Over the past couple decades, the way that people communicate with each other has changed drastically. Not only have text messages become more popular than phone calls, but email has lost popularity with the rise of direct messages, or DMs.
Today, direct messages are an essential part of professional networking. Recruiters and other professionals are using platforms like LinkedIn to build relationships, communicate and recruit talent, making it more important than ever to understand how to navigate the direct message networking terrain.
How Are Professional and Social Media DMs Different?
Since the DM format is commonly used both in social media and in professional networking, you may be wondering how DM etiquette differs in each virtual context.
LinkedIn is a particularly unique platform, as it combines professionalism with social media. It’s the only popular networking platform where it’s considered perfectly appropriate to connect with professors and employers as well as friends.That said, it can be a challenge to strike an appropriate balance between professionalism and casual communication.
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How to Send a Proper Direct Message
While you may already feel confident in your ability to send a reply-worthy DM, it’s never a bad idea to refresh yourself by going through a checklist ahead of time. Whether you’re preparing to reach out to a recruiter or a fellow professional in your field, here are some tips to keep in mind.
1. Start by Engaging with Their Content
One of the best ways to put yourself on someone’s radar is to interact with the content they post. While a “Like” or a similar reaction is a kind gesture, consider commenting on their post explaining why you resonated with it or simply to thank them for posting. This is a great way to make yourself stand out before you even reach out.
That said, remember not to engage with everything they post. This may come across as invasive and pushy, so it’s best to only engage with what you genuinely appreciate.
2. Learn More About Your Recipient
Your recipient has an informative profile – take a look! You can learn a lot about someone by skimming over the experiences they’ve shared on their page. This is also an easy way to see if you have anything in common with them, which may be a great conversation starter.
Remember that your recipient will likely be thinking the same thing. If they see a message from you, they may want to investigate who you are. Be sure to keep your profile polished and up-to-date so that you come across positively to them.
3. Personalize Your Message
Expect your message to be one out of a hundred that your recipient has in their inbox – what will you do to stand out? Rather than starting your message with a generic opening, try to personalize it to your recipient.
Consider stroking their ego by bringing up something they’ve written or figuring out something you have in common with them and opening with that. Personalizing is a great way to both capture attention and build a stronger relationship right off the bat.
4. Get Right to the Point
Your recipient doesn’t have all day to meander through a whole inbox of lengthy direct messages. Your message should grab attention and get right to the point as quickly as possible. That way, you will be far more likely to receive a response.
After your recipient responds and invites a longer conversation, it’s okay to make your messages a bit longer. Initially, however, aim for no more than 4-5 sentences.
5. Proofread Your Tone
Your recipient doesn’t have all day to meander through a whole inbox of lengthy direct messages. Your message should grab attention and get right to the point as quickly as possible. That way, you will be far more likely to receive a response.
After your recipient responds and invites a longer conversation, it’s okay to make your messages a bit longer. Initially, however, aim for no more than 4-5 sentences.
Professional Direct Message Templates
Sending the perfect DM is not an easy task, so here are some templates to consider following the next time you’re cold messaging someone.
Template #1
“Hi [NAME],
I read your piece on [XX] and really valued your take on [XX] because [XX].
Since you’re highly experienced in [XX], I wanted to gauge your interest in [XX].
Let me know what you think!”
Template #2
“Hi [NAME],
I noticed from your profile that you were a PolySci major at [SCHOOL]. I was also a PolySci major at [SCHOOL] – always great to meet people with common backgrounds!
I value the work you’re doing in [XX] and wanted to see if you would be interested in [XX].
Looking forward to hearing from you!”
Template #3
“Hi [NAME],
Thanks for sharing that great resource on [XX]. I found it super informative!
I noticed [COMPANY] is hiring new talent, and I’m interested in applying due to my experience in [XX].
Would you be willing to answer some questions I have about the role?
Thank you!”
Template #4
“Hi [NAME],
I noticed that you recently completed a course on [XX] – how was that? I’ve been meaning to learn more about [XX].
As a recent college grad, I’m looking for opportunities to expand my skill set in [AREA] and would love some tips regarding next steps.
Let me know if you’d be willing to hop on a quick call to discuss [XX] next week.
Thanks so much!”
