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Best LinkedIn Messaging Subject Lines for Recruiters
Best LinkedIn Messaging Subject Lines for Recruiters
Best LinkedIn Messaging Subject Lines for Recruiters
Best LinkedIn Messaging Subject Lines for Recruiters

Saniya Sood

Best LinkedIn Messaging Subject Lines for Recruiters

Best LinkedIn Messaging Subject Lines for Recruiters

Best LinkedIn Messaging Subject Lines for Recruiters
Best LinkedIn Messaging Subject Lines for Recruiters
Best LinkedIn Messaging Subject Lines for Recruiters

Saniya Sood

Best LinkedIn Messaging Subject Lines for Recruiters

30 Best LinkedIn Messaging Subject Lines for Recruiters

When it comes to recruiting, making the right first impression is key, and that starts with your LinkedIn message subject line. LinkedIn messages are known for having higher engagement rates compared to traditional email outreach, showing the platform's effectiveness in connecting with top talent. But here’s the catch: your subject line plays a huge role in whether your message gets opened at all. 

In this blog, we will explore the best LinkedIn messaging subject lines for recruiters, offering tips on crafting attention-grabbing lines that stand out in a crowded inbox. Let’s explore how the right subject line can make all the difference in your recruiting efforts.

What is LinkedIn InMail?

LinkedIn InMail is a premium messaging feature available to users with LinkedIn Premium, Sales Navigator, and Recruiter subscriptions. It allows you to send direct messages to anyone on the platform, even if you’re not connected, making it an ideal tool for reaching out to prospects, candidates, or potential business partners outside your immediate network.

A LinkedIn InMail subject line is the first thing your recipient sees when they receive your message, much like an email subject line. With only 80 characters to work with, it's your opportunity to stand out in their LinkedIn inbox and convince them to open and engage with your message. Crafting a compelling subject line is crucial to boosting your response rates and making your outreach more effective.

[ Also Read: How LinkedIn InMail Works: A Comprehensive Guide. ] 

Now that we have defined the basics, let’s look at how to write one that captures attention and encourages the recipient to open your message.

How to Create a Solid InMail Subject Line

With just 80 characters to capture someone’s attention, it’s essential to make every word of your InMail subject line count. Here’s how to create a subject line that stands out and encourages the recipient to open your message:

1. Personalize the Subject Line

A personalized subject line shows the recipient that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in connecting with them. This approach not only grabs attention but also fosters a sense of relevance. Include details like their name, role, company, or mutual connections to make it feel tailored specifically to them.

For example: “Hey {{FirstName}}, {{MutualConnection}} pointed me your way”

[ Also Read: Top 6 Personalization Strategies for Automated Marketing Messages. ]

2. Keep It Concise

Time is precious, so a brief, to-the-point subject line is most effective. Avoid long, convoluted phrases that risk losing the recipient’s interest. Instead, aim to make a quick, clear impact.

For example: “Quick tip for {{Position}}”

3. Focus on Value

Make it clear what’s in it for the recipient right from the start. If your subject line highlights a benefit or outcome, the recipient will be more likely to open the message. You want them to see that your message is not just about you; it’s also about something that could help them.

For example: “Helping {{TheirRole}} achieve {{Outcome}}”

4. Be Action-Oriented

Action-oriented subject lines create curiosity and a sense of urgency. Use strong verbs or calls to action that encourage the recipient to open your message to learn more.

For example: “Explore this new strategy for {{Topic}}”

5. Avoid Being Salesy

Nobody likes receiving overly promotional or generic messages. Be authentic and make your subject line conversational. Avoid phrases that sound like you're pushing a product or service.

For example: “{{FirstName}}, thoughts on {{SpecificTopic}}?”

The right subject line not only increases open rates but also sets the tone for meaningful conversations with potential hires. To make these principles more practical, here are some examples you can adapt for your outreach.

30 Best LinkedIn InMail Subject Line Examples

Since the subject line is your first opportunity to grab their attention, it needs to be personalized, clear, and compelling. Below are some examples of effective subject lines for different recruiting scenarios, along with insights into why they work.

Personalization and Relevance

Personalizing your subject line makes the message feel tailored, increasing the chances of it being opened. Here are some examples:

  1. "Your expertise in [Field] caught our attention"

    • Why it works: Personalizes the message by recognizing the recipient's field, making it relevant and inviting.

  2. "Impressed by your work at [Company Name] — Let’s connect"

    • Why it works: Compliments their current work and invites a connection, making it personal and approachable.

  3. "I noticed your experience in [Specialization] — Let’s talk opportunities"

    • Why it works: Directly highlights the recipient's specialization and suggests a conversation about relevant opportunities.

