LinkedIn Message Templates For Jobs, Referrals, and More [62%+ Response Rate in 2026]

TL;DR: 

LinkedIn messages achieve 10-25% response rates compared to cold emails' 1-5%, making them highly effective for job seekers, recruiters, and sales professionals.

Use personalized templates that reference specific content, mutual connections, or pain points, and follow up 2-3 times over 1-2 weeks for optimal results. 

3 seconds.

That's all the time it takes for a LinkedIn user to decide whether your message is trash or worth a reply.

3 seconds.

Right.

Now, even though the time span seems really harsh, you'll be shooting yourself in the foot if you don't use LinkedIn DMs to reach out to your prospects and make the most of it.

That's because while cold emails have a 1-5% response rate, cold LinkedIn messages can give you an incredible 10-25%!

So, if you're a

💥 Recruiter looking for the perfect candidate
💥 SDR trying to break the ice with a prospect
💥 Job seeker chasing that dream role

And you're not maxing out LinkedIn's messaging limits, you're not doing yourself any favor. Trust me.

That's why I've pulled together 16 ready-to-go LinkedIn message templates.

Quick and customizable. And designed to make your lead respond.

Just copy-paste and edit as needed.

So, here's everything you'll be taking away from this blog today:

We'll look at different types of LinkedIn connection request message templates, like

• Messages that mention posts,
• Bring up a mutual connection, and
• Ask for advice.

Next, we'll learn

• how to approach a recruiter and bag the role we've been dreaming of.

Then we'll look at

• LinkedIn message templates that drive sales and fill pipelines with no extra effort.

And finally,

• we'll see if we can do it all on complete automation.

Because seriously, who has the time? 🤷

Ready to get the replies you've been waiting for?

Come with me.

LinkedIn Connection Request Message Template

Here are some ice-breaking templates you can use while sending a connection request to your prospects. Research shows that personalized subject lines boost response rates by 30.5%, while personalized message content increases responses by 32.7% compared to generic requests.

Message that Appreciates your prospect's Content

It could be a post/article/blog/podcast/video/interview.

Just a short reference to something they spent time and effort creating can make you a part of their connection list.

"Hi {first name},

I just {read/heard/watched} your {post/article/blog/podcast/video/interview} on {topic}, and I had to tell you that {a point that they discussed in the content you consumed} has changed the way I work, too.

Would love to keep in touch."

Message that Mentions a Mutual Connection

Let your network do the talking. 

"Hey {first name},

I was just chatting with {mutual connection}, and they had nothing but great things to say about your work at {company name}.

I'd love to connect and explore how we might collaborate moving forward."

Message Asking for Advice (short)

A quick ask can open the door to helpful conversations.

"Hi {first name},

I've got a quick question that I think someone with your expertise in {their field/title} could really help with.

Mind if I ask?"

Message Asking for Advice (long)

Seek advice from someone you respect - it's a great way to connect.

"Hey {first name},

As I was diving into {industry/service}, your profile stood out to me right away. I'd love to get some feedback from a true expert like you.
Would you be open to sharing some thoughts on {product/idea}?

I'd really appreciate your insights."

Message Offering Value

When you offer people something for free, they often want to do something nice for you in return 😉

Oh, and it created goodwill as well.

"Hi {first name},

I found this great {article/blog/document/PDF/listicle} on {topic} and thought it might interest you. It dives into {hot topic}, which I think {target audience} is really leaning into right now.

I found {specific part} especially insightful.

Here's the link: {add link}

Let me know your thoughts when you get a chance!"

{your name}

LinkedIn Message Templates for Job Seekers

I understand how brutal the job market is right now. With 10,000 applications submitted every minute on LinkedIn competing for just 7 hires, your message is just one of dozens sitting in someone's inbox. 

It's hard to stand out when everyone's saying the same things. 

That's why job seekers - 

• Whether they're facing a career gap, 
• Switching industries, 
• Fresh out of college, or 
• Bouncing back from layoffs  
  

Need messages that actually get them noticed. These 5 templates ditch the corporate speak and help you have real conversations that get responses.

Just edit and send these to get hired real quick.

I'm praying you get that job quick 🙏 

Career Gap Return

Hey {name},

So I took some time off for {family stuff/health/went back to school}, and now I'm jumping back into {industry}. Honestly, I've been itching to get back to work.

I kept my skills sharp with {online courses/volunteering/side projects} because I knew I'd miss the action too much.

