The Dos and Don'ts of LinkedIn Messaging: Networking and Job Application Tips

Dr Ismail Erkan
Feb 29, 2024
4 min read

Mastering LinkedIn messaging is crucial for building meaningful connections and landing your dream job. But navigating the etiquette can be tricky. Fear not, job seekers and networkers! This guide will equip you with the dos and don'ts, ensuring your messages get noticed, spark genuine interactions, and open doors to exciting opportunities.

Table of Contents:

Why Mastering LinkedIn Messaging Matters
The Dos of LinkedIn Messaging
The Don'ts of LinkedIn Messaging
Bonus Tip: Optimising Your Profile for Messaging Success
Unlock Your LinkedIn Messaging Potential!

Why Mastering LinkedIn Messaging Matters

In today's digital landscape, LinkedIn messaging is your gateway to unlocking career success. It allows you to connect with professionals across industries, build valuable relationships, and even land interviews and job offers. However, crafting impactful messages that resonate requires more than just typing "hello." By understanding the dos and don'ts of LinkedIn messaging, you can navigate this platform with confidence and turn online connections into real-world opportunities.

The Dos of LinkedIn Messaging:

1. Crafting Captivating Introductions:

Start with a personalised greeting: Avoid generic "Hi"s or "Dear Sir/Madam." Research the recipient's profile and use their name.
State your purpose clearly and concisely: Briefly explain why you're reaching out and what you hope to achieve.
Highlight a shared connection or common ground: Mention a mutual connection, their recent post you found insightful, or a shared professional interest.

2. Personalising Your Message (It's Not Just a Copy-Paste!):

Tailor your message to the individual: Generic templates scream "mass outreach" and get ignored. Show genuine interest by mentioning something specific about their profile or work.
Offer value, not just a request: What can you bring to the table? Offer insights, ask thoughtful questions, or express genuine support.

3. Bringing Value to Every Interaction:

Share relevant content or resources: Offer articles, industry news, or insights related to their work.
Compliment their expertise or achievements: Do it genuinely and avoid sounding like flattery.
Start a conversation, not a sales pitch: Focus on building rapport and mutual understanding.

4. Ending with a Clear Call to Action:

Don't leave them hanging: Clearly state what you'd like next – an informational interview, connecting on another platform, or simply keeping in touch.
Make it easy for them to respond: Offer options like scheduling a quick call or suggesting a relevant LinkedIn group to join.

5. Utilising Follow-Ups Strategically:

A polite follow-up after a week or two is okay: Don't be pushy, but reiterate your interest and value proposition.
Respond promptly if they reply: Show respect for their time and engage in meaningful communication.

The Don'ts of LinkedIn Messaging:

1. Generic Greetings and Spammy Outreach:

Avoid "Hi," "Dear Sir/Madam," or irrelevant subject lines: They scream "mass outreach" and get ignored.
Don't copy-paste generic messages: Put in the effort to personalise and show genuine interest.

2. Bragging and Self-Promotion Over Genuine Connection:

Focus on offering value and building rapport, not just selling yourself.
Avoid excessive self-promotion or bragging about your achievements.

3. Being Pushy or Entitled:

Respect the recipient's time and boundaries. Don't expect immediate responses or force connections.
Avoid pushy sales tactics or demanding favours. Build trust and rapport organically.

4. Disregarding Professionalism and Respect:

Maintain professional language and tone: Avoid slang, emojis, or overly casual communication.
Proofread your messages carefully: Typos and grammatical errors create a negative impression.

5. Ignoring Replies and Failing to Follow Up:

Respond promptly to messages and follow-ups: Ghosting reflects poorly on you.
Show appreciation for their time and engagement.

Bonus Tip: Optimising Your Profile for Messaging Success

Craft a compelling profile that showcases your expertise and personality. Highlight your skills, achievements, and experiences relevant to your target audience. Use a professional headshot and write a clear, engaging summary that grabs attention.
Engage with industry content and discussions. Regularly share and comment on relevant articles, participate in group discussions, and demonstrate your knowledge and thought leadership.
Connect with relevant professionals and companies. Look for individuals and organisations aligned with your career goals and send personalised connection requests.
Showcase your accomplishments and recommendations. Include quantifiable achievements, positive testimonials, and endorsements to build credibility and trust.

Unlock Your LinkedIn Messaging Potential!

Mastering LinkedIn messaging requires intentionality, respect, and a genuine desire to connect. By following these dos and don'ts, you can craft impactful messages that build meaningful relationships, open doors to new opportunities, and propel you towards your dream career. Remember, LinkedIn messaging is a powerful tool – use it strategically and watch your network flourish!

Ready to transform your LinkedIn presence into a career-launching magnet?

The LinkedIn Mastery Course for Job Seekers goes beyond just these dos and don'ts. It's your comprehensive guide, packed with actionable strategies, expert insights, and practical exercises to:

Craft irresistible profiles that attract recruiters like moths to a flame.
Become a networking ninja: Learn to connect with industry leaders, score informational interviews, and build a powerful network.
Craft messages that get noticed: Master the art of LinkedIn messaging and turn online connections into real-world opportunities.
Leverage insights to ace interviews and impress potential employers.
Demonstrate thought leadership and position yourself as a sought-after talent.
Unlock the full potential of LinkedIn and transform your job search into a success story.

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