Okay, let’s be real: reaching out to someone you don’t know on LinkedIn can feel like sending a message in a bottle and hoping it washes up on the right shore. But LinkedIn’s InMail feature? It’s like upgrading to a speedboat.
It lets you message anyone on the platform – big-shot CEOs, recruiters, or that industry guru you’ve been fangirling over – without needing to be connected first. I’ve sent my fair share of InMails over the years, some that landed me game-changing conversations and others that… well, let’s just say they vanished into the digital abyss.
In this guide, I’m spilling all my secrets for crafting InMails that don’t just get opened but actually get replies. Whether you’re job-hunting, pitching clients, or just trying to make connections, here’s how to make InMail your new best friend.
So, What’s the Deal with InMail?
LinkedIn InMail is a fancy tool that comes with premium accounts – think Premium Career, Premium Business, or Sales Navigator. It lets you send direct messages to any LinkedIn member, no connection required.
Regular LinkedIn messages? Those are stuck in first-degree connection land or limited to group chats. InMail, though, breaks down those walls. You get a certain number of “credits” each month (like 15 for Premium Business or up to 50 for Sales Navigator), and each message costs one credit.
The cool part? If someone replies within 90 days, you get that credit back. It’s like LinkedIn’s saying, “Nice job, here’s your reward for not being spammy.”
You’ve got 2,000 characters to work with (including a 200-character subject line), which is plenty to say something meaningful without boring anyone. InMail is perfect for all sorts of goals – landing a job, snagging a client, or just picking someone’s brain. But it’s not a magic wand. A bad InMail is just as ignorable as a bad email, so let’s talk about how to do it right.
Why InMail Is Kind of a Big Deal
I remember the first time I used InMail. I was a nervous grad student trying to connect with a recruiter at a dream company. I had no mutual connections, no “in,” but InMail gave me a shot.
Spoiler: I got a reply, and it led to an interview. That’s why I’m such a fan. Here’s what makes InMail special:
- Straight to the Top: You can message decision-makers – like VPs or hiring managers – without jumping through hoops.
- Make It Personal: Their LinkedIn profile is a goldmine. You can see their career path, recent posts, even what groups they’re in. Use that to show you’re not just blasting messages.
- Better Response Rates: LinkedIn claims InMails get 10-25% response rates, which is way better than the 1-5% for cold emails. I’ve seen this in action – people are more likely to reply on LinkedIn than in their cluttered email inboxes.
- Professional Setting: LinkedIn’s all about work, so people are already in the right headspace to talk shop.
If you’re in sales, recruiting, or just trying to level up your career, InMail can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
How to Write an InMail That Doesn’t Suck
Writing a good InMail isn’t about being a wordsmith; it’s about being thoughtful and real. Here’s how I approach it, based on what’s worked (and what’s flopped) for me.
1. Stalk Their Profile (Nicely)
Before you write a single word, spend five minutes on their LinkedIn profile. Look at their current job, past roles, what they’ve been posting about, or if you’ve got mutual connections.
I once reached out to a marketing exec and noticed she’d shared a post about a conference she spoke at. I mentioned it in my InMail, and bam – she replied, saying she appreciated the shoutout. That’s the power of doing your homework. It shows you’re not just firing off generic messages.
2. Write a Subject Line That Grabs Them
Your subject line is like the trailer for your InMail – if it’s boring, they won’t click. Keep it short (under 60 characters, because phones cut off longer ones), specific, and tied to their world. I’ve had luck with stuff like:
- “Loved Your Post on Remote Work Trends”
- “Quick Idea for [Company]’s Marketing”
- “We Know [Mutual Connection] – Can We Chat?”
Avoid vague nonsense like “Opportunity” or “Hi There.” Those scream “delete me.”
3. Open with Something Real
Start with a greeting and a line that feels personal. Nobody wants to read a robot. Try something like:
- “Hey [Name], I saw we’re both [University] alums – go [mascot]!”
- “Hi [Name], your article on [topic] was spot-on. I’m stealing some of those ideas!”
I once messaged a recruiter and mentioned we’d both worked at the same company (years apart). She wrote back saying it was cool to connect with a “company veteran.” That little personal touch made all the difference.
4. Don’t Ramble
Busy people don’t have time for a novel. Get to the point in under 200 words. I usually follow this rough structure:
- Quick Intro: Who you are, in a sentence. “I’m a product manager at [Company].”
- Why You’re Reaching Out: Be clear – maybe you’re pitching a service, asking about a job, or seeking advice.
- What They Get: Show why it’s worth their time. Maybe it’s a solution to a problem or a chance to share their wisdom.
- Next Step: Ask for something specific, like a call or a reply.
Short paragraphs or bullets make it easy to read. Nobody’s got time to wade through a wall of text.
5. Make It Worth Their While
People are selfish with their time (aren’t we all?). Show them what’s in it for them. For example:
- If you’re recruiting: “Your data skills would be perfect for a role we’re filling at [Company].”
- If you’re selling: “Our platform could save [Company] hours on [task], like it did for [Client].”
- If you’re networking: “I’d love your take on [topic], and I can share what’s worked for me in [area].”
It’s not about begging – it’s about starting a conversation where both sides win.
6. End with a Simple Ask
Close with a clear, low-pressure call to action. I like:
- “Could we do a quick 10-minute call next week?”
- “Would you mind sharing your thoughts in a reply?”
- “Let me know when’s good to connect!”
Don’t just say “Hope to hear from you.” That’s too vague, and it leaves them wondering what to do next.
7. Read It Like a Human
Before you send, read your InMail out loud. Does it sound like you? If it feels stiff or overly formal, loosen it up. Fix typos, cut jargon, and make sure it’s clear. I’ve caught so many clunky phrases by doing this – it’s like a gut check for authenticity.
Mistakes That’ll Make You Cringe Later
I’ve made plenty of InMail blunders, and I’m here to save you from the same fate. Avoid these:
- Sending Generic Junk: Copy-paste messages are obvious and get ignored. Every InMail needs a personal touch.
- Going Full Sales Pitch: Nobody likes a pushy vibe. I once got too excited and sent a salesy InMail that sounded like a late-night infomercial. Zero replies. Lesson learned.
- Not Doing Your Research: If you don’t mention anything specific about their profile, they’ll know you’re lazy.
- Spamming Like Crazy: No reply after a week? One polite follow-up is fine. More than that, and you’re that annoying person clogging their inbox.
- Burning Credits: Don’t blow all your InMail credits in one go. Send a few, see what lands, and tweak your approach.
Pro Tips to Up Your Game
Want to take your InMails to the next level? Here’s what I’ve learned from trial and error.
1. Check the Numbers
If you’ve got Sales Navigator, use its analytics to track your InMails. Are people opening but not replying? Maybe your message needs work. Low open rates? Play with your subject lines. I once realized my “safe” subject lines were too boring, so I got bolder, and my open rates doubled.
2. Pick the Right Moment
Timing’s huge. I’ve found Tuesday or Wednesday mornings work best – people are in work mode but not swamped. Avoid weekends or late nights when your InMail might get lost in the shuffle.
3. Warm Them Up
Before you send an InMail, interact with their profile. Like a post, leave a comment like “Great point about [topic]!” It’s like saying hi before asking for a favor. I did this with a VP once, and when I sent my InMail, she replied, “Hey, I saw your comment – nice to connect!”
4. Experiment a Bit
Try different styles. I tested a super-direct subject line (“Question About [Company]’s Strategy”) against a softer one (“Inspired by Your Work”). The direct one got more replies, so I leaned into that. Keep tweaking until you find your groove.
5. Use Mutual Connections
If you’ve got a shared connection, mention them (with a heads-up to the connection first). “Our friend [Name] thought we’d get along” is like a warm handshake. It’s worked for me more times than I can count.
InMail for Different Situations
If You’re Recruiting
Recruiters, InMail is your superpower for finding talent. Try:
- “Hi [Name], your work on [project] at [Company] is impressive. We’re hiring a [role], and I think you’d be a great fit. Can we talk?”
If You’re Selling
Sales folks, focus on their pain points:
- “Hey [Name], I saw [Company] is growing fast. Our tool helped [Client] cut [issue] by 15%. Want to see how it works?”
If You’re Job Hunting
Job seekers, use InMail to stand out:
- “Hi [Name], I’m breaking into [field] and love what [Company] is doing. Could I ask for 10 minutes to hear about your path?”
The Bottom Line
LinkedIn InMail is like a golden ticket to connect with people who can change your career or business. But it’s not about spamming everyone with cookie-cutter messages – it’s about being thoughtful, personal, and real. Take a few minutes to research, write like you’re talking to a friend (a professional one, anyway), and show them why they should care. I’ve seen InMails lead to interviews, deals, and mentorships, and I know they can do the same for you. So, grab those credits, start typing, and make some connections that matter. You’ve got this.
