How to Start a LinkedIn Chat with Recruiters (Without Feeling Awkward)

Starting a conversation with a recruiter on LinkedIn can feel a little intimidating, but it’s an essential skill if you want to advance in your career. Whether you’re looking for new opportunities or hoping to establish valuable industry connections, reaching out to recruiters should be done with careful thought and intention.

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In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to approach a recruiter on LinkedIn, step-by-step. I’ll also share real examples that you can tweak to fit your needs. Let’s dig into how you can create meaningful interactions with recruiters without feeling awkward.

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1. Start with Research?

Before hitting the “connect” button or typing your first message, do a little digging. Get to know the recruiter. What type of roles do they specialize in? Do they work with the kinds of companies you’d like to join? Understanding this will allow you to tailor your approach.

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Check their recent activity on LinkedIn, look at the jobs they post, and see what they share. This not only helps you personalize your message but also shows that you’re genuinely interested in what they do.

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2. Customize Your Connection Request?

Your first point of contact with a recruiter is often the connection request. Avoid the generic “I’d like to add you to my professional network” message. Instead, personalize it with a short note that makes it clear why you’re reaching out.

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Here’s an example of how to do it:

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Example 1:?

"Hi Fadhili,

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I came across your profile and noticed you specialize in recruiting for technical roles in the pharmaceutical industry. I’m currently exploring opportunities in this space and would love to connect to stay informed about potential openings. Looking forward to connecting!"

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This message is short, direct, and specific. It shows that you’re not just randomly adding people to your network, but that you’ve done your homework and have a legitimate interest in what they do.

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3. Send a Thoughtful Follow-Up?

Once the recruiter accepts your connection request, it’s time to send a follow-up message. This is where you begin to build a relationship. The key is to be respectful of their time—recruiters are busy people—so make your message concise but engaging.

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If you’re currently job hunting, make it known, but don’t ask for a job outright. Instead, frame it as an introduction.

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Example 2:?

"Hi Ajiambo,

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Thank you for connecting! I see that you work with mid-level and senior-level roles in IT. I’ve been in the software engineering role for the past 7 years and am exploring new opportunities in Software Development. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the current hiring landscape in this area and how I might position myself for upcoming roles. Happy to share my resume if that would help!"

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This follow-up serves several purposes: it introduces you, gives the recruiter insight into your experience, and opens the door to further conversation—all without being pushy.

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4. Show Interest in Their Expertise

Recruiters appreciate people who take an interest in what they do. If you’ve noticed that the recruiter you’re connecting with frequently shares valuable content, mention it! Engage with their posts, leave thoughtful comments, or reference something they’ve shared when reaching out.

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For instance:

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Example 3:?

"Hi Nyambura,

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I saw your recent post about the rise of remote work in Virtual Assistance. As someone who has been working remotely for the past three years, I found your insights particularly relevant. I’d love to hear more about how companies are navigating this shift in your experience. Thanks again for sharing such useful content!"

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This shows that you’re paying attention, not just to them as a recruiter, but to the broader trends they’re discussing. It sets you apart as someone who’s engaged and knowledgeable about industry changes.

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5. Maintain Regular Contact

Once the initial conversation starts, don’t let it go cold. Maintain the relationship by checking in occasionally, even if you’re not actively job searching at the moment. This helps you stay top-of-mind when opportunities arise.

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You can check in with something like:

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Example 4:?

"Hi Mutua,

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I hope all’s well with you! I wanted to check in and see how things are on your end. I’ve recently been certified as a therapist and am continuing to explore opportunities in psychology. Thanks again for being such a valuable connection!"

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This approach shows that you’re not just interested in one-off communication but are looking to build a professional relationship.

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6. Use LinkedIn Features to Engage

Another way to nurture a recruiter relationship without always directly messaging them is by using LinkedIn’s engagement tools. Like or comment on their posts, share interesting articles you think might be relevant to them, or even endorse some of their skills if you’ve interacted enough.

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These small actions help keep you on their radar and show that you’re actively engaged in your industry.

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7. Be Patient and Respectful

Recruiters handle many inquiries, so it’s important to be patient if they don’t respond right away. They might not have a relevant opening for you immediately, but by keeping the conversation open and polite, you increase your chances of being remembered when an opportunity does come up.

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Here’s a way to re-engage if it’s been a while since you spoke:

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Example 5:?

"Hi Andrew,

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It’s been a few months since we last connected, and I wanted to follow up to see if any opportunities have come across your desk that might be a good fit for someone with my background in Education. I’d love to reconnect and catch up if you have a moment. Thanks again!"

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Building relationships with recruiters on LinkedIn isn’t about immediately asking for a job. It’s about forming a genuine connection, showing interest in what they do, and establishing yourself as a professional they’ll want to consider when opportunities arise.

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Good luck, and happy networking!