Why LinkedIn Messages Often Go Unanswered – A Recruiter’s Perspective

Job seekers often find themselves sending out LinkedIn messages, connection requests, and InMails, only to be met with silence. It can be frustrating, but understanding the reasons behind this lack of response can be the key to improving one's approach.

Common Mistakes Seen on LinkedIn

On LinkedIn, it’s not uncommon to come across comments like:

• “Interested.”
• “I need a job.”
• “Sir, please look at my profile.”
• “Dears, please do the needful.”
• “I’m seeking, madam.”
• “Looking for an opportunity.”

Recruiters receive hundreds of these messages and comments daily. Often, they are flooded with InMails that simply say “Hello” or “Hi,” without any further context, or lengthy paragraphs detailing entire career histories—usually riddled with errors. Some recruiters have been mistakenly addressed as “madam,” called by the wrong name, or even received copy-paste messages that are completely off-target.

Additionally, many job seekers send out blind connection reques ts without any introduction or follow-up after being accepted. This behavior wouldn’t be acceptable in person, and it shouldn’t be online either—etiquette matters just as much on LinkedIn as it does in real life.

Why Messages Might Be Ignored

With a large following, recruiters often find their inboxes flooded with messages daily. There simply aren’t enough hours in the day to go through each one individually, so it’s common for some messages to be missed or archived without a response.

However, job seekers can increase their chances of standing out by following these simple yet effective tips:

1. Personalise the Invitation

LinkedIn provides 300 characters for connection requests—use them wisely. Including a brief, specific note that explains why the connection is being sought, the job seeker’s role, what they are looking for, and any other relevant information can make a request stand out.

2. Be Professional and Polite

A respectful tone and concise messaging are essential. There’s no need to write an essay—just get to the point quickly and clearly. Clarity is key, as recruiters often skim through messages.

3. Use Correct Punctuation

With tools like Grammarly and QuillBot available, there’s little excuse for spelling mistakes. LinkedIn also allows posts to be edited, so if an error is spotted, it should be fixed immediately. There’s no need to write messages filled with excessive or incorrect punctuation and attach multiple, often irrelevant, certificates.

4. State the Intent Clearly

When connecting or commenting, specificity is crucial. Recruiters may not click on every profile, but a well-thought-out and relevant message has a much higher chance of engagement. It’s not about casting a wide net—it’s about casting the right one.

5. Keep It Short and Sweet

Messages should be kept to 2-3 sentences, making them easy to read and respond to. It’s important to focus on what’s essential and avoid unnecessary details.

A Look at the Middle East Job Market

The job market in the Middle East is notably competitive, with LinkedIn recruiter being one of the most active platforms for recruitment. Data shows that over 87% of recruiters in the region rely on LinkedIn as their primary tool for sourcing candidates. With an increasing number of professionals utilising LinkedIn, standing out has never been more important.

In GCC countries, where competition is particularly fierce, adhering to these best practices can make a significant difference. Whether seeking opportunities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, or elsewhere in the region, a well-crafted LinkedIn message can open doors.

In Conclusion

This advice is meant to help job seekers navigate the often challenging process of job hunting. By working smarter, not harder, and by refining their LinkedIn marketing approach, job seekers can improve their chances of getting noticed and receiving responses from recruiters.

Before hitting send on LinkedIn, taking a moment to craft a thoughtful message can make all the difference. With the right approach, job seekers may find that the responses they’ve been waiting for start to come in.

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