  4. "We’re looking for someone like you in [Role] at [Company]"

    • Why it works: Immediately presents an opportunity and addresses the recipient's skills, making it enticing.

  5. "Your [Specific Skill] would be a great fit for our [Position]"

    • Why it works: Focuses on the recipient’s skills and connects them with the specific role, creating relevance.

Focus on Career Growth and Opportunities

Candidates often respond to subject lines that promise career growth or an opportunity to advance professionally. These lines cater to aspirations and goals.

  1. "Ready for the next step in your [Field] career?"

    • Why it works: Poses a direct question that appeals to career progression, which is a common motivation.

  2. "This opportunity can take your [Role] career to new heights"

    • Why it works: Focuses on career growth and improvement, attracting individuals seeking professional advancement.

  3. "Are you open to a role that challenges you in [Field]?"

    • Why it works: Suggests a challenge and career growth, enticing ambitious candidates.

  4. "Your next big career move is just one conversation away"

    • Why it works: Creates urgency and suggests that a simple conversation could lead to something significant.

  5. "Unlock your next career milestone at [Company]"

    • Why it works: Positions the opportunity as a career milestone, making it feel important and worthwhile.

Creating Intrigue with Open-Ended Questions

Open-ended questions spark curiosity and encourage the recipient to engage. These subject lines invite a response without feeling too pushy.

  1. "How does a role at [Company] sound for your next career move?"

    • Why it works: Poses an open-ended question, inviting the recipient to think about a new opportunity.

  2. "Have you considered taking on a leadership role in [Field]?"

    • Why it works: Directly sparks curiosity about career advancement in their field.

  3. "What would your dream role in [Industry] look like?"

    • Why it works: Invites the recipient to envision their ideal job, leading to deeper engagement.

  4. "Could your next opportunity be with [Company]?"

    • Why it works: Creates curiosity while positioning your company as a potential next step.

  5. "What if this role could accelerate your career in [Specialization]?"

    • Why it works: Makes the recipient imagine a positive outcome, encouraging them to explore further.

Creating subject lines that truly resonate requires time and care. Valley helps you craft personalized, well-timed messages and keeps your outreach organized. This ensures you connect with the right prospects at the right moment, making your efforts more efficient and effective.

Play on FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

Tapping into FOMO is an effective way to catch the attention of a potential candidate, especially if they’re unaware of an opportunity or competition

  1. "Don’t miss this opportunity in [Industry]"

    • Why it works: Creates urgency and suggests a limited-time opportunity that they should act on quickly.

  2. "Other top candidates are already considering this role — Are you?"

    • Why it works: Plays on the fear of missing out, enticing the recipient to act before others take advantage.

  3. "The next big thing in [Field] is happening at [Company] — Join us"

    • Why it works: Taps into the fear of missing out on a trending opportunity within their field.

  4. "This exclusive role is in high demand — Let’s discuss"

    • Why it works: Makes the opportunity seem rare and in demand, prompting the recipient to engage before it’s too late.

  5. "Top talent is already looking at this position — Will you?"

    • Why it works: Suggests competition, prompting the recipient to open the message to learn more.

Addressing Pain Points and Offering Solutions

Candidates often look for solutions to challenges they face in their current roles. Subject lines that speak directly to their pain points can be compelling.

  1. "Tired of [Common Challenge]? This role could be the solution"

    • Why it works: Acknowledges a common pain point and directly presents the job opportunity as the solution.

  2. "Struggling with [Specific Problem]? Let’s solve it together"

    • Why it works: Empathizes with a potential challenge and positions the job as a solution, creating interest.

  3. "Looking for a role that addresses your [Industry] pain points?"

    • Why it works: Directly speaks to the recipient’s potential frustrations and offers a way to solve them.

  4. "This opportunity could help you overcome [Challenge] in your career"

    • Why it works: Offers a resolution to a challenge, making the message highly relevant and solution-focused.

  5. "We have a role that helps solve [Pain Point] in [Field]"

    • Why it works: Focuses on problem-solving, making it highly relevant for someone experiencing that issue.

Show Value or Offer Insight

Subject lines that highlight the potential value of the role or offer useful insights can create instant interest and encourage the recipient to open the message.

  1. "Learn how you can boost your career in [Industry]"

    • Why it works: Presents the role as a means of advancing their career, offering immediate value.

  2. "How [Company] can help you reach new career milestones"

    • Why it works: Focuses on growth and highlights what the company can offer for career progression.

  3. "Unlock new opportunities in [Field] with this role"

    • Why it works: Frames the opportunity as a gateway to new professional possibilities, which is enticing.

