The Template That Changed Everything
Maya was a recruiter at a fast-growing startup. She was responsible for filling 12 open roles, which meant she was sending dozens of LinkedIn DMs every single day. At first, she wrote each one from scratch. It felt personal. But it was also exhausting—and after a few weeks, she realized she was essentially saying the same thing over and over, just rephrased slightly.
So she built a template. Not a robotic, copy-paste script—but a flexible framework with personalization tokens and optional lines she could swap in based on the candidate's background. The template looked like this:
"Hey [Name]—I came across your profile because of your work at [Company] and I'm really impressed by [specific accomplishment]. We're hiring for a [Role] at [Startup] and I think your experience with [skill] would be a great fit. [Optional: We're backed by [investors] and recently hit [milestone].] Would you be open to a quick 15-minute call to learn more? No pressure if now's not the right time!"
It took her 60 seconds to customize each message. Her response rate jumped from 15% to 35%. And she stopped feeling burned out by the repetitive grind of outreach.
That's the power of LinkedIn DM templates. They're not about being lazy or inauthentic—they're about creating a reusable structure that lets you personalize at scale. In this guide, you'll get 18 modular templates designed specifically for recruiters, sellers, and service-based founders. Each template includes personalization tokens, optional lines, and tactical notes on when and how to use it.
How to Use These Templates (The Right Way)
Before we dive into the templates, let's set some ground rules:
- Never copy-paste blindly. Every template here needs customization. Fill in the bracketed tokens with real, specific information about the person you're messaging.
- Match tone to audience. If you're reaching out to a startup founder, you can be more casual. If you're messaging a C-suite executive, dial up the professionalism slightly.
- Use optional lines strategically. The templates include optional sentences you can add or remove based on context. Don't include everything—just what's relevant.
- Test and iterate. Track which templates get the best responses and refine them over time. What works for one audience might not work for another.
Think of these templates as starting points, not finished products. The goal is to systematize without sounding scripted. This balance is the same one you'd strike when learning how to nail LinkedIn DM tone: structure gives you speed, but personalization gives you trust.
6 Templates for Recruiters
Template 1: The Passive Candidate Outreach
Use when: Reaching out to someone who's not actively job hunting but might be open to the right opportunity.
Template:
"Hey [Name]—I came across your profile because of your work on [specific project/skill] and I'm really impressed. I'm recruiting for a [Role] at [Company] and I think your background in [area] would be a great fit. [Optional: We're a [stage] company backed by [investors], recently hit [milestone], and growing fast.] I know you might not be actively looking, but would you be open to a quick chat to learn more? Totally fine if now's not the right time!"
Personalization tokens: [Name], [specific project/skill], [Role], [Company], [area], [stage], [investors], [milestone]
Optional line: Add company context if it's impressive (funding, growth, notable investors). Skip if it's not a differentiator.
Template 2: The Active Candidate Follow-Up
Use when: Following up with someone who applied or expressed interest but hasn't responded to your initial outreach.
Template:
"Hey [Name]—just wanted to circle back on the [Role] at [Company]. I saw your application and I'm really interested in your experience with [specific skill]. Would you have 15 minutes this week for a quick screening call? I can do [Day] at [Time] or [Day] at [Time] if either of those work for you."
Personalization tokens: [Name], [Role], [Company], [specific skill], [Day], [Time]
Tactical note: Offering specific times reduces back-and-forth and makes it easier for them to say yes. This is the same principle behind knowing how to ask for a call on LinkedIn effectively.
Template 3: The Internal Referral Intro
Use when: Reaching out to someone who was referred by a current employee.
Template:
"Hey [Name]—[Referrer Name] mentioned I should reach out to you. We're hiring for a [Role] at [Company] and [Referrer] thought your background in [area] would be a great fit. Would you be open to a quick call to learn more about the role and the team?"
Personalization tokens: [Name], [Referrer Name], [Role], [Company], [area]
Tactical note: Leading with the referral immediately builds trust. People are much more likely to respond when someone they know made the connection.
Template 4: The Talent Pool Nurture
Use when: Building a relationship with someone who's not right for the current role but might be a fit in the future.
Template:
"Hey [Name]—I don't have a role that's a perfect fit for you right now, but I'm really impressed by your work in [area]. I'd love to stay connected and keep you in mind for future opportunities at [Company]. Would you be open to a quick informational chat about your goals and what you're looking for next?"
Personalization tokens: [Name], [area], [Company]
Tactical note: This is a long-game move. You're investing in the relationship now so that when the right role opens up, you already have rapport.
