I've sent over 500 LinkedIn messages to hiring managers in my career. Want to know my biggest lesson? 90% of job seekers send generic messages that immediately scream "copy-paste." The other 10% who personalize their approach get 5x more responses.
I've sent over 500 LinkedIn messages to hiring managers in my career. Want to know my biggest lesson? 90% of job seekers send generic messages that immediately scream "copy-paste." The other 10% who personalize their approach get 5x more responses.
According to LinkedIn's 2023 Global Talent Trends report, hiring managers receive an average of 75 LinkedIn messages per week. Standing out isn't just important - it's survival.
I'm sharing 75+ message templates that have generated real interviews, organized by situation and purpose. These aren't just templates - they're frameworks you can customize to show genuine interest while respecting hiring managers' time.
Cold Outreach Messages to Hiring Managers
Cold LinkedIn messages work best when they focus on the hiring manager's challenges rather than your job search needs.
Cold outreach to hiring managers means reaching out without prior connection or job posting, focusing on mutual value rather than immediate job requests.
- Hi [Name], I noticed [Company] just expanded into the European market. Having led similar expansions at [Previous Company], I'd love to share insights that helped us increase market penetration by 40% in year one. Worth a brief chat?
- Hello [Name], Your recent LinkedIn post about talent retention challenges really resonated with me. I've helped reduce turnover by 35% at [Company] using data-driven engagement strategies. Would you be open to a quick conversation about what's working in today's market?
- Hi [Name], I saw [Company] is launching [specific initiative]. Having implemented similar programs that generated $2M in cost savings, I'd be happy to share lessons learned. Are you available for a 15-minute call this week?
- Hello [Name], Congratulations on [Company]'s recent [achievement/funding/expansion]. I've been following your growth and would love to explore how my experience in [relevant area] could support your continued success. Open to connecting?
- Hi [Name], I came across your interview in [Publication] about [topic]. Your perspective on [specific point] aligns perfectly with strategies I've used to [relevant achievement]. Would love to continue the conversation - available for a brief call?
Tip: Consider pairing cold outreach with industry research tools or professional development courses to demonstrate your commitment to staying current.
Application Follow-Up Messages
Following up on LinkedIn after applying shows initiative but should be done within 3-5 business days for optimal impact.
Application follow-up messages acknowledge your submitted application while reinforcing key qualifications and demonstrating continued interest in the specific role.
- Hi [Name], I submitted my application for the [Job Title] position yesterday (Application #[Number]). My 7 years of experience in [relevant area] directly align with your requirements. Happy to discuss how I can contribute to [specific company goal]. Best time to connect?
- Hello [Name], Just wanted to confirm you received my application for [Job Title]. I'm particularly excited about [specific aspect of role] as it matches my background in [relevant experience]. Would love to elaborate on how I increased [relevant metric] by 45% at [Previous Company].
- Hi [Name], I applied for the [Job Title] role and wanted to highlight why I'm genuinely excited about this opportunity. My experience with [specific skill/tool] has helped previous teams achieve [specific result]. Available for a quick call to discuss further?
- Hello [Name], Following up on my application for [Job Title] submitted on [Date]. The role's focus on [specific responsibility] perfectly matches my passion for [relevant area]. I'd welcome the chance to discuss my [specific relevant achievement] in more detail.
- Hi [Name], I submitted my application for [Job Title] and wanted to share additional context about my [specific qualification] that directly addresses the challenges mentioned in your job posting. Open to a brief conversation about how I can help solve [specific company challenge]?
Interview Request Messages
Interview request messages should include 2-3 specific time slots and highlight your most relevant achievement.
Interview request messages directly ask for meeting time while making scheduling easy and reinforcing your qualifications for the specific role.
- Hi [Name], Thank you for considering my application for [Job Title]. I'm available for an interview Tuesday 2-4pm, Wednesday 10am-12pm, or Thursday 1-3pm EST. Looking forward to discussing how my [specific achievement] can benefit [Company]. Which time works best for you?
- Hello [Name], I'd love to schedule an interview for the [Job Title] position. I'm free Monday 9-11am, Tuesday 2-5pm, or Friday 10am-2pm. Excited to share how I helped [Previous Company] achieve [specific result] using strategies that could work well at [Company].
- Hi [Name], Could we schedule a 30-minute interview for the [Job Title] role? I'm available Wednesday 1-4pm, Thursday 9am-12pm, or Friday 2-5pm EST. I'm particularly eager to discuss my experience with [relevant skill] and how it applies to [Company]'s current initiatives.
