How to contact a recruiter on LinkedIn: 10 ready-made messages

The optimal structure is context + relevant result + next step. Instead of listing all skills, a single fact demonstrating your value for a specific role is sufficient.

Below are 10 scenarios that can be adapted to different situations.

1. If you found a suitable vacancy

Do not retell your resume to the recruiter. Show how your experience is directly related to the tasks in the vacancy.

Message:
Hello, [name]! I applied for the [title] position at [company]. I see that one of the key tasks of the role is [specific task from the vacancy]. For the past [X] years, I have been working on similar tasks: at [company], I launched [project] and achieved [specific result or number]. If the position is still open, I am ready to tell you more about this experience.

2. If you want to join a specific company, but there is no vacancy yet

Here, it is not worth writing that you have been "following the company for a long time." Link your experience with the direction that is currently developing at the employer.

Message:
Hello, [name]! I see that [company] is currently developing [product/direction]. For the past [X] years, I have been working on similar tasks: at [company], I was responsible for [task] and [specific result]. I am considering a move to a team that works with [direction]. Is there any plan to expand the team in this direction in the coming months?

3. If there is no suitable vacancy

Instead of a general question about "opportunities," specify a particular function in which you can be useful.

Message:
Hello, [name]! I am currently considering positions in [direction]. My main experience is [specific specialization]: over the past [X] years, I [specific result]. I see that this direction is actively developing at [company]. Could you tell me if there are plans to hire specialists with such a profile? If so, I can send my resume and project examples.

4. If you have already applied for a vacancy

An additional message makes sense if you really have experience that meets the key task of the position.

Message:
Hello, [name]! Today I applied for the [title] position. I specifically paid attention to the task [specific task from the vacancy] — I have similar experience at [company/project]. There I [specific action] and achieved [result]. Therefore, I consider this position particularly relevant to my experience. If the vacancy is still open, I am ready to discuss this case in more detail.

5. If you want to check the relevance of a vacancy

It is better to immediately link the question about relevance to your own relevance, otherwise the message turns into a formal request.

Message:
Hello, [name]! Could you please tell me if the [title] position is still open? I am contacting you because my experience is directly related to [key task of the vacancy]: at [company], I [result with a number]. If the search is ongoing, I would like to discuss the possibility of joining the process.

6. If you are looking for an internship or your first job

Even without extensive experience, you can show not the intention to "gain experience," but work already done.

Message:
Hello, [name]! I am currently looking for my first opportunity in [direction]. Over the past year, I [launched/developed/researched] [project], where [specific result]. I would like to develop specifically in [direction] and consider [company] as an interesting place to start. Are there any internships or junior positions in this direction in the team currently?

7. If you want to find out about other positions

If a specific vacancy does not suit you, do not ask the recruiter to "suggest something." Show in which tasks you excel.

Message:
Hello, [name]! I saw the [title] position, but it does not quite match my experience level. However, I specialize in [direction] and over [X] years have achieved [specific result]. If there are positions at [company] currently or in the near future related to [direction], I would be glad to consider them. Are there such roles in the current hiring?

8. If you have a strong relevant case

Sometimes the best way to start a conversation is not the job title, but the result you have already brought to the business.

Message:
Hello, [name]! I am a [position/specialization] with [X] years of experience in [direction]. In my last project, I was responsible for [task] and helped [result with a number]. I am currently considering new positions and see that [company] has tasks where this experience could be useful. Who in the team can I discuss such roles with?

9. If you want to understand how well you fit the vacancy

Instead of asking to "evaluate your resume," ask a specific question about the position requirements.

Message:
Hello, [name]! I am considering the [title] position and want to clarify one point before applying. I have [X] years of experience in [direction] and have a case [brief result], but the description specifies a requirement [specific requirement], with which I have less experience. How critical is this for the current search? If the team's main focus is [task], I am ready to apply and show relevant projects in more detail.

10. After the interview

After the interview, there is no need to repeat thanks for the "opportunity to learn more about the company." It is better to return to a specific task that was discussed during the meeting.

Message:
Thank you, [name], for the conversation! I was especially interested in the task [specific task discussed]. I had a similar case at [company], where [brief result]. After the conversation, I became even more interested in working on this task. If I am moving to the next stage, I am ready to discuss this case in more detail and offer several solution options.

What makes a message stronger

A good message to a recruiter should not repeat the resume. Its task is to provide context for why you are writing right now and, in a few lines, show that your experience is related to the team's tasks.

Instead of "I have a lot of experience in marketing" — a specific result. Instead of "I would like to consider opportunities" — the name of a direction or task. Instead of "I would be glad to discuss" — a clear question that the recruiter can answer.

At the same time, there is no need to try to fit your entire career into the first message. One strong case often works better than a long list of skills.

And most importantly — do not copy the template literally. Placeholders should be replaced not with general words like "analytics" or "IT," but with details from a specific vacancy, product, or company direction. It is this part that turns a template into a working message.