Template 5: The Diversity-Focused Outreach
Use when: Proactively sourcing underrepresented talent for diversity hiring initiatives.
Template:
"Hey [Name]—I'm working to build a more diverse team at [Company] and I came across your profile because of your work in [area]. We're hiring for a [Role] and I think your background would be a great fit. [Optional: We're committed to building an inclusive culture—here's a bit about our DEI efforts: [link].] Would you be open to learning more?"
Personalization tokens: [Name], [Company], [area], [Role], [link]
Optional line: Add DEI context if your company has a strong track record. Don't add it if it feels performative.
Template 6: The Executive Search Intro
Use when: Recruiting senior leaders or executives who expect a more formal, high-touch approach.
Template:
"Hi [Name]—I'm leading the search for a [Role] at [Company] and your track record in [specific achievement] stood out immediately. This is a pivotal role—reporting to [Reporting Line] and responsible for [key responsibility]. I'd love to set up a confidential conversation to share more about the opportunity and hear about your current priorities. Would you have time for a brief call next week?"
Personalization tokens: [Name], [Role], [Company], [specific achievement], [Reporting Line], [key responsibility]
Tactical note: Exec-level messaging should feel tailored, strategic, and respectful of their time. Skip casual language and get straight to the value proposition.
6 Templates for Sellers
Template 1: The Value-First Cold Outreach
Use when: Reaching out to a cold prospect for the first time.
Template:
"Hey [Name]—I saw your recent post about [topic] and it resonated with me. We work with [type of companies] to solve [specific problem] and I thought there might be a fit with what you're working on at [Company]. [Optional: We recently helped [similar company] achieve [result].] Would you be open to a quick 15-minute call to explore whether this could be useful for you? No pressure if it's not the right time!"
Personalization tokens: [Name], [topic], [type of companies], [specific problem], [Company], [similar company], [result]
Optional line: Add a case study reference if you have one relevant to their industry. Skip if it feels like a sales pitch.
Template 2: The Trigger Event Follow-Up
Use when: Reaching out after a specific event (funding round, new hire, product launch) that signals they might need your solution.
Template:
"Hey [Name]—congrats on [trigger event]! That's huge. I work with companies in similar growth stages and I've noticed that [specific challenge] tends to come up around this time. We've helped teams like [similar company] navigate this by [solution]. Would it be worth a quick chat to see if there's a fit?"
Personalization tokens: [Name], [trigger event], [specific challenge], [similar company], [solution]
Tactical note: Timing is everything. Trigger events open windows of opportunity. Strike while the iron is hot, but don't be pushy.
Template 3: The Post-Demo Follow-Up
Use when: Following up after a demo or discovery call to keep the conversation moving.
Template:
"Hey [Name]—thanks for taking the time to chat yesterday. I've been thinking about your challenge with [specific problem] and I'm confident we can help you [desired outcome]. Next step would be [action]—does [Day] at [Time] work for you?"
Personalization tokens: [Name], [specific problem], [desired outcome], [action], [Day], [Time]
Tactical note: Always propose a clear next step. Don't leave it vague ("Let me know if you want to chat more"). Be directive but not demanding. This mirrors the structure of effective LinkedIn follow-up messages: clarity drives action.
Template 4: The Referral Ask
Use when: Asking a current happy customer for referrals.
Template:
"Hey [Name]—it's been great working with you over the past [timeframe]. I'm trying to connect with more [type of companies] facing [challenge] and I thought you might know some folks who'd benefit from what we're doing. Would you mind introducing me to anyone who comes to mind? Happy to draft a quick intro email to make it easy!"
Personalization tokens: [Name], [timeframe], [type of companies], [challenge]
Tactical note: Make the ask easy. Offer to write the intro yourself so they don't have to think about what to say.
Template 5: The Re-Engagement Message
Use when: Reaching back out to a cold or stalled lead who went quiet.
Template:
"Hey [Name]—I know we chatted a few months back about [topic] and timing wasn't quite right. Just wanted to check in—has anything changed on your end? [Optional: We've recently launched [new feature/case study] that might be relevant.] Let me know if it's worth reconnecting!"
Personalization tokens: [Name], [topic], [new feature/case study]
Optional line: Add new information if you have it. Otherwise, keep it simple and low-pressure.
Template 6: The Event-Based Opener
Use when: Following up with someone you met (or almost met) at a conference, webinar, or event.
Template:
"Hey [Name]—I saw you were at [event] last week. [Optional: I was there too and caught your question during the Q&A—great point about [topic].] I work with [type of companies] to [solve problem] and I thought there might be some overlap with what you're working on. Would you be open to a quick call to explore whether there's a fit?"
Personalization tokens: [Name], [event], [topic], [type of companies], [solve problem]
Optional line: If you actually heard them speak or engage at the event, reference it. It makes the outreach feel less generic.
6 Templates for Service-Based Founders
Template 1: The Warm Intro Request
Use when: Asking a mutual connection to introduce you to a potential client.
Template:
"Hey [Connector Name]—quick question: do you know [Target Name] at [Company] well enough to make a warm intro? I've been working with [type of clients] to [solve problem] and I think there might be a fit with what they're doing. Totally fine if not—just thought I'd ask!"
Personalization tokens: [Connector Name], [Target Name], [Company], [type of clients], [solve problem]
Tactical note: Keep intro requests short and low-friction. Make it easy for the connector to say yes or no without feeling obligated. Learn more about this in our guide on how to ask for LinkedIn intros.
Template 2: The Thought Leadership Follow-Up
Use when: Following up with someone who engaged with your content (liked, commented, shared).
Template:
"Hey [Name]—thanks for engaging with my post on [topic]. I saw your comment about [specific point] and it resonated. I'd love to hear more about your experience with [related topic]. Mind if I send you a quick question? (Literally just one—takes 30 seconds.)"
Personalization tokens: [Name], [topic], [specific point], [related topic]
Tactical note: This is a bridge from content to conversation. You're not pitching—you're engaging genuinely. That builds trust before you ever make an ask. This is the same strategy behind moving LinkedIn comments to DMs.
Template 3: The Case Study Share
Use when: Sharing a relevant success story with a potential client who has a similar challenge.
Template:
"Hey [Name]—I saw your recent post about [challenge] and it reminded me of a project we just wrapped up with [similar company]. They were dealing with [same challenge] and we helped them [result]. I put together a quick case study if you're interested—might be relevant to what you're working on. Want me to send it over?"
Personalization tokens: [Name], [challenge], [similar company], [same challenge], [result]
Tactical note: Lead with value, not a pitch. You're offering a resource, not demanding a meeting.
Template 4: The Partnership Proposal
Use when: Reaching out to a potential partner (complementary service, agency, consultant) for collaboration.
Template:
"Hey [Name]—I've been following your work with [type of clients] and I think there's a natural fit between what you do and what we do. We often work with clients who need [your service] + [their service] and I think we could refer business back and forth. Would you be open to a quick call to explore what a partnership could look like?"
Personalization tokens: [Name], [type of clients], [your service], [their service]
Tactical note: Frame partnerships as mutual benefit, not one-sided asks. Show them what's in it for them.
Template 5: The LinkedIn Article Comment-to-DM
Use when: Following up privately after engaging with someone's LinkedIn article or long-form content.
Template:
"Hey [Name]—just read your article on [topic] and the section on [specific insight] was really well said. We've been working with [type of clients] on exactly this challenge. Would love to compare notes if you have 15 minutes sometime. Let me know if you're interested!"
Personalization tokens: [Name], [topic], [specific insight], [type of clients]
Tactical note: Referencing specific parts of their content proves you actually read it. Generic praise feels empty—specific praise builds credibility.
Template 6: The Value-Add Cold Pitch
Use when: Cold outreach to a potential client, leading with value rather than a sales pitch.
Template:
"Hey [Name]—I came across [Company] and I was impressed by [specific thing they're doing well]. I noticed you're [challenge/opportunity they're facing] and I had a few ideas that might help. No pitch—just genuinely thought this might be useful. Want me to send them over?"
Personalization tokens: [Name], [Company], [specific thing they're doing well], [challenge/opportunity they're facing]
Tactical note: "No pitch" disarms resistance. You're positioning yourself as a helper, not a seller. That changes the entire dynamic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really use templates without sounding robotic?
Yes—if you customize them properly. The key is filling in every bracketed token with specific, researched information about the recipient. Templates give you structure and speed, but personalization gives you authenticity. Think of templates as the skeleton; personalization is the flesh.
How do I track which templates are working best?
Keep a simple spreadsheet: template used, date sent, response rate, outcome (reply, meeting booked, no response). After 20-30 uses per template, you'll see clear patterns. Double down on what works and iterate or retire what doesn't.
Should I A/B test different versions of these templates?
Absolutely. Try changing one variable at a time (subject line, opening line, call-to-action) and measure response rates. Over time, you'll develop templates that are uniquely optimized for your audience and your voice.
Next step: Turn templates into relationships — Try ANDI Free.
