Getting Responses through LinkedIn Connections and Inmails (for Recruiters)

I recently read this article at ERE about getting results with InMails. I've been "locked" out of sending connections requests, I'm familiar with the LION open networkers and other lists to help build connections, and fortunately have had access to a LinkedIn recruiter account. I'm not necessarily a leading member of the club, but I've ridden my share of roller coasters and have been a season pass holder. Like the amusement park reference here? I'm channeling summer or vacation probably, haha.
For a new recruiter or sourcer starting with LinkedIn Being AIRS trained, I started with a focus on free sourcing. This means I either find a way to contact you outside of LinkedIn or try to connect on the professional network. To connect on LinkedIn, you must submit this form:

Just as with an InMail, I agree that the message should be compelling, personable, to the point, and somewhat open ended. Communication is an art. Just like a cold call, you want to be enticing without overwhelming. "How do you know (candidate)?" Here you'll want to select "We've done business together" and choose your current company. As a recruiter in RPO, it is sometimes personal or client preference to list the client name - so you would have to add that you are employed by that company to your profile. However, I've been able to convey my personal and profession brand by just listing my RPO on my profile and making sure to describe the client in my invite. There are no subject lines in connection requests like there are in InMails. So, your name header, your company, and the content of your message is what you're selling. I feel like the sales in recruiting is not a product or a service but an experience. We want our candidates to have a gracious experience. Get to the point!
Why: I came across your profile. You were referred by..Would you or someone you know be a fit?
What: (Company) has an opening for (job) that I felt really aligned with your experience.
Boomerang: I can provide more detail. Are you keeping your options open?
Contact: I'm available to discuss by email or phone. Name.
I like to leave some of the formatting LinkedIn provides for you, such as "I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn." Because it's true! And it is familiar. This is, if the character limit allows - you chronic long winded tweeters feel me here. Soon, it's easy to have a template to pull quickly, adjust, and send. LinkedIn is not joking about only inviting people you know well and who know you, though. If you have too many "I don't know's" you can get a warning and potentially a block from sending further requests. You'll then have to contact LinkedIn to get this removed. Also, if you send too many requests, you may run out and have to asked for additional invitations. So, make an attempt to determine this candidate's contact information elsewhere - email, phone, other social networks. Sending a connect request as a first contact is more of a last resort at this stage of the game. Get more connections by sending the request after you talked with the candidate.

Sending Inmails also has a character limit but offers more options:

And this time you can save your template in Linked instead of copying it from elsewhere. I choose Career Opportunity for category and Hi <First Name> for Salutation. I've used company, job title, industry and a combination of all of these. Although you want to provide anonymity to encourage the candidate to read-on, my logic is that one is interested the job and the company name and so why not provide that first. Include a tidbit about company culture, a note about their profile/experience that makes them a match, or another comment to draw them in. Without giving all the details, present a message that you are proud of that will represent you, the client, and asks the candidate for a response whether it be for interest, referral, or general follow-up. Don't forget your contact information. I provide both an email and phone number. If the user accepts your invite, you may have their email to provide more detail, and you could also ask for a general connection request at this point. You can also continue to try to reach them through another media. I have a fluctuating response rate currently at 20%. I'll take it. That's 20% activity I wouldn't have otherwise.

In summary:
Explain, represent, ask.
Describe the reason for contact, but be simple. Respect the message your sending, your client, your candidate, yourself. Ask for the response!

I would advise to NOT use a list or service that helps you get a lot of connections fast. When others in the office were doing this, I just kept thinking that it sounded about as appealing as getting cash fast at the local check into cash joint. But, you want to build credibility and have an attractive profile to candidates, coworkers, and other connections, right? Complete your profile. Putting a full resume is personal preference, but try listing more than just a generic description of your company or job duties. As for recommendations. If you're just getting started in the professional arena - ask new/old coworkers, professors/teachers, classmates, volunteer work contacts, internship/co-op networks. Don't forget to return the favor! Link-up on LinkedIn. Creating a professional brand can be a whole other blog post, but think about your handle/usernames/vanity URL early, connect your social and professional networks, and be consistent with similar photos, templates, content. A brand should be recognizable and so should you.

Building your network on LinkedIn should be like getting a degree or diploma. You can get the goal (piece of paper or 500+ connections), but did you get the experience/education?

The content and ideas of this blog post are my own and does not represent those of ADP.