There isn’t one right method to sourcing candidates for job search specs. Each job is different and calls for altered strategies. For some roles you need to head straight to the CMS first. For others, perhaps it’s smart to craft a targeted email. Maybe others call for networking within associations. But for some roles the right strategy may be to use InMails in LinkedIn to deliver a very targeted message to specific candidates to let them know of a current search in their niche. If done the correct (and ethical) way, this method can literally provide a jump-start to your names sourcing efforts.
Is Your LinkedIn Account at a Sufficient Level?
I’m sure many of you are already aware of the different accounts offered through LinkedIn and I’m sure many of you have also sent InMails. But, do you have enough InMails to make a difference? If you simply cannot afford to go all the way and go with the Enterprise account, at least ATTEMPT to go for the Pro account. This too is expensive, but what you’re going for here is a greater network reach after you perform a search AND, more importantly, an increased amount of InMails to message people with. I can guarantee that should you be able to persuade an employer (or yourself) to put out the cost, you will see ROI IF you make sure to tighten up your queries and ONLY reach out to applicable people.
I cannot go over every possible way to use this tool and I’m certainly not going to go over every possible template that I’ve successfully used in getting candidates interested that were eventually placed. This is simply a general overview of this tool as you’ll need to be creative in how you attack your niche.
Tip One: Keep Your Messages VERY Relevant to Those You Message as Your 5 Star Rating is Gold!!
Most important here is to make sure that you first absolutely create very targeted Boolean search strings based on experience AND company AND industry, and then tailor a message that brings value to the reader.
Why is this so important?
Do a little exercise: log into LinkedIn, pick any person you want that is open to receiving InMails, and then select to send them an InMail. You’ll be brought to the InMail message screen for that person. Look down at the bottom right of the screen and you’ll see a message – “Your current InMail Feedback Score:” Following the : you’ll see a number of stars. If you have not actually messaged anyone yet you should see 5 stars. I’ll keep this simple – LinkedIn wants to avoid people spamming other people. So, they’ve devised a system where one is allowed to state how appropriate a message is/was for them. Should you start sending out non-applicable messages to people, they will state this back to LinkedIn, and your InMail Feedback Score will start to drop. So, from 5 to 4 to 3 and on. You may even receive a message from LinkedIn to contact them based on your account becoming temporarily suspended.
ALSO NOTE that your score can drop should you fail to notice the other key box right above the star rating that states “(NAME) is interested in:” Just as you did when you signed up, they have selected what type of messages they’d like to receive. Most people are Ok with messages about “Career Opportunities” but some are not. Don’t push it and send career messages to those who don’t want them. Anger the wrong person and you may find consequences. I once worked with a recruiter who had ONE bad report and his rating went from 5 to 4 stars. So, keep your messages VERY relevant to those you message as your 5 star rating is gold!!
Additional Tips
• In addition, don’t directly solicit the candidate so as to avoid any ethical issues that might arise with current or future clients. Asking “who do you know?” is a way to both entice the person you’re messaging and also to hopefully get leads should the person not be interested.
• Make your copy strong but don’t overwhelm them with huge paragraphs. Break up your message into smaller paragraphs for easy skimming.
• Make sure the title you create for the message is strong and littered with keywords that the person would quickly see as relevant to their professional experience and goals. Tell them concisely what’s in it for them so that they are more likely to open it!
• Make sure you let them know that you are open for further conversation should they require it. Include your email address as many will want to email you outside of a work address. PLUS, remember that your message may be passed around the organization including to HR and Hiring Managers. Don’t be surprised if you get a call or email looking for assistance on a search the company is needing help on. Make it easy for these important people to find you.
• Though the links you provide in LinkedIn messages – including those you post in groups – are of the No Follow kind and therefore will not offer DIRECT SEO benefits, they nonetheless should be used. For one, they offer the person the opportunity to find out that indeed you are legitimate. But, you also may receive secondary benefits such as gaining additional exposure via people sharing your message (aka: Link Bait.)
Using LinkedIn InMails can lead to a HUGE ROI is you decide to upgrade your LinkedIn account. For this to happen though, you must learn how to use the system properly. Keep your queries precise and make sure to respect the wishes of users and you WILL get leads.
Good luck!
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