LinkedIn Subject Lines For Recruiters
In this guide you will learn to craft the best subject for LinkedIn messaging as a recruiter. You will also find a list of the best LinkedIn InMail subject lines for recruiters below.
Andi Groke
2 Nov 2024
Mastering LinkedIn
6 min
Tip: If you are a job seeker and want to know how to best contact recruiters, read this guide instead.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Don't want to read? Listen to this Podcast:
The subject for LinkedIn messaging as a recruiter
Let's be honest. Everyone uses message templates. But the subject line is everything when approaching potential candidates as a recruiter. Good talent rarely is in the market for a new job or even writes job applications. And if they are, they get a lot of personalized messages from recruiters. If your subject line doesn't catch attention, your LinkedIn outreach won't work. Simple as that.
LinkedIn InMail is a powerful tool. But it’s not about mass messaging. It’s about sending a targeted, personalized LinkedIn message. You need to know who you're messaging and why. The most successful recruiters use amazing subject lines and a very targeted approach.
Personalization is key. Look at the candidate's LinkedIn profile before you send personalized messages. The more you personalize the initial message, the better are your chances of getting a positive response.
Crafting subject lines is how you boost your open rates. Mentioning their name or a mutual connection actually works. Statistics show it can increase open rates by up to 29%. Mentioning specific references can bump it up to 50%. That's how powerful personalization can be.
Use their name and show them value. If you can create a sense of urgency, even better. Personalization and relevance are what make a subject line work.
Want to grow as a recruiter on LinkedIn?
Use AI to write your LinkedIn posts.
👉 Try Postline.ai for free
The importance of a good InMail subject line
A good InMail subject line is everything. Stats show InMail message response rates are three times higher than traditional emails. But if your subject line is not unique, your message will be ignored.
The subject line is your first impression and there are a lot of recruiters out there. It needs to be compelling enough to make someone stop and open it. It will also help you stand out from all the other recruiters out there.
You have 80 characters to work with. It’s not a lot, but it’s enough to grab attention if you do it right. You need to make every word count.
The role of subject lines in candidate engagement
Your subject line decides if the candidate opens your message or moves on. A good subject line sparks curiosity and makes the job seeker feel valued. It makes them want to know more.
You need to personalize the subject line as best as you can. Show the candidate you took the time to understand who they are and what they do. Build trust. The more trust, the more likely they are to open your personalized message.
But a good subject line isn’t just about making it personal. It’s about being clear, concise, and offering value. After all, you want that new talent to go for your opportunity. Address them by name, highlight what you’re offering, and make it easy for them to see why they should care. Avoid spammy language. Keep it professional and relevant.
How subject lines affect candidate open rates
Here’s what works best in subject lines on LinkedIn, according to our study:
Using their name can increase open rates by 29%.
Mentioning a mutual connection boosts open rates by 27%.
Personalization, in general, can lead to a 50% increase in open rates.
Numbers in the subject line can boost open rates by 113%.
Creating urgency can increase open rates by 22%.
A/B testing different subject lines can also help you figure out what works best.
You need to balance clarity and intrigue. That is what makes a subject line for recruiters work. You want to spark interest without giving everything away. Just enough to make them open it.
Common mistakes in LinkedIn subject lines for recruiters
Avoid these mistakes if you want your message opened:
Being too generic: "Job Opportunity at [Company]" is too broad. It’s easy to ignore.
Being too salesy: No one likes a hard sell. Keep it real.
Using spam triggers: All caps, exclamation marks, or buzzwords will send messages to the spam folder.
Not personalizing: If you don’t mention their name or something specific, it feels impersonal and spammy.
Being unclear: Make sure they know what to expect when they open your message.
Instead, make it about them.
Personalization
Personalization is everything. Use their name. Mention something specific from their LinkedIn profile. Maybe it’s a skill, an interest, or a mutual connection. Show that you care specifically about that candidate.
Using personalization in templates is great for efficiency. But always make it feel genuine. The candidate should feel like you put in the effort.
Clarity
Be clear and direct. You can use 80 characters, but shorter is better. Try to stay under 50 characters.
Tell them exactly what you want from them. No beating around the bush. The goal is to spark interest without being vague. Get to the point.
Relevance
Make sure the subject line is relevant to them. Think about their current role, industry, skills, and career goals. Use relevant keywords to catch their attention. Make it clear why this opportunity is for them.
Sense of urgency
Creating a sense of urgency can work if it’s done right. But don’t overdo it. You don’t want to come off as pushy.
Highlighting limited availability or mentioned the interview process already started works well. Just be careful not to push too hard.
Highlighting mutual connections or shared Interests
Mentioning a mutual connection or a shared interest can make a big difference. It builds trust. Reference a group, event, or company you both belong to. It shows there’s a reason for the connection request and not just a mass message.
Mentioning specific achievements or skills
Mentioning specifics about your candidate shows you’ve done your homework. It’s not a generic message. It’s personal. Compliment them on something meaningfull. Show genuine interest. It makes them a lot more likely to engage.
Using thought-provoking questions
Questions can spark curiosity. But they need to be relevant. Make them open-ended. Avoid personal or intrusive questions. Focus on career goals or industry trends.
Offering calue or opportunities
Always highlight the value you’re offering. Whether it’s career growth, company culture, or job perks, make it clear. That is true for internship opportunities as well a bigger job positions. Show them why this opportunity is worth their time and why they should consider an new position.
Tailor your value proposition to their needs. It takes time, but it's worth it. Make it personal. If they see the value, they will respond.
Here’s the complete list of LinkedIn InMail subject line examples for recruiters. All categorized for easy reference. These are crafted to sound genuine and engaging, helping recruiters capture job seekers attention:
High-Impact, exclusive subject line examples
“[First Name], just got the go-ahead to reach out - are you ready for [Opportunity]?”
