From the Desk of Chip Cossitt

Sr. Partner, Warren & Morris, Ltd., Executive Search.

Should I Reject an InMail?

This morning, I received a note from LinkedIn that an InMail message I sent to a potential candidate had been declined. I electronically introduced myself, extended my hand, they looked at my hand, walked away and shut the door. And I mean that literally, they shut the door. When you decline an InMail, that discussion is over. You cannot further engage that person on that InMail.

Remember that networking event last week when you walked up to that guy, introduced yourself, reached out to shake their hand and they said, “Declined” and walked away? Yea, me neither. Why? Because it didn’t happen. It’s widely understood that networking events are there to provide a platform for people to meet, greet and, well, network. So why are the rules any different on LinkedIn? LinkedIn is arguably the largest online professional networking site in existence. Shouldn’t we approach networking online the same way we approach it in person?

This morning, I also received a message from LinkedIn, notifying me that a candidate had accepted an InMail I sent to them. They added a note which read, “Thanks for the note, this isn’t an appropriate role for me at this time, but please keep me posted if anything else comes your way”. What they’ve done is connected, made a contact, kept a door open and acted as any professional would in person.

What’s the takeaway? Accept InMail! Even if the content doesn’t apply to you, accept the InMail. Accept the InMail, respond with gratitude - just like you would at any networking event - and leave them with information that will help them to engage you in the future.

Last year both my business partner and I were awarded with LinkedIn’s 2019 “Top 1% Search and Staffing Professional” award. This was awarded to any recruiter out there who had a stellar InMail response rate. Our approach to InMail is as simple and straightforward as our Vision Statement, “Think Long Term, Do the Right Thing”.

About the Author:

Chip Cossitt is a Senior Partner with Warren & Morris, Ltd., executive search and has been providing executive search services for more than 25 years.