A Quick Guide to Contacting Candidates on LinkedIn: Best Times, Email Subject Lines, and Email Length
LinkedIn has become an indispensable platform for recruiters looking to connect with top talent. With an extensive network of professionals across every industry, LinkedIn offers recruiters a direct line to potential candidates. However, the effectiveness of your outreach can be significantly impacted by when you send your messages, the subject lines you use, and the length of your email. This guide dives deep into these aspects, providing research-backed insights and actionable tips to help you perfect your LinkedIn recruitment strategy.
Optimal Timing: When to Contact Candidates on LinkedIn
Timing matters immensely when it comes to getting your LinkedIn InMails read and responded to. Based on research and industry insights, the best times to send messages to candidates on LinkedIn are mid-week and during work hours. Here’s a breakdown of the best days and times to reach out:
- Best Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
- Monday and Friday tend to have lower engagement rates. On Mondays, professionals are often catching up on their workload, while on Fridays, they may already be winding down for the weekend.
- Best Time: Late Morning to Early Afternoon (10 AM to 2 PM)
- Messages sent during these hours are more likely to be seen and read. Professionals typically take short breaks during late morning and lunch hours, providing a perfect window for your InMail to grab their attention.
Crafting the Perfect Email Subject Line: Tips and Examples
The subject line of your email is critical—it’s the first thing a candidate sees and it heavily influences their decision to open your message. Here are some best practices and examples for writing compelling subject lines:
1. Keep It Short and Specific
Subject lines should be concise and to the point, ideally under 50 characters. Long subject lines may get cut off, especially on mobile devices.
- Examples:
- “Exciting Opportunity at [Company]”
- “Your Expertise in [Skill/Field] is Needed!”
- “Join Our Innovative Team at [Company]”
2. Personalize the Subject Line
Using the candidate’s name or a specific detail about their background can make the email feel more personalized and relevant.
- Examples:
- “John, a New Role Just for You at [Company]”
- “Jane, Your Experience in [Field] is Impressive!”
3. Create a Sense of Urgency
Subject lines that create a sense of urgency can prompt candidates to open your email sooner.
- Examples:
- “Immediate Need for Experienced [Position]”
- “Last Chance to Apply for Our [Position]”
Email Length: Keeping It Concise and Engaging
When it comes to the body of your email, brevity is key. Busy professionals appreciate recruiters who can get to the point quickly. When I contact candidates on LinkedIn, I have one goal…get them to respond so I can talk to them on the phone about the position I am recruiting for. Here are some guidelines and strategies for crafting effective LinkedIn InMail messages:
1. Aim for 150-200 Words
Your message should be long enough to provide essential information but short enough to retain the candidate’s interest.
2. Structure Your Email
Break your email into three main parts for clarity:
- Introduction: A brief intro that states who you are and why you are reaching out.
- Pitch: Provide details about the role and why it’s an excellent opportunity for the candidate.
- Call to Action: End with a clear next step, such as scheduling a call or visiting a link for more information.
3. Be Direct and Clear
Avoid jargon and complex sentences. Use simple, direct language to convey your message.
Examples of Effective Recruiting Emails
Example 1:
Subject: “Exciting Opportunity at [Company]”
Body:
Hi there [Candidate’s First Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I’m a recruiter at [Company]. I came across your profile and was impressed by your experience in [specific skill or industry]. I notice that you [mention something specific within their profile that caught your attention.]
We have an exciting opportunity for a [Job Title] that I think would be a great fit for you. Our team at [Company] is known for [mention any notable achievements or perks], and we believe your background aligns well with what we’re looking for.
I’d love to discuss this role with you in more detail. Are you available for a quick call this week? Let me know what time works best for you.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn Profile]Example 2:
Subject: “John, Join Our Innovative Team at [Company]”
Body:
Hi John,
I’m [Your Name], a talent acquisition specialist at [Company]. Your extensive background in [Field] caught my eye, and I believe you could be a perfect fit for our [Job Title] position.
At [Company], we are revolutionizing [Industry/Field] with our innovative approach and top-tier team. We offer [mention any benefits or unique aspects of the company], and I’d love to share more about how we can leverage your skills to make an impact.
Could we schedule a brief call this week to discuss this exciting opportunity? Looking forward to connecting!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn Profile]Conclusion
Perfecting the art of contacting candidates on LinkedIn involves timing your messages right, crafting compelling subject lines, keeping your emails concise, and providing enough information to generate interest. By adhering to these best practices and drawing on research-backed insights, you can significantly enhance your LinkedIn recruitment efforts and connect more effectively with top talent.
Sources:
- LinkedIn Sales Blog: Tips for Effective InMail Messages
- CoSchedule: The Best Time to Post on LinkedIn
- HubSpot: The Best Times to Post on LinkedIn
- Hootsuite: Best Times to Post on LinkedIn