Despite the LinkedIn InMail feature only being available to Premium and Sales Navigator users (not to mention that they can only be sent to first-degree connections), hiring managers and recruiters are still inundated with messages … all day, every day, no exceptions.

The InMail feature itself is not enough to get the results your client is after. How your client uses that feature will ultimately mean the difference between success and failure.

If your client wants to make the best possible first impression on LinkedIn using the InMail feature, there are a few key approaches to try.

Examples InMails That Your Clients Can Start Using Today

If your client is a student who happens to be starting out in his career, this is absolutely something that can be leveraged with the right InMail approach. Consider something like the following:

Example#1

Dear [INSERT NAME HERE] –

I hope this message finds you well. I’m a student at [INSERT SCHOOL HERE] and am very interested in entering the [INDUSTRY NAME HERE] industry when I graduate in the spring. I was browsing your current and past positions and thought you would be a terrific person to talk to, both about [TARGET COMPANY] name and about the industry in general.

If it’s possible, could we set up a time to speak about these and other related topics? If you’re interested, feel free to reach me at either [EMAIL ADDRESS] or [PHONE NUMBER].

Thanks so much for your time, I really appreciate it.

[INSERT NAME HERE]

Example #2

If your client is reaching out to a professional with the specific intention of setting up an interview, an approach like this one could work:

Dear [INSERT NAME HERE] –

While looking for more information about employment opportunities at [INSERT COMPANY NAME HERE], I ran across your profile and realized that you would be the perfect person to talk to. I’ve long followed the success of the organization with great admiration and I was wondering if there were any opportunities for me to help contribute.

If you have a moment, I’d love to talk more about what your company is trying to accomplish and how I potentially fit in with those goals. I received my degree from [INSERT SCHOOL NAME HERE] and I have X, Y and Z qualifications.

I look forward to hearing from you,

[INSERT NAME HERE]

Example #3

If your client is trying to craft a follow-up InMail for a position he or she has already applied for or are about to, a follow-up message like this one could be used:

Dear [INSERT NAME HERE]

My name is [YOUR NAME] and I couldn’t help but notice that you work for [COMPANY NAME HERE]. I recently applied for an incredible opportunity to join the team and be a [INSERT POSITION HERE]. If you have a few moments, I would love to talk a little more about how my qualifications meet your company’s needs and how I firmly believe I would be the right fit for this opening. Do you have any available time this week when we might be able to do this?

Thanks so much,

[INSERT NAME HERE]