“[First Name], we’ve been waiting for the right moment. This might be it.”
“[First Name]. I need to discuss an opportunity that could be big for you”
“[First Name], your work at [current company] makes you a top candidate for us.
“[First Name], I’m excited to finally reach out about [Opportunity]”
“[First Name], I just got the green light reach out to you for [Opportunity/Company]”
Once-in-a-lifetime subject line examples
“[First Name], ready for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at [Company]?”
“[First Name], I’ve been asked to reach out to you personally - this could be big.”
“[First Name], we need someone that [Past Achievement].
“[First Name], my client told me to reach out because you [Past Achievement].
Curiosity-driven subject Line examples
“[First Name], you made our top 3. We should talk about [Opportunity]”
“[First Name], I’ve been asked to talk to you for [Opportunity] at [Company].”
“[First Name], if you’re open to something big, I’d love to get you into this.”
Personalized subject lines
“Hi [Candidate Name]! Ready to move from [University or College] to [Company]?”
“[First Name], your [Skill] could take you here.”
“[First Name], have you considered a move to [Company]?”
“[First Name], your background in [Skill/Field] is a perfect fit for us!”
“[First Name], your experience with [Relevant Skill/Project] really stands out”
“Saw your work in [Field/Company/Industry] – would love to chat about it!”
“[First Name], I think you’ll love this role at [Company]!”
“[First Name], we’re building something exciting – and you might be a perfect fit!”
“I saw your work at [Company], and I have a great opportunity for you”
“Hey [First Name], your skills in [Skill] could now take you somewhere unexpected.”
“[First Name], I’ve got an opportunity in [Field] that might just be your next step up.”
Opportunity subject line examples
“Quick question about the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]”
“Looking for a [Job Title] in [Location]?”
“Interview [Job Title]”
“Exciting [Job Title] position open for you in [Location/Remote]”
“Let’s talk about a [Job Title] opportunity at [Company]”
“[Company] is looking for your expertise in [Skill/Field]!”
“[Company] has a spot for your expertise in [Skill/Field]!”
“[Job Title] opening at [Company] – let’s see if it’s right for you”
“Ready for your next big opportunity at [Company]?”
“If you’re interested in [Field/Job Title], this one’s for you!”
“[Company] is hiring, and you’re exactly what we’re looking for!”
“Hi [First Name], your career path just got a little more interesting...”
“[First Name], I got an opportunity that will bring your [Skill] to a new level!”
Question-Based InMail subject lines
“[First Name], are you free to talk about your next move at [Date - Soon]?”
“[First Name], is this the right time for a new challenge?”
“[First Name], curious about where [Skill/Field] could take you next?”
“[First Name], ready for a role that values your [Skill/Expertise]?”
“[First Name], up for a new adventure in [Industry]?”
“Is it time to take your career in [Industry] to the next level?”
“[First Name], are you open to a quick chat about [Opportunity]?”
“[First Name], open to discuss a job you hadn’t considered before?”
“Do you think now is the right time for a change, [First Name]?”
“Hi [First Name], what’s one thing your current role doesn’t offer that you’d love to have?”
“[First Name], are you still exploring career moves in [Industry]?”
“How would you feel about making a meaningful pivot in your career, [First Name]?”
“Ever thought about where your [Skill/Experience] could lead next? I did...”
Mutual connection InMail subject lines
“You’ve Worked with [Mutual Connection Name], right? Can we talk?”
“[Mutual Contact Name] Suggested I Reach Out About a New Opportunity”
“[Mutual connection] Recommended I get in Touch with You”
“[Mutual Contact] thought you’d be a perfect fit for this role”
“[Mutual Connection] mentioned you’re open to new opportunities”
“[First Name], [Mutual Contact] had great things to say about you!”
“[Mutual Contact] believes you’d thrive at [Company/Position]”
“We share a connection with [Mutual Contact] – let’s chat about [Opportunity]”
“[Mutual Contact] speaks highly of you – are you open to connecting?”
“[Mutual Contact] suggested you might be interested in what we’re doing here!”
[Mutual Contact] thought you’d be perfect for this—we should chat.”
“Hi [First Name], [Mutual Contact] said you’re someone I had to connect with.”
“When [Mutual Contact] mentioned you, I knew we should connect about this role.”
“Hi [First Name], I’m reaching out on [Mutual Contact]’s recommendation—ready to chat?”
“[Mutual Contact] mentioned great things about your work - let’s talk about what’s next.”
“[Mutual Contact] suggested we connect for a reason - ready to hear why?”
“I heard about your expertise from [Mutual Contact]. We should talk next steps.”
Keep it short and direct: Aim for 4-15 words to stay concise.
Personalize the subject line: Mention the job seekers name or specific skills.
Highlight the opportunity: State why you’re reaching out clearly and directly.
Ask a question: Curiosity can encourage engagement.
Mention mutual connections: Using trusted referrals builds rapport.
Be specific about the candidate’s skills or background: Show you’ve done your research.
These subject lines make a personal connection, emphasize relevant opportunities, and inspire curiosity. That is key to to increase response rates in LinkedIn messages. And to get a positive response. Personalization and clarity always makes your messages memorable and impactful. And that’s what you want in in a candidate’s inbox.
Author
Andi Groke
Andi is the CEO of Mind Nexus and Co-Founder of postline.ai. He is a serial entrepreneur, keynote speaker and former Dentsu executive. Andi worked in marketing for more than 15 years, serving clients such as Disney and Mastercard. Today he is developing AI marketing software for agencies and brands and is involved in several SaaS projects.