Saw you are hiring for {role} and thought - that's exactly what I want to dive into next. I've got {X years} doing {relevant skill}, and I'm ready to bring that energy back.

Any chance we could grab a coffee or hop on a quick call?

Cheers, 

{Your name}

Career Change/Pivot

Hi {name},

I'm doing something a bit crazy - switching from {current field} to {target field}. But here's the thing, I've been {relevant hobby/side interest} for years and finally decided to make it official.

Turns out all that {transferable skill} experience actually translates pretty well to what you guys do at {company}. 

Who knew, right?

I love how {company} approaches {specific thing they do}. It's exactly the kind of place I'd want to learn and grow.

Think you'd be up for a chat about how someone like me might fit in?

Thanks! 

{Your name}

Recent Graduate

Hey {name},

Just graduated with my {degree} and I'll be honest - I'm both excited and terrified! 

But mostly excited.

I've been following what {company} has been up to, especially {recent project/news}. It's amazing how you {specific thing they did well}.

I did an internship at {company} where I {specific thing you accomplished}. It was a game-changer for me, and now I can't wait to jump into the real world.

Would love to buy you a coffee and pick your brain about what it's like working there?

Best, 

{Your name}

Experienced Professional

Hi {name},

I've been in {industry} for {X years} now, helping companies figure out {specific area}. At {previous company}, I managed to {achievement} which was pretty satisfying.

But honestly? 

I keep coming back to what {company} is doing. The way you {specific approach/value} just makes sense to me.

I have a feeling my experience with {relevant skill} could be useful for what you're building over there.

Any interest in chatting about it sometime?

{Your name}

Layoff/Job Loss

Hey {name},

So... {previous company} had some layoffs recently, and I was part of that wave. Not going to lie, it stings a bit, but I'm actually kind of excited about what's next.

I spent the last few years leading {project/team}, and we hit some pretty cool milestones like {specific result}. 

Now I get to find somewhere new to channel all that experience.

{Company} keeps popping up on my radar because {genuine reason you're interested}. 

Seems like the kind of place where I could really make things happen.

Think we could connect for a few minutes?

Thanks, 

{Your name}

Here's a bonus template for job seekers

Just Checking (short and sweet)

"Hey {name},

Apologies if I've got the wrong person... saw a job posting from your company mentioning help with {problem you solve}.

Is that something you're looking for?"

LinkedIn Recruiter Message Template

Here are some templates for you to get and get candidates interested in your job offerings

Message that Refers to a Specific Skill

"Hey {first name},

Your background in {Skill 1}, {Skill 2}, and {Skill 3} really stood out to me.

We've got an exciting {Job Position} role available in {Location}.

Want to chat and see if it's a good fit for you?

Looking forward to connecting,

{Your Name}"

Message About Hiring for a Remote Role:‍

"Hey {first name},

Imagine waking up to a leisurely breakfast instead of fighting through traffic.

Sounds like the dream, right?

We're a fully remote company, expanding our {department} team, and your {specific skills/experience} caught my attention.
Interested in a role where you:

• Work your own hours
• Choose your location
• Collaborate with great people

Let's chat whenever you're ready.

{Your Name} {Your Title}, {Company Name}"

Message for a Sales Position:

"Hey {first name},

Congrats on landing those new clients!

At {Hiring Company}, we're always looking for standout sales talent to promote our {Product} across {Geographies} and {Industries}.

Our sales team works with {Type of Customers} and enjoys a diverse range of clients. The role offers:

• Up to {Incentive Scheme}
• Amazing benefits like {Other Benefits}

Want to jump on a quick call to discuss?

Let me know,

{Your Name}"

LinkedIn Sales Message Template

Get noticed by your prospect with these customizable sales message templates.

Message Asking for Insights

‍"Hey {first name},

I was researching your company and noticed you're using {product/service}.I

'm considering switching to {product/service} for my business. 

Would love to hear about your experience with it.Any insights you could share would be really appreciated!

Thanks,

{Your Name}"

‍Message Asking for Feedback

‍"Hey {Name},

{Product/Service} is a {brief description} that helps businesses with {benefit of product/service}.

We'd love to get your feedback.If you're interested, we can send you a free trial to check it out.

Thanks,

{Your Name}"

‍Message Talking About Pain Point

‍"Hey {first name},

I've been talking to a lot of {industry} leaders, and a common challenge keeps coming up: {pain point}.

Are you experiencing something similar?If so, we specialize in {product/service} solutions tailored for the {industry} industry.

Would you like to learn more?

Thanks,

{Your Name}"

‍LinkedIn Alumni Message Template

Message Asking for Guidance

"Hey {first name},

How's it going?

Always great running into someone from {university}.

I'm currently exploring new opportunities in {your field/industry} and, knowing your success in {their position/industry}, I thought you might have some tips or advice.

Any guidance, suggestions, or connections would be much appreciated.

If you're busy, no worries - thanks for your time anyway!

Cheers,

{Your Name}"

Message Asking for Work Over Coffee

"Hey {first name},

I noticed we're both alumni of {College/University} - go {Mascot}!

I'm {current occupation}, and I'd love to hear more about your work at {Company}.

I'll be in {location} next week and would love to grab a coffee and chat if you're free.

P.S. Did you catch the {big game against rival}? The last 20 minutes were insane!"

LinkedIn Referral Message Template

"Hey {first name},

I came across the {Job Title} opening at {Company Name} and am really interested in applying.

Would you be open to sharing my resume with the hiring team to express my interest? Happy to chat further if you have a minute.

I've included the link to the job listing and attached my resume here.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Best,

{Your Name}"

When reaching out for referrals, timing can matter. While LinkedIn doesn't have specific "professional hours," sending messages during business hours (9 AM to 5 PM in their timezone) typically gets better visibility than late-night messages.

How to Send Hyper-personalized LinkedIn Messages on Complete Automation?

Ok. So now the templates I shared will help you get noticed by your dream customers. But sales, as you know, is a game of numbers.

You need to mass-send those messages if you want a decent list of booked calls.

So what are you going to do? Manually edit and send them one by one?

That's never going to work.

Why? Because

⏳ There will NEVER be enough time.
⛔ And, LinkedIn's limits will always hold you back.

That's where an automation tool like SalesRobot comes in.

🔹 Find more time to focus on growing your biz

🔹 Reach MORE people, faster

🔹 Track what's working and double down on it

🔹 Hyper-personalize messages to EACH person, like this 👇

SalesRobot is also easy to use, and if you've never run a LinkedIn or email campaign before, it's cool. You can

💥Pick from a library of ready-made message templates to create the perfect LinkedIn message subject line and sequence for your dream customers. You can customize or write your own templates, too.

You can also

💥Chat with SalesGPT, our AI assistant, to write hyper-personalized LinkedIn messages based on your brand and start a campaign in minutes.

💥 If you feel like your lead still doesn't trust you enough to respond to you, SalesRobot's personalized Voice and Video message feature will be the last push your prospect needs.

The plan's simple: you record a video or a voice message once, the AI clones it, creates personalized voice/video message for each of your prospects, and adds it to your LinkedIn DM campaign for that extra personal touch.

Plus you can also use SalesRobot's AI Variables to pull data directly from LinkedIn profiles -name,  job title, company info, recent posts - so every message feels written just for them.

Not sure your messages will get the reply you want?

SalesRobot can score your messages to tell you how likely you are to get a reply, and it can even give you tips to improve them for better results.

If all this sounds like a lot,

We even have an in-house team of seasoned copywriters who will get on a call with you and write a sequence aligned to your unique business needs.

With SalesRobot handling the grind, you can get a reply rate from 18-35%! The key is following up 2-3 times over a week or two with value-based messages.

But hey,

Don't just take our word for it -

Take our 14-day free trial instead 😇

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it unprofessional to message on LinkedIn at night?

While LinkedIn doesn't restrict messaging times, sending messages during business hours (9 AM to 5 PM in the recipient's timezone) typically gets better visibility and response rates. Late-night messages aren't necessarily unprofessional, but they may get buried in the recipient's inbox.

How do you know if someone read your LinkedIn message?

LinkedIn shows read receipts with a check mark symbol when the recipient has opened your message. A single check mark means sent, a double check mark means delivered, while a double check mark with a profile picture indicates the message has been opened/read by recipient. However, this feature depends on both users having read receipts enabled.

When you delete a message on LinkedIn, does the other person know?

No, the other person won't receive a notification when you delete a LinkedIn message. However, if they've already seen the message, they'll notice it's gone from the conversation. You can only delete messages within 60 minutes of sending them.

How to delete a LinkedIn message after 60 minutes?

Unfortunately, LinkedIn only allows you to delete messages within 60 minutes of sending them. After this window closes, you cannot delete messages from the conversation. This is why it's important to double-check your messages before hitting send.