Why Subject Lines Matter in LinkedIn Recruiting
When it comes to LinkedIn outreach, your subject line is more than just a header—it’s the hook. Whether you're sending a LinkedIn connection request or following up with connection messages, your subject line can make or break your chances of receiving a response. With top candidates receiving dozens of connection requests daily, recruiters must master the subtle art of standing out.
This guide unpacks proven subject line strategies for recruiters and includes plug-and-play message templates you can use to boost your acceptance rate and drive meaningful conversations.
Think about how you react when you receive a connection request from someone on LinkedIn. If there’s no context, no shared interest, and no personalization, it’s easy to ignore. But if there's something in common, an intriguing opportunity, or a clear benefit, you're more likely to engage.
Subject lines aren't just text—they set the tone for the connection message and influence your connection request acceptance rate. As a recruiter, a compelling subject line makes your LinkedIn connection requests feel intentional rather than transactional.
5 Principles for Writing Better LinkedIn Connection Requests
1. Personalize Using Details from Their LinkedIn Profile
No one wants to feel like they're receiving a cold email. A smart way to tailor your LinkedIn connection request is by referencing something specific across your profile—such as shared interests, past roles, or mutual groups. This builds common ground and gives your outreach credibility.
Example subject line:
“Hi [Name], I’ve Been Following Your Work in [Industry]”
3. Highlight New Opportunities or Timing
If the candidate is currently seeking new roles, time your message accordingly. Subject lines like “Let’s Connect—New Opportunities in [Field]” can resonate powerfully. If you're not sure, a subtle approach works too.
Subject line:
“Wanted to Reach Out About a Role in [Industry]”
This is a non-invasive way to connect, especially if they’re passive candidates.
4. Keep It Clear and Under 50 Characters
Short, clear subject lines perform better—especially on mobile. Use language like “Looking Forward to Connecting” or “Exciting Role in [Company Name]” to spark curiosity without overselling.
Example:
“Send a LinkedIn Message About [Role]?”
5. Don’t Forget to Add a Note
You should never send a connection request without context. Adding a short, personalized message makes a world of difference. Whether it’s a soft intro or a tailored job pitch, always add a note.
36 Recruiter-Friendly Subject Line Templates for LinkedIn Outreach
Here are subject line templates for LinkedIn you can send right away. Organized by use case.
Personalized and Friendly
- “[Name], Let’s Connect!”
- “Came Across Your Profile and Had to Reach Out”
- “Hope You’re Doing Well—Loved Your Post on [Topic]”
- “Hi [Name], I’d Love to Connect”
- “Looking Forward to Connecting”
Opportunity-Based
- “Exciting Opportunity in [Field] at [Company Name]”
- “Wanted to Connect About a Role You Might Like”
- “We’re Hiring—Are You Seeking New Opportunities?”
- “Currently Seeking New [Job Title]—You Came to Mind”
- “[Name], New Opportunities with Real Impact”
Mutual Interests or Connections
- “We Share a Mutual Connection in [Industry]”
- “Common Ground in [Tech Stack/Field]?”
- “You and I Know [Name]—Thought to Connect”
- “Have You Worked with [Mutual Contact]? I’d Love to Connect”
- “[Mutual Contact] Spoke Highly of You—Wanted to Reach Out”
Conversation-Starters
- “Are You Open to Exploring a New Role?”
- “Quick Question About [Industry/Skill]”
- “Do You Have a Minute for a Connection?”
- “Let Me Know If This Role Interests You”
- “Would You Be Open to Chatting?”
Passive Approach
- “Love to Connect When You’re Free”
- “Stay in Touch—Future Opportunities Ahead”
- “Let’s Connect in Case the Timing’s Ever Right”
- “Even if Now’s Not Ideal—Let’s Keep in Touch”
- “Just Wanted to Send a Connection Your Way”
Skill or Niche Focused
- “We’re Seeking New [Skill] Talent—Sound Like You?”
- “[Company Name] Is Looking for [Specialty]—Interested?”
- “Your Experience in [Skill] Really Stood Out”
- “LinkedIn Connection Request from [Your Company]”
- “Seen Your Work in [Area]—Let’s Connect”
Friendly Follow-Ups
- “Hi Again—Didn’t Want This to Get Lost”
- “Just Following Up on My Connection Request”
- “Don’t Know If You Saw My Previous Message”
- “Looking Forward to Hearing From You”
Best Practices When Sending Connection Requests
To get the most out of these LinkedIn connection messages, you need to follow a few best practices:
- Personalize your LinkedIn note—don’t copy-paste the same line to 50 people.
- Timing matters. Sending LinkedIn connection requests early in the week tends to boost your acceptance rate.
- Consider your tone. A casual “Let’s connect” works in some industries, while others expect more formality.
- Always comply with LinkedIn’s privacy policy—don’t over-message or mass-add people.
- Avoid spammy behavior. If your connection requests aren’t accepted, your LinkedIn profile could be flagged.
Extra Tips to Improve LinkedIn Outreach
Recruiters often ask how to get started with more effective outreach beyond just the connection request message. Here are a few:
- Use LinkedIn message templates for consistency across outreach efforts.
- Test different connection request templates to see what resonates.
- Be thoughtful with every request on LinkedIn—don’t treat it like a numbers game.
- Leverage LinkedIn lead generation tools, but make sure your tone doesn’t read like a bot.
- Avoid relying solely on social selling or social media channels—combine your outreach across multiple touchpoints.
Whether you're reaching out with a connection message example, sharing a compelling message example, or simply looking to connect with someone, what you say in those first few lines matters. Each LinkedIn connection message should reflect who you are, what you bring, and how you align with the candidate’s goals.
Start hiring faster and smarter with AI-powered tools built for success
