LinkedIn InMail can be a great way to make professional connections, but it’s important to craft your messages thoughtfully. Here are some tips on what you should and shouldn’t say when reaching out to someone over InMail.
How to Start Your LinkedIn InMail
The opening of your InMail sets the tone. You want to catch the recipient’s attention and give them a reason to read further. Here are some good opening strategies:
- Mention a shared connection. This gives your message context and makes it feel less cold or random. For example: “Jane Smith suggested I connect with you.”
- Compliment their work or achievements. Show you took the time to learn about them. For example: “I’ve been impressed by the work you’ve done with XYZ Company.”
- Note a common interest or background. This establishes rapport. For example: “I see you also went to University of Michigan – I loved my time there!”
- Explain why you want to connect. Give a specific, professional reason to show this is not a generic outreach. For example: “I’m interested in learning more about your work in the digital marketing field.”
Avoid overly sales-y language like “I wanted to reach out to network.” Get right to the point about why this person specifically.
How to Craft the Body of Your InMail
The body of your InMail should explain why you want to connect with more details and make a specific request or propose an action plan. Here are some effective strategies for the main content:
- Give a personalized introduction. Share details about your background and experience relevant to why you want to connect. This gives helpful context.
- Explain in more depth why you admire their work or what commonalities you share. Show you did your research on their profile and career.
- Ask for advice or insights about their industry. People often enjoy being asked for mentorship or expertise.
- Propose getting coffee or having an informational interview to learn more about their career path or work.
- Suggest collaborating or exploring if there are ways you could potentially work together.
The specifics will depend on your purpose for the outreach, but focus on explaining why this person specifically can provide value and avoid sounding too pushy or salesy.
How to End and Follow Up Your InMail
Wrap up your InMail with next steps and appreciation:
- Close by expressing interest in connecting via phone or meeting up. Provide availability or suggest some options.
- Let them know you’ll follow up by a certain date if you don’t hear back, such as “I’ll follow up with you next week to see if you might have some time to chat.”
- Thank them for considering your request and offer to provide any helpful information about yourself.
- Include a signature with your full name, title, company, and contact info so they can easily reach back out.
Following up is key – if you don’t hear back within your proposed timeframe, send a brief, polite reminder. If they decline or don’t respond after a few tries, respectfully move on.
What to Avoid in LinkedIn InMail
There are also some common pitfalls to avoid so your InMail doesn’t end up ignored or flagged as spam:
- Don’t use canned or overly template-y language – personalize each message.
- Don’t make it all about yourself and what you want without explaining the value for them.
- Don’t ask for a job or internship right off the bat – build a relationship first.
- Don’t use gimmicks like offering to pay them for their time or advice.
- Don’t use high-pressure sales tactics requesting an urgent response.
- Don’t overshare overly personal information not relevant to your professional purpose.
InMail is meant for mutually beneficial networking – not pitching, asking for favors, or oversharing. Keep it professional.
Sample LinkedIn InMail Message
Here is an example InMail with components for an effective outreach:
Subject: Fellow University of Michigan Alum Hoping to Connect
Hi John,
My name is Sarah Lee and I also graduated from the University of Michigan Class of 2017. Go Blue! I saw we have several shared connections, including Jane Smith, who mentioned you might be open to connecting.
I’ve been very impressed by your work at XYZ Company building out their social media marketing strategy. Social media marketing is a passion of mine as well – I even started a social media consulting side business this year. I would love to learn more about how you built such an impactful social presence at XYZ.
Would you have time for a quick coffee or phone call in the next few weeks? I’d love to hear your thoughts on starting a career in social media marketing and any advice you may have. Please let me know if you might have availability to connect further.
I’ll follow up with you next Monday to see if you might have some time to chat. Thank you so much for considering, and I look forward to hopefully connecting soon.
Best regards,
Sarah Lee
Social Media Consultant, City, State
123-456-7890
Key Takeaways
Connecting via LinkedIn InMail can lead to valuable networking opportunities, but you want to avoid coming across as spammy or salesy. Keep these best practices in mind:
- Personalize each message with shared connections, interests, or context.
- Explain in detail how you can provide mutual value, not just what you want.
- Make a specific ask for advice, introductions, or to meet up.
- Use a professional tone and avoid high-pressure tactics.
- Follow up if you don’t hear back initially.
- Respect it if they decline and move on gracefully.
With a thoughtful, personalized InMail focusing on mutual benefit you can make meaningful connections on LinkedIn that boost your career.