What to say
How to reply to a recruiter on LinkedIn
A recruiter has messaged you about a role on LinkedIn.
You want to keep the right doors open, whether you are interested or not.
What is usually going on
Most recruiter messages are a first pass. They have a brief, a shortlist to fill and a lot of people to contact. A short reply that says where you stand gets you remembered in the right way, even if the answer is no. The two things worth care are salary and your current employer. You do not need to give a number in the first message. Nothing you write should be something you would mind your manager reading, because messages get forwarded more often than people think.
Replies by what you want to happen
Show interest and get the details
Thanks for reaching out. This sounds interesting. Could you share the job description, the salary range and whether it's hybrid? I'm free for a call on [day] or [day].
Hi [name], thanks for thinking of me. I'm open to hearing more. What's the budget for the role and who is the client?
Thanks, I'd be up for a chat. I'm free [day] after [time] if that works for you.
Ask for the range early. It saves a call about a role that pays less than you earn now.
Say not now and stay on their list
Thanks for thinking of me. I'm happy where I am for now but I'd be glad to stay in touch for future [area] roles.
Appreciate the message. It's not the right time for me but feel free to reach out again in [month].
Thanks [name]. This one isn't a fit but I'd be interested in [type of role] if anything like that comes up.
A polite no that names what you would want turns a cold message into a useful contact.
Answer salary questions without underselling
I'd rather understand the role and the full package first. What range has the client set?
I'm looking for something in the region of £[range] base, depending on the overall package.
I'd need to see the range before going further. Could you share it?
Anchor on the role and the market, not on what you happen to earn today.
What not to send
- Your current salary to the pound in the first message. It anchors the offer to what you earn now.
- Your CV before you know what the role or the client is. Once it is sent, you lose control of where it goes.
- Anything negative about your current employer or manager. Recruiters pass on more than you think.
- A long cover letter. Three lines is plenty for a first reply.
- Nothing at all, if you might want their help in a year. Ten seconds keeps the door open.
Questions
Should I reply to a recruiter if I am not interested?
It is worth it. A two-line no costs you nothing and puts you on their list for the kind of role you do want. Recruiters move between agencies and in-house teams, so a good impression now can matter years later.
How do I answer when a recruiter asks for my salary expectations?
Ask for their range first. If they push, give a range based on the role and the market rather than your current pay. Say it depends on the full package. A range protects you from anchoring too low.
How should I reply if I am interested?
Say so in one line, then ask for the three things that decide whether it is worth a call: the salary range, the location or hybrid pattern and the company. Offer two times for a call. Short and specific reads as confident.
Is it ok to ask who the client is?
Yes. Some recruiters will not name the client until after a call, which is normal. If they cannot tell you the sector, size and location either, it is reasonable to wait for more before sharing your CV.
Related situations
Get this in your keyboard
Breezily reads the message, tells you what is going on and gives you replies to pick from. In Chrome today. Keyboards for iPhone and Android on the way.