I Always Get Replies From Recruiters On LinkedIn - Here's How

Finding a job is a challenge in times like these. Many of you know the feeling: You send out your resume and don't hear back from any companies for weeks – but then when you do, they tell you that they have already hired someone or that the position was filled.

With that said, I still got many replies from recruiters on LinkedIn and via email (every few days) – probably more than in the past. All these emails make me want to share some tips on getting more responses to your job applications.

Remember that you need to have great connections with industry leaders and hiring managers or recruiters to get your dream job. The only way you can make a good connection is by networking on LinkedIn (or any other social media), which is not done just by applying to advertised roles. This guide will tell you how to improve the chances of getting a reply when networking on LinkedIn -especially for those who are having difficulties contacting hiring managers or recruiters.

Here's how I network with the recruiters:

1. I find out recruiters on LinkedIn and send them a customized connection

To find the recruiter's profile on LinkedIn, I search on LinkedIn for people in that company. Instead of searching for the full title, I search for first and last names when searching. If it's a popular company, so it's easy to find someone.

If I couldn't find the recruiter or the company's hiring manager that interests me, I try to reach senior employees working in my department, which is "marketing"; I start searching for a content manager, content head, digital marketing manager, etc. 

Sometimes I approach SEOs like is to research the jobs posted by recruiters for other titles that fit in with my job role. E.g., I'm a content writer, so I look for a content strategist, content creator, copywriter, etc.

2. I find the company's biggest business pain point, and I solve it

One of the best ways to impact is to do some online research on a company or a position you're targeting. One of the easiest ways to do this is by looking at company websites, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook accounts, news articles and seeing any current issues or worries they're currently trying to deal with.

For me, I try to find what kinds of challenges are they facing? What are their biggest challenges in terms of growth and expansion?

I'm totally convinced that my research should be very different from the typical candidates.

Suppose I find that several elements stand out as a company's biggest problems. In that case, I pick the most relevant one directly related to my area of expertise and explain why I am the best person for the job in sending these solutions to the hiring manager.

3. I utilize the InMail feature on LinkedIn's paid service

Look at the reply rates for InMails. There are some clear patterns – most people who use this approach get a reply, and around 20% of InMails with a note get a response of interest.

So, I scribble down a quick pitch. It's brief but to the point. My message is no longer than two paragraphs, so I don't lose the recruiter's attention, and my email can be scanned on a smartphone screen! I also add some links where I have included my own work/experience that demonstrates my skills and interests. Sometimes, I attach my resume.

Quick tips:

• I focus as much as possible on the company, not myself.
• I don't send the same message to every recruiter or target person, and I personalize it to adapt to each company's culture. A little much effort always pays off.

4. I start my message with reasons

The first lines of my messages are always around why I'm the perfect match for the position, supported by evidence that I've found while researching the company.

What & where I research about the company?

I take some time and read about what is going on with the company, who they hire, their industry, any news of them laying off employees, and their plans.

I depend on their website, social media platforms, their YouTube channel. If they're a leading company, I try to find news about it in digital newspapers and news websites to be aware of their latest events and other relevant news. Then, I mention that I would like nothing more than to help them accomplish their goals.

Also, I depend on my latest achievements with my current employer as proof of my skills and abilities.

 

Finally, there is a way you can still beat the odds and find yourself a job in this challenging market. And it all depends on how you use LinkedIn to your advantage.

So it's more important than ever to get noticed by hiring managers and recruiters without even applying for jobs.

Did you ever succeed in getting job offers using LinkedIn? And Do you have any other approaches that we could consider? Please share with us in the comments box below.