Messaging recruiters: 7 mistakes to avoid on LinkedIn

Do you consider yourself a LinkedIn power user, or have you forgotten your password since signing up years ago? Whether you’re a networking pro or just dipping your toes into the platform, LinkedIn can be a game-changing tool for navigating the modern job market. As competition for jobs intensifies and entry-level roles become scarce, you might think that directly messaging a recruiter can give you an edge.

And you’re not wrong—a well-crafted message can indeed open doors. But approach it the wrong way, and your recruitment process might end before it begins. So, how can you get it right? Talent acquisition expert Arabella Podmore shares her insights on the seven most common mistakes job seekers make when messaging recruiters—and how to avoid them.

1. Not updating your profile

In the daily hustle and bustle of professional life, it can be easy to forget the importance of personal branding. When you’re focused on bringing home the bacon, you might be tempted to put your online presence on the back burner, however, this is a cardinal sin in Podmore’s eyes. “Your LinkedIn profile is often the first thing a recruiter sees. If it’s incomplete or outdated, it can make you appear unprepared or uninterested.” This is the last thing you want a recruiter’s first impression of you to be. Even if you aren’t a fan of social media or online networking, it’s a simple fact that the job market has gone digital across all industries, and if you want to keep up with the competition, you’ll have to adapt.

Try this instead: The first step to perfecting your profile is to make sure it’s up to date. Podmore says that “a polished profile showcases your professionalism and makes it easier for recruiters to understand your value.” Make sure that your education and work history sections are current, and also highlight your most relevant qualifications. You can remove any experiences that are too outdated or no longer align with your career goals. Be sure to update your bio as well—it’s the quickest way for someone to see who you are and what you bring to the table beyond just your job title.

2. Not adding a personal touch

When on the job hunt, it’s a good practice to cast a wide net to maximize your chances of landing an interview, but you still need to maintain the quality of your applications. This includes personalizing cover letters and resumes, but especially messages to recruiters. “A cookie-cutter message sent to multiple recruiters rarely gets a positive response.” Recruiters receive many messages from candidates, and a message that is clearly being sent out in batches won’t exactly grab their attention or set you apart from other applicants.

Try this instead: It can feel arbitrary, but take the time to personalize each message you send. “Taking the time to address the recruiter by name and referencing their industry expertise sets you apart as a serious candidate.” Use this as an opportunity to show that you’ve read through the job description, that you have a specific request or question for the person you’re speaking with, and that you’ve written the message just for them.

3. Using the wrong language

Everyone has their own opinion on what appropriate LinkedIn etiquette is, but when it comes to messaging someone you haven’t spoken with before, it’s best to err on the side of caution when deciding how formal to be. “I’ve received messages where candidates used slang or informal language, and it immediately set the wrong tone,” Podmore shares. So many factors go into selecting a candidate, so you don’t want bad manners to be the reason you don’t receive an interview. The working world is certainly more casual than it once was, but that doesn’t mean you should abandon any sense of professionalism when writing your introductory message.

Try this instead: You don’t need to be overly formal or elaborate. Podmore believes that “maintaining a professional and polite tone in all your communications is key to making a strong impression.” Although it is a DM, you want to stay more in the area of emailing when it comes to formatting and tone. Start with a hello, address them properly, move on to your question, and sign your message respectfully.

4. TMI

We’ve all had to sift through messages from an overly verbose colleague, so don’t be that person when messaging a recruiter. “A lengthy message with your entire career history can be overwhelming,” says Podmore. It may be tempting to list your experience, qualifications, and why you’re the perfect fit for the role, but you don’t want to leave a recruiter feeling overwhelmed or unsure of why you sent the message.

Try this instead: Podmore’s advice? “Be concise. Highlight your key skills and accomplishments while leaving room for a conversation.”

5. Sending too many messages

At work and in our personal lives, it’s not cute to deal with someone who won’t stop double-texting. Recruitment can feel a lot like dating, especially when it comes to early communication. So, don’t scare them off by hounding them for a response. “Recruiters appreciate persistence, but sending multiple messages in a short timeframe or reaching out across different platforms can feel excessive. It’s important to give recruiters space to respond. Enthusiasm is great, but trust that one or two polite follow-ups are enough to show your interest.”

Try this instead: You don’t need to play hard to get, but keep cool and don’t be overbearing. If it’s been a few days and you haven’t received a response, try following up with a short message. Maybe you can include some additional information you think could be relevant, or ask if there is a better time or platform to communicate.

6. Not including a call to action

Recruiters aren’t mind readers, and when you’re agonizing over what to include in a message, you don’t want to forget the reason why you’re sending it! According to Podmore, “Reaching out without a clear next step can leave recruiters unsure about how to proceed.” When writing your message, you don’t want to frame it in a way that allows the recruiter to ignore it or end the conversation prematurely. We all know the concept of “open-ended questions,” which very much applies here.

Try this instead: Podmore says that the best way to keep the conversation going is to “Include a concise call to action, such as ‘I’d love to discuss how my skills align with this opportunity - are you available for a quick call this week?’ This shows initiative and helps move the conversation forward.”

7. Forgetting your attachments

So, you’ve followed our expert advice, perfected your profile, honed your skills, and crafted the perfect LinkedIn message. Now, don’t let all your efforts go to waste by forgetting to attach your credentials! While this may seem unlikely, Podmore finds that “many candidates forget to attach their resume or relevant portfolio when reaching out to a recruiter.” Remember that your resume is your skeleton key when it comes to job hunting, and sending a message about an open role without including the document that contains all of your skills, experience, and value can be a tragic mistake.

Try this instead: There’s no trick to this one, just don’t forget to send them! “Make it easy for them by attaching your most up-to-date resume or work samples. This saves time and ensures the recruiter can quickly assess your qualifications.” Try attaching them before writing your message so you don’t forget to add them before hitting send, and don’t be afraid to send a follow-up if you didn’t include them the first time!

Mastering the art of messaging recruiters

Sliding into a recruiter’s DMs is the first step to making a lasting impression. Avoiding common missteps like sending generic messages, overloading with information, or neglecting to update your LinkedIn profile can make all the difference in standing out.

By taking a thoughtful, professional approach and crafting personalized messages, you show recruiters that you’re a serious candidate worth considering. Keep your communication concise, include a clear call to action, and always attach relevant materials to make their job easier.

Remember, messaging a recruiter is just one part of the job search process, but when done right, it can open doors to opportunities that align perfectly with your career aspirations. Take your time, be strategic, and let your professionalism shine through.

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