise yet compelling. With a thoughtful, well-crafted InMail that stands out from generic outreach, you can expand your professional network and make meaningful new connections.
InMail Tip | Example |
---|---|
Research the recipient | Reference their company, role, experience |
Personalize | Use their name, mention their profile specifics |
Introduce yourself | Name, profession, company |
Explain why connecting | Seeking advice, exploring opportunities |
Offer value | Share an article, make an introduction |
Direct request | Request a phone call, LinkedIn connection |
Concise | 300 characters or less |
Proper etiquette | Polite, formal tone |
Key Takeaways
- Research the recipient’s background to personalize the message
- Introduce yourself and explain your purpose for connecting
- Offer value by sharing information or connections
- Extend a direct request for continuing the conversation
- Keep the InMail focused, concise, and professional
A thoughtful, value-driven InMail can help you expand your network and advance your career. With practice, you can craft engaging messages that get responses. Consider trying different approaches and continuously refining based on results. Each connection can lead to new opportunities.
Additional Questions
Here are some additional questions related to writing effective InMails:
What are LinkedIn’s rules and limits for InMails?
LinkedIn has some usage rules and limits for InMails to consider:
– InMails are limited to 300 characters maximum
– Free LinkedIn accounts get limited InMails per month
– Paid Premium LinkedIn accounts get more monthly InMail credits
– Cannot send an excessive volume of InMails or you may be restricted
– Cannot use InMail for spamming, soliciting, or messaging at scale
What makes a bad InMail?
InMails to avoid:
– Generic messages that could be sent to anyone
– Overly sales-y pitches for a product/service
– Rambing messages without a clear purpose
– Anything copy-pasted or not personalized
– Using informal/unprofessional language
– Asking for too much too soon from someone you do not know
What is the InMail etiquette?
Proper InMail etiquette includes:
– Personalizing each message and introducing yourself
– Being professional, polite, and respectful
– Stating your purpose clearly upfront
– Making requests rather than demands
– Accepting if the recipient declines to connect
– Not messaging repeatedly if unanswered
– Thanking them if they respond or agree to connect
How can I write effective subject lines?
Tips for InMail subject lines:
– Keep it short, clear, and compelling
– Give a sense of your reason for connecting
– Consider mentioning your shared connection
– Include your name so they know the message is personalized
– Intrigue them to open and read the message
– Avoid overused phrases like “Request,” “Question,” etc.
How long should I wait for a response?
– Generally wait 1-2 weeks for a response
– Follow up once if you haven’t heard after 2 weeks
– Accept it graciously if they do not respond
– Do not continue messaging repeatedly without a reply