  4. "Here’s how we can help you grow in [Specialization]"

    • Why it works: Positions the company as a source of professional development, providing value upfront.

  5. "This opportunity offers a unique path for growth in [Industry]"

    • Why it works: Suggests exclusivity and a clear career path, making it intriguing for professionals seeking advancement.

With these InMail subject line examples, you’re all set to make a great first impression, grab attention, and boost your chances of getting a response. These lines will help you stand out and start meaningful conversations with your prospects.

Getting the hang of what makes a subject line work will help you write ones that get results, time and time again. Let’s learn how. 

Top Tips for Writing Your LinkedIn InMail Subject Line

Your subject line is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression, and you have only a few seconds to capture someone's attention. Here are some strategies to craft subject lines that stand out and encourage recipients to open your message:

  1. Keep It Short and Sweet

You want your subject line to be impactful but concise. Avoid long-winded phrases that could lose the reader’s attention. Focus on clarity and get straight to the point in just a few words. Less is often more when it comes to subject lines.

  1. Be Clear and Direct

Vague subject lines like "Just checking in" don't provide the reader with a compelling reason to open your message. Instead, be specific about why you’re reaching out. A clear subject line makes it easier for the recipient to understand the value you're offering and increases the chances they’ll click.

  1. Add Numbers or Metrics

People naturally gravitate toward data because it promises tangible value. Numbers, percentages, or key metrics can make your subject line stand out and imply that your message contains something measurable or concrete that will catch their interest.

  1. Include a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

Your subject line should convey what the recipient can expect and why it matters to them. If it's inviting them to read an industry insight, learn about an opportunity, or solve a specific problem, the subject line should give them a reason to engage with your message.

  1. Spark Curiosity with Questions

Questions are a powerful way to grab attention. They encourage the reader to pause and think about the answer, making them more likely to open the message. Frame your question around a challenge or opportunity that resonates with their goals, and you’ll create curiosity that drives action.

  1. Test and Tweak with A/B Testing

Not every subject line will hit the mark right away. The best way to find what resonates with your audience is through A/B testing. Experiment with different variations of your subject lines and measure the results. Track open and response rates to determine which approach performs best, and refine your strategy over time.

  1. Be Creative and Avoid Clichés

Overused phrases like "Let’s hop on a quick chat" have become predictable and easily ignored. To really stand out, be original and specific. This shows you’ve put effort into your outreach and are offering something tailored to their needs.

By implementing these strategies, you can craft subject lines that boost open rates and promote meaningful conversations.

Valley makes it easier to apply these subject line strategies by helping you personalize your outreach without spending hours on research and manual work. It keeps your messages organized and on point so you can reach more prospects with less effort and more impact.

[ Also Read: How to Automate LinkedIn Messages: A Step-by-Step Guide. ]

Once you’ve understood the strategy, the next step is execution. Here’s how Valley supports you in applying these best practices at scale.

How Valley Helps You Connect Smarter on LinkedIn

Understanding how to identify and engage with LinkedIn Open Networkers provides a smart way to expand your reach and initiate more effective conversations more quickly. Recognizing LIONs, crafting thoughtful outreach, and writing subject lines that get opened all come down to being clear, relevant, and intentional. 

If you're eager to make LinkedIn your most effective outbound channel, Valley is designed for you. Here’s how Valley makes connecting with prospects like LinkedIn Open Networkers easier:

  • Find the Right Prospects, Fast
    Skip the guesswork. Valley uses intent signals and behavior-based data to surface high-intent leads, including LIONs, who are more likely to accept and engage.


  • Personalize at Scale Without Wasting Time
    Valley auto-generates personalized messages that sound human. Each one is tailored to your prospect’s profile, activity, and challenges.


  • Automate Connection Requests the Smart Way
    Send connection requests and follow-ups directly through LinkedIn—without crossing any safety lines. Everything stays compliant and effective.


  • Centralize Outreach Across the Team
    Manage messaging, approvals, and performance tracking from one place. Maintain a consistent tone and keep your efforts focused.


  • Free Up Hours Each Week
    Manual research and message writing? Gone. Valley handles the busy work so you can focus on real conversations, not repetitive tasks.

Book a call with Valley today to send fewer, better messages right when your prospects are most likely to respond.

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The exact learnings, tactics, and playbooks that actually close deals and build scalable sales systems. All signal, zero noise.

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The Sales Company

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Delivered Today.

Newsletter

The exact learnings, tactics, and playbooks that actually close deals and build scalable sales systems. All signal, zero noise.

Valley 2024

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