Free LinkedIn Tools for Job Seekers
The LinkedIn tools that help job seekers most do two things: get your profile found by recruiters, then help you write the short messages that turn applications into conversations. Fix your headline and About section first. After that, the recruiter, referral and follow-up tools do most of the work while you apply, and you send every message yourself.
The tools to use
- Headline Generator
Recruiters see your headline in search results before anything else, so it should name the job you want and the skills they search for, not only your current title.
- About Generator
A hiring manager who clicks through wants to know, in a few lines, what you do, what you want next and how to reach you. This drafts that from your own facts.
- Recruiter Message
Write the three-sentence note you send a recruiter after you apply, so a person actually looks at your application.
- Connection Message
A short, personal note to an alum or someone on the team you want to join gets you into their network before you ask for anything.
- Follow-up Message
When a recruiter goes quiet after an interview or a referral ask, it helps you write a polite nudge that does not sound anxious.
- Recommendation Writer
Write a recommendation for a former manager or classmate first. Asking for one back feels a lot more natural after that.
- Profile Photo Resizer
Your photo shows up as a small circle next to every message you send, so crop it tight enough that your face is still clear at that size.
- Banner Maker
One line on your banner naming your field or target role tells visitors what you do before they read anything else.
- Post Generator
A short post about a project, a course you finished or something you learned shows people who might refer you how you think.
A simple routine
- 01
Fix the profile first
Rewrite your headline around the role you want and two or three core skills, then rework your About section around what you want next. Crop your photo and add a plain banner so the profile looks finished on a phone.
- 02
List your target companies
Choose a handful of companies you would be glad to join and find two or three people at each: a recruiter, someone on the team, any alumni. Send each one a connection note that says why you picked them.
- 03
Apply, then message a person
After each application, send the recruiter or hiring manager a short note that names the role and one result that matters for it. Three sentences is plenty.
- 04
Ask warm contacts for referrals
Once someone has accepted and you have exchanged a message or two, ask whether they would be comfortable referring you. Send the job link and a two-line summary of your fit, and take a no gracefully.
- 05
Keep a weekly follow-up hour
Block one hour a week to follow up on quiet threads and to post or comment once about your field. Note who replied, so you can see which messages to rewrite.
Templates for job seekers
37 templates from the template library, filtered for job seekers. Fill in your details once and copy.
37 of 37 templates shown
- InMail · Job Seekers, Finance · Professional
Hi {firstName}, I am a {role} interested in {company}'s {team} team. I am not asking about a specific opening. I would just value 15 minutes to learn how your team approaches {topic}. If you are too busy, I completely understand.
Why it works: A low-pressure ask for advice from a stranger, with a clear time limit and an easy out.
EXAMPLEHi Priya, I am a financial analyst interested in Northwind's corporate development team. I am not asking about a specific opening. I would just value 15 minutes to learn how your team approaches acquisition research. If you are too busy, I completely understand.229 characters - Agree and add · Job Seekers, Recruiters · Professional
Strong advice, {firstName}. For anyone reading who is {situation}, I would add one step: {tip}. It takes {time} and helps with {result}.
Why it works: Speaks to the readers, not just the author, and adds a small, practical step.
EXAMPLEStrong advice, Morgan. For anyone reading who is changing careers, I would add one step: rewrite your headline for the role you want next. It takes ten minutes and helps with recruiter searches.136 characters / 1250 - Question · Tech, Students · Professional
Thanks for sharing this. When you {action}, what was the hardest part to get right? I am asking because {reason}.
Why it works: Asks about the hard part, which tends to bring out the most useful details in a reply.
EXAMPLEThanks for sharing this. When you moved the team to a new testing setup, what was the hardest part to get right? I am asking because we are planning the same change next quarter.113 characters / 1250 - Story · Job Seekers, Students · Friendly
This brought back a memory. When I {situation}, {whatHappened}. What helped me was {whatHelped}. Thanks for reminding me of it, {firstName}.
Why it works: A short personal story makes the comment memorable and shows the post resonated.
EXAMPLEThis brought back a memory. When I started my first job, I was afraid to ask questions in meetings. What helped me was writing them down and asking one per meeting. Thanks for reminding me of it, Priya.140 characters / 1250 - Congratulations · Job Seekers, Recruiters · Friendly
Congratulations, {firstName}! {company} is lucky to have you. I remember {memory}, so this feels well earned. Looking forward to seeing what you build there.
Why it works: A specific memory turns a generic congratulations into something personal.
EXAMPLECongratulations, Dana! Lumen Health is lucky to have you. I remember how you rebuilt our onboarding docs on your own time, so this feels well earned. Looking forward to seeing what you build there.157 characters / 1250 - Congratulations · Students, Healthcare · Friendly
Huge congratulations, {firstName}! I know how much work {achievement} takes, especially while {balance}. Enjoy this one.
Why it works: Recognizes the effort behind the milestone, not just the result.
EXAMPLEHuge congratulations, Priya! I know how much work passing the boards takes, especially while working full time. Enjoy this one.120 characters / 1250 - After event · Job Seekers, Students · Professional
Hi {firstName}, thank you for your talk at {event}. Your point about {topic} was very helpful for someone starting in {field}. I would be glad to connect.
Why it works: Thanks plus a specific takeaway shows you listened.
EXAMPLEHi Taylor, thank you for your talk at the Austin Data Meetup. Your point about clean data was very helpful for someone starting in analytics. I would be glad to connect.154 characters / 200 - Alumni · Students, Job Seekers · Friendly
Hi {firstName}, fellow {school} grad here. I am exploring {field} and would love to connect and learn from your path.
Why it works: Shared school creates instant common ground; the ask is to learn, not to get a job.
EXAMPLEHi Riley, fellow UT Austin grad here. I am exploring product management and would love to connect and learn from your path.117 characters / 200 - Recruiter · Job Seekers · Professional
Hi {firstName}, I am a {role} interested in opportunities at {company}. I would love to connect and follow your team's open roles.
Why it works: Clear and polite; tells the recruiter exactly why you reached out.
EXAMPLEHi Alex, I am a UX designer interested in opportunities at Brightline. I would love to connect and follow your team's open roles.130 characters / 200 - After connect · Job Seekers · Friendly
Thanks for connecting, {firstName}! I am exploring {role} roles and admire how {company} {detail}. Would you be open to a 15-minute chat about your experience there?
Why it works: Specific admiration and a small, time-boxed ask.
EXAMPLEThanks for connecting, Sam! I am exploring product design roles and admire how Brightline runs research. Would you be open to a 15-minute chat about your experience there?165 characters - No reply 2 · Job Seekers · Professional
Hi {firstName}, I know your inbox is busy, so this is my last follow-up. If you ever have 10 minutes to share advice on breaking into {field}, I would be grateful.
Why it works: Respectful close with a smaller ask.
EXAMPLEHi Riley, I know your inbox is busy, so this is my last follow-up. If you ever have 10 minutes to share advice on breaking into product management, I would be grateful.163 characters - After meeting · Job Seekers · Friendly
Thank you for the conversation today, {firstName}. Your advice about {topic} was really helpful. I will {action} and let you know how it goes.
Why it works: Gratitude plus action shows you value their time.
EXAMPLEThank you for the conversation today, Taylor. Your advice about portfolio case studies was really helpful. I will rewrite my first one and let you know how it goes.142 characters - After event · Job Seekers, Students · Professional
Hi {firstName}, thanks again for chatting at {event}. I followed up on your suggestion to {action}. Would you mind if I kept you posted on my search?
Why it works: