Best LinkedIn message templates for reaching out to candidates

Why is it so hard to get a response from candidates? These templates will help you stand out.

Crafting the right message to potential candidates on LinkedIn is crucial to sparking their interest in your job opportunity.

An InMail often goes unanswered when it doesn’t feel personal or seems too generic.

But writing a strong message is harder than it looks.

Having the right outreach templates is a great starting point for creating messages that actually convert.

These tips will help you write InMails that deliver results:

• Think from the candidate's perspective: Step into their shoes—what kind of message would you want to receive if you were in their position?
• Personalize your message: Did you notice specific skills or interests on their profile? Mention them in your message (this can be automated with SourceGeek).
• Be clear and concise about why you’re reaching out: After greeting the candidate and referencing their skills/interests, explain your role, who you’re looking for, and why.
• Avoid asking too many questions or requests: Make it easy for the candidate to respond.
• Include a call-to-action: Let the candidate know what to do next if they’re interested.

A message template that follows these guidelines will get you closer to higher-performing InMails.

Proven LinkedIn Recruiter Message Templates

These templates are ready to use and easy to personalize for better response rates. They’ve been tested and optimized to boost your chances of conversion.

LinkedIn InMail Template #1: Software Engineers

Software engineers are among the most sought-after talent in the market. Any message that feels too generic or impersonal is likely to be ignored.

Your message should reference their preferred tech stack and highlight their key skills.

Template:

Hi {first_name},
I noticed your strong engineering background, especially in {skills}, at {current_employer}.
I’d love to connect and hear what you’re looking for in your next career step.
We’re always searching for top tech talent like you, and we currently have an opening for a {job_role}—a remote-friendly position from {location}.
Let me know if you’d like to chat, or just reply briefly and I’ll follow up with next steps.
Best regards,
{my_first_name}

LinkedIn InMail Template #2: Business Roles

People in business roles, like sales managers, are often highly communicative and direct. Long, detailed messages aren’t always better—short and to the point can be much more effective, especially for those with a business mindset.

An added benefit: these short messages can also be used as connection requests instead of InMails, saving you InMail credits.

Template:

Hi {first_name},
I might be the hundredth recruiter reaching out, but I figured I’d give it a shot and see where you’re at in your career. I saw your experience in {skills}—very impressive.
I’m reaching out on behalf of a company in the {industry}, and we’re looking for a {job_role} who can help build a scalable, feature-rich product.
We’re a small but fast-growing team, and I’d love to explore if it could be a good match.
Hope to hear from you!
{my_first_name}

LinkedIn InMail Template #3: Light and Fun

{first_name}, picture this: you wake up, open your laptop… and close it again, because it’s time for a relaxed breakfast before starting your day.
We’re a fully remote company currently expanding our tech team—and we need someone like you. I saw your experience with {skills}, and I truly mean it: we need you.
Let me know if you’re curious about working on your own terms—when and where you want—with a team that could become some of your favorite people.
I’m here whenever you want to chat.
{my_first_name}

How to Automate Personalization in Your Outreach

SourceGeek’s AI-powered solution uses smart technology to make your messages relevant and personal—without extra manual work. Here's how it works:

Automatically pulling profile data
SourceGeek scans the candidate’s LinkedIn profile for key information like skills, experience, and interests. This data is then seamlessly integrated into your message—so the candidate feels you’ve taken the time to understand them.

Tokens for names and roles
We use smart "tokens" to automatically insert names, job titles, and other variables. Every message feels tailored to the individual, while you only need to set up the template—SourceGeek does the rest.

Relevant references to skills and projects
Our AI doesn’t stop at names and titles—it can also highlight relevant skills or past projects, increasing the chances of a positive reply.

Efficient and time-saving
Personalizing messages manually takes time. With SourceGeek, you can launch a fully personalized campaign in minutes—reaching dozens or even hundreds of candidates with targeted outreach.

Maximize Your Response Rate

Our automated personalization techniques ensure that candidates feel seen and valued. This increases your chances of receiving a response—whether you're reaching out to a software engineer or a sales manager, the messaging will always align with their background and interests.

With SourceGeek, you take your recruitment campaigns to the next level. Let the tech do the heavy lifting—so you can focus on what really matters: connecting the right talent with the right opportunities.

Want to see how SourceGeek can personalize your outreach and boost your response rate?
Try it for yourself and experience the power of automated LinkedIn recruitment.