YOUR LINKEDIN MESSAGES ARE BEING IGNORED - HERE'S WHY (AND HOW TO FIX IT)

You’ve heard it before. Reach out to people on LinkedIn, connect with the right industry professionals, and soon, job offers will start rolling in.

But reality check—your inbox is full of crickets. That’s because there’s an art and science to LinkedIn messaging. If your messages are going unanswered, here are five reasons why (and what to do about them).

Message Type #1: The Super Vague “Hi”

If your message just says, “Hi, how are you?” with no context, you’re already losing the battle. LinkedIn isn’t WhatsApp—it’s a professional networking platform.

Fix: Treat your message like an email. Be direct. Get to the point. State your reason for reaching out upfront.

Message Type #2: Zero Research = Zero Replies

Mass-copy-pasting messages? Using a generic script? If you’re reaching out to someone without understanding their background, don’t expect a response.

Fix: Spend five minutes looking at their profile. Mention a shared interest, recent post, or company update. Show them you actually know who they are.

Message Type #3: Cold Messages Without Warmth

If you’ve never engaged with their content or commented on their posts, why would they prioritize your message? Relationships aren’t built in an inbox—they start before you send that message.

Fix: Engage with their posts first. Add thoughtful comments. Show up in their notifications before you appear in their DMs.

Message Type #4: The “Me, Me, Me” Approach

A five-paragraph essay about how amazing you are? Hard pass. If your message is all about you (your skills, your needs, your product), you’re missing the point.

Fix: Shift the focus. What’s in it for them? Provide value, ask relevant questions, and make it easy for them to reply.

Message Type #5: Asking for Too Much, Too Soon

A complete stranger messaging, “Can you refer me?” is a surefire way to get ignored. Referrals require trust—and trust isn’t built in a single message.

Fix: Your first goal should be moving the conversation forward. Ask for a quick chat, a piece of advice, or insights on their work. Build the relationship first.

Even the Best Messages Won’t Get 100% Replies

Here’s the truth: even if you do everything right, only about 25-30% of cold messages will get a response. People are busy. Cold outreach is a numbers game. Be patient.

Want to know the step-by-step of Art and Science of Networking for Job Search? I have a course that will walk you through all the stages and answer all your questions, in case you are interested. 

Until next week!

Always rooting for you,

Shub (Your Career Growth Partner)

Content released on my YouTube Channel last week:

• Tips Tuesday (Watch time - 1 min 45 sec) - Big News: Launching the Career Growth Circle (Clarity, Momentum, Influence!)
• Deep-Dive Thursday (Watch time - 7 min 7 sec) - 5 Signs Your Job Maybe in Danger

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• Whenever you are ready, you can read up on the 3 ways I can help you land an amazing job here
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