- Hello [Name], I'd appreciate the opportunity to interview for [Job Title]. My calendar is open Tuesday 10am-3pm, Wednesday 9am-1pm, or Thursday 2-6pm. Looking forward to explaining how my background in [relevant area] addresses the challenges you mentioned in our initial conversation.
- Hi [Name], Thank you for your interest in my candidacy. I'm available for an interview Monday 11am-2pm, Wednesday 9am-5pm, or Friday 1-4pm EST. I'm excited to discuss specific strategies I've used to [relevant achievement] that could benefit [Company]'s [specific goal].
Tip: Consider investing in professional interview coaching or communication skills training to maximize your interview performance once you secure that meeting.
Post-Interview Thank You Messages
Thank you messages on LinkedIn should complement, not replace, formal email thank you notes sent to hiring managers.
Post-interview LinkedIn messages reinforce key discussion points while maintaining professional momentum and demonstrating continued engagement with the opportunity.
- Hi [Name], Thank you for the insightful interview today. Our discussion about [specific topic] reinforced my excitement about contributing to [Company]'s [specific initiative]. I've attached the [resource/article] I mentioned that might be helpful for your team's current project.
- Hello [Name], I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic discussed]. Your insights about [company challenge] align perfectly with solutions I've implemented before. Looking forward to the next steps and the opportunity to contribute to [specific company goal].
- Hi [Name], Thank you for taking the time to interview me for [Job Title]. I'm even more enthusiastic about the role after learning about [specific project/initiative]. Please let me know if you need any additional information as you make your decision.
- Hello [Name], Our interview today confirmed that [Company] is exactly where I want to contribute my skills. I'm particularly excited about [specific aspect discussed] and how my experience with [relevant background] can help achieve [specific goal]. Thank you for your consideration.
- Hi [Name], Thank you for the engaging interview. I've been thinking about your question regarding [specific topic], and I wanted to share an additional example of how I successfully handled a similar situation at [Previous Company]. Happy to discuss further if helpful.
Networking and Relationship Building Messages
Networking messages to hiring managers should focus on industry trends and shared professional interests rather than job availability.
Networking messages build professional relationships through shared value, industry insights, and mutual interests without immediate job-seeking intentions.
- Hi [Name], Your recent post about [industry trend] really got me thinking. I've seen similar patterns in my work with [relevant experience]. Would love to hear more about your perspective on where the industry is heading. Coffee sometime?
- Hello [Name], I attended [Event] where you spoke about [topic]. Your insights on [specific point] were spot-on. I've had similar experiences with [relevant situation]. Would enjoy continuing the conversation if you're open to connecting.
- Hi [Name], Congratulations on [Company]'s recent [achievement]. I've been following your growth story and am impressed by [specific aspect]. As someone working in [related field], I'd love to learn more about your approach to [relevant topic].
- Hello [Name], I came across your article about [topic] and found your perspective on [specific point] particularly valuable. I've encountered similar challenges in my role at [Company]. Would you be interested in exchanging insights over coffee?
- Hi [Name], I noticed we both attended [University/Event] and share an interest in [relevant topic]. I'm always looking to connect with fellow professionals who are passionate about [industry/field]. Would love to hear about your experience at [Company].
Referral Request Messages
Referral requests should be specific about the type of role and company you're targeting to help hiring managers make relevant connections.
Referral request messages ask for introductions to other professionals while being specific about desired connections and maintaining existing professional relationships.
- Hi [Name], I hope you're doing well. I'm exploring opportunities in [specific field/industry] and wondered if you might know someone at [Target Company] or similar organizations who I could connect with. I'm particularly interested in [specific type of role]. Any introductions would be greatly appreciated.
- Hello [Name], I'm reaching out because I value your network and expertise. I'm looking to transition into [specific area] and would love to connect with professionals in [specific industry/function]. Do you know anyone who might be open to a brief informational conversation?
- Hi [Name], I remember you mentioning your connection to [Industry/Company Type]. I'm currently exploring opportunities in that space and would appreciate any introductions to hiring managers or team leads. Happy to share my background if that would be helpful for making connections.
- Hello [Name], I'm conducting informational interviews in [specific field] and wondered if you might know professionals who'd be willing to share insights about their experience. I'm particularly interested in learning about [specific aspect]. Would you be comfortable making an introduction?
- Hi [Name], As I explore my next career move, I'm hoping to connect with leaders in [specific industry/function]. Given your extensive network, I wondered if you might know someone who'd be open to a brief conversation about trends and opportunities in the field.
Tip: Consider offering to reciprocate referrals or introductions, and maintain a professional contact management system to track and nurture these valuable relationships.
Rejection Response Messages
Responding professionally to rejection messages can lead to future opportunities as hiring managers remember candidates who handle disappointment gracefully.
Rejection response messages maintain professional relationships after unsuccessful applications while positioning yourself for future opportunities and potential referrals.
- Hi [Name], Thank you for letting me know about the decision for [Job Title]. While disappointed, I appreciate the thorough process and feedback. I'd love to stay connected for future opportunities that might be a better fit. Wishing [Company] continued success with the new hire.
- Hello [Name], I appreciate you taking the time to inform me about the [Job Title] decision. Though this wasn't the outcome I hoped for, I'm grateful for the positive interview experience. Please keep me in mind for similar roles that may arise. Best of luck to your new team member.
- Hi [Name], Thank you for the update on [Job Title]. I understand the decision and respect your choice. If you have any feedback that might help me in future applications, I'd welcome the insight. I hope we can stay connected as I continue my career journey.
- Hello [Name], I appreciate your transparency about the [Job Title] position. While I'm disappointed, I understand these decisions are never easy. If similar opportunities arise in the future, I'd love to be considered. Thank you for the professional experience throughout the process.
- Hi [Name], Thank you for letting me know about the hiring decision. I'm disappointed but grateful for the opportunity to learn about [Company] and meet your team. If you know of other organizations that might be looking for someone with my background, I'd appreciate any referrals.
Seasonal and Event-Based Messages
Event-based messages to hiring managers should reference specific company achievements or industry developments rather than generic holiday greetings.
Seasonal and event-based messages leverage natural occasions like holidays, industry events, or company milestones to create authentic outreach opportunities.
- Hi [Name], Happy New Year! As we kick off 2024, I've been reflecting on [Industry] trends and am excited about [specific development]. I'd love to hear your perspective on what you see ahead for [Company] this year. Hope you had great holidays!
- Hello [Name], Congratulations on [Company]'s recent [award/recognition/milestone]! It's exciting to see your team's hard work getting the recognition it deserves. As someone passionate about [relevant field], I'd love to learn more about what's driving your success.
- Hi [Name], I saw your presentation at [Industry Event] was very well received. Your insights on [specific topic] really resonated with the audience. I'd love to continue the conversation about [relevant subject] if you have time for a follow-up chat.
- Hello [Name], Hope you're enjoying the holiday season! I've been following [Company]'s impressive growth this year, particularly [specific achievement]. As we head into 2024, I'd be interested in learning about your team's priorities and how professionals like me might contribute.
- Hi [Name], Congratulations on [Company]'s Q4 results! The growth in [specific area] is particularly impressive. I'd love to hear more about the strategies driving this success and how my background in [relevant area] might align with your future plans.
Creating Your Own Effective Messages
The best LinkedIn messages combine proven frameworks with genuine personalization. Start by researching the hiring manager's recent posts, company news, and industry challenges they're likely facing.
Keep messages between 50-150 words - long enough to show effort, short enough to respect their time. Always include a clear but soft call-to-action that makes responding easy.
Test different approaches and track your response rates. I use a simple spreadsheet to monitor which message types work best for different industries and seniority levels. This data helps me refine my approach over time.
Avoid these common mistakes: Generic subject lines, talking only about yourself, making immediate job requests, sending the same message to multiple people at one company, and following up too frequently or aggressively.
Remember that hiring managers are people first. They appreciate genuine interest in their work, thoughtful questions about industry trends, and messages that offer value rather than just asking for favors.
The most successful LinkedIn outreach happens when you view it as relationship building rather than transactional job hunting. Focus on creating meaningful professional connections that benefit both parties.
These templates work because they're based on real conversations that led to interviews and job offers. Customize them with specific details about the company, role, and hiring manager to maximize your response rates and build authentic professional relationships.
Start with 3-5 templates that match your situation, personalize them thoroughly, and track which approaches generate the best responses. Remember to always follow LinkedIn's messaging policies and respect hiring managers' time and communication preferences.
How long should LinkedIn messages to hiring managers be?
Keep messages between 50-150 words. This length shows effort while respecting busy schedules and increases response rates significantly.
When should you follow up after sending a LinkedIn message?
Wait 5-7 business days before following up. Send a maximum of two follow-ups spaced one week apart.
Should you connect before messaging a hiring manager on LinkedIn?
Send a connection request with a personalized note first. Wait for acceptance before sending longer messages about opportunities.
What's the best time to send LinkedIn messages to hiring managers?
Tuesday through Thursday between 9-11 AM or 2-4 PM typically generate highest response rates from busy professionals.
How do you find hiring managers on LinkedIn for your target companies?
Search "[Company Name] hiring manager [Department]" or use LinkedIn's People search filters by company and job title.