You need to make sure that your profile is set up for these recruiters to discover you. However, you don’t just have to wait for them to come to you.

Fortune favors the bold. Get up the courage to find and contact recruiters on LinkedIn, and you’ll drastically increase your job leads.

How to Find and Contact Recruiters on LinkedIn: 4 Steps

#1) Get Specific with Your Goals and Targets

Like every part of your job search, the “spray and pray” method doesn’t work. Don’t just send out a bunch of connections and cross your fingers.

Do some in-depth research into what kind of job you want before connecting with any recruiters. Instead of just thinking within your industry, fine-tune your search by making a list of target jobs and companies. (Applying to a new field? Check out these tips first.)

Get specific with your desired job titles to narrow your search. Companies won’t just be recruiting for a “marketing guy.” They’ll be recruiting for a Senior Marketing Associate, Digital Marketing Associate, Content Marketing Manager, etc.

Use Glassdoor or The Muse to find companies that meet your qualifications. Consider all of your potential pros and cons, including their location, company culture, and benefits.

Refining your goals will make sure you only connect with promising leads, saving time and effort for both you and the recruiters. (Remember: you’re not connecting with a whole company, but with one very busy person. Your interactions have to be worth their time.)

#2) Perform a Targeted Search for Your Desired Location and Position

With these target jobs and companies in mind, you can start a laser-focused search. You’re not passively growing your network right now, you’re looking for only people who will offer you a job.

Start by typing “Recruiter” with your industry, target company, and location in the search bar (for example: “Software Engineer recruiter Denver”). You’ll be surprised at how many results come up!

Alternatively, you can type “[name of your industry] Recruiter” and then narrow the results with filters, as seen below.

 

(Bonus: notice that you can see mutual connections for each search result. If a recruiter is already connected to somebody you know well, take note and use this in your introduction later on!)

If you’d like to focus your search on specific job titles, you can also search “recruiting for [Name of Position, Location]” and change the “People” filter on the left side to “Content”. You may find posts advertising openings for the exact job you want.

#3) Send a Personalized Connection Request

Once you’ve found some recruiters at your target companies, you can start inviting them to connect.

Do not send a cold connection request without a note. You need to include a message that is carefully written to grab the recruiter’s attention (much like a cold email).

The message needs to be the shortest and sweetest you’ve ever written – you only have 300 characters to ask if they’re hiring.

Scope out their profile first. Check out the recruiter’s profile to learn about their company, background, and any connections you have with them (people, cities, schools, or even volunteer work in common). Take note of their professional presence and company culture – the tone of their profile can determine how formal or casual your message is.

Make it clear why you’re connecting. Don’t just vaguely say “I’m looking for a job.” Get specific with something like, “I was wondering if there are any senior-level software development positions opening up in your company soon.”

Stand out. Fine-tune your message to the individual to make a memorable impression. Reference their company and any connecting information you found in their profile. A recruiter will be more interested in someone who went to the same school, has the same interests, etc. than just a random face looking for a job.

Don’t sell yourself too much. 300 characters isn’t long enough to make a full sales pitch. You can briefly mention your experience level, but don’t overdo it. Remember that they’ll visit your profile and follow up with full messages once they accept your request.

Here’s an example message:

“Hi Brenda,

I’m Daniel, a content marketing associate from Seattle. I noticed that you volunteer with Community First Village – I do as well! 

I’m curious if [Company Name] has any openings in Austin for a marketing manager, as I’m looking for a challenging new position with a growing company.

Thanks!”

 

#4) Start a Conversation and Send Your Resume

So a recruiter accepted your request. Congratulations! …what happens now?

Now is when you pitch yourself. As you message back and forth about potential job openings, be discerning and up-front. Ask any questions you have, and quickly but naturally offer to send them your resume.

Remember that this conversation is a path to a job, and your resume is the next step that will get you in the door…

…if it’s well-written, that is. That’s where we come in!