The Secret to Turning LinkedIn DMs Into Career Gold
What if recruiters regularly contacted you about exciting roles you didn’t even apply for?
This isn’t a hypothetical question—it’s my reality. Recently, I received a message from a recruiter on LinkedIn that went something like this:
“Hi Fed,
We’re hiring for Head of BD at [top AI company]. You came highly recommended by a former co-worker. We think you’d be a great fit for this position, which involves leading the existing BD team and focusing on expanding partnerships. Might this be of interest to you?”
I didn’t always have recruiters reaching out to me. Like most people, I used to send dozens of applications and hope for a callback. Today, it’s the opposite—opportunities find me. Here’s how I got here.
Why Opportunities Find Me
I don’t rely on random chance. I’ve spent years cultivating relationships. This doesn’t mean just “connecting” on LinkedIn—I focus on:
Reaching out to the right people
Connectors, reliable recruiters and trailblazers. This trifecta of archetypes is the fuel in your network. You won’t find them overnight. There’s a lot of trial and error. Start by understanding who they are.
Drop dead weight
Dependability is table stakes. When someone in your network follows through, they’re golden. Give them another chance or a little more time when they don't. There should be no third chances. You don’t have time for the unreliable.
Staying in touch consistently, even when I don’t need anything
Get into the routine of providing regular updates to your network. This doesn’t mean inundating them with daily or even weekly emails. Develop a monthly or quarterly cadence. Create a template. Tailor it so each recipient feels like it was written for them. Ensure to highlight areas where the recipient assisted, even if this area isn’t progressing. You could unlock some new support.
The first tech company I worked further built out my network. This was especially evident when a number of my colleagues went on to found their own companies. They knew my potential and I knew theirs. Initially, I provided recommendations for their early hires, some of which they took. Then they started to reach out to me, offering senior roles.
Professional Visibility
A well-optimized LinkedIn profile is non-negotiable. I still put more effort into the network. LinkedIn ranks above resume in terms of deserving effort. Also, I don’t find it requires too much time to get it to an 80% solution. My main goal is to do the bare minimum and then just a little bit more. Recruiters often look for candidates with:
A clear and engaging headline
A detailed “About” section that highlights skills and accomplishments
Posts or activities that show thought leadership in your field
Make it easy for people to understand your expertise. You don’t want to require anyone to think “why is the person a good fit?”
I make liberal use of the Skills portion. My headline and about section are filled with keywords (e.g., AI, machine learning, computer vision) that will attract a recruiter's attention. But I don’t spend hours on this every week. More like minutes every few months.
Reputation and Referrals
Your reputation is an extension of your network. This is one of your most valuable assets. The more you demonstrate reliability, expertise and professionalism, the more people will recommend you for roles—even when you’re not actively looking.
I helped build new verticals for two tech companies. This left positive impressions on colleagues and customers. Consequently, these are people who bring up my name when an open requirement needs someone with my experience.
Like I was, you’re looking for a new career. This requires a lot of introspection and struggle. When you do get into the first post-transition role, don’t hesitate to be yourself. Authentic ambition is attractive. People will want to be around you and help you.
What to Do When Recruiters DM You
When opportunities come your way, it’s crucial to handle them strategically. Here’s my approach:
Evaluate the Opportunity: Don’t just say yes because it’s flattering. Assess whether the role aligns with your career goals. If it’s a stretch, you have nothing to lose by taking a phone call. If there’s no way you take the job, make sure to suggest someone else. This keeps you in the recruiter’s good graces.
Stay in Control: Whether you’re interested or not, don’t respond right immediately. Wait 3-5 days. If you’re going to schedule a call, provide specific times. Let them know you’re busy. They need to work around your schedule.
Ask Questions: A lot of questions! Remember how hard it was when you were trying to just get a recruiter on the phone? Now the shoe is on the other foot. Don’t hold back. You want to determine if this opportunity is worth your time and energy. Strangely, the more purposeful questions you ask the more you’ll impress the recruiters. This will not turn them off. You’ll come across as even more polished.
In summary:
Take time to evaluate the role—don’t respond immediately.
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and company.
Always leave the recruiter with a positive impression, even if you’re declining the role.
It Starts Today
Opportunities don’t appear by chance—they happen because you’ve positioned yourself as the right fit for the right roles. Depending on where you are in your career journey, those recruiter DMs might still feel out of reach. That’s okay. Think of this as a long-term benefit of the strategic changes you’re making today.
If you’re further along in your transition, now’s the time to refine your approach. Those unexpected messages aren’t just flattering. They signal new possibilities. They could be your chance to elevate your career, compensation, and influence.
At the very least, unsolicited outreach from recruiters is proof that your networking efforts are paying off. It’s a sign that people see your value and are willing to connect you to opportunities. That’s the result of consistent effort and meaningful relationship-building.
So keep at it. Each new connection, conversation, and follow-up strengthens the foundation of your network. You never know which door will open next—or how it might change everything.
What can you do today to make recruiters think of you first? Not sure? Let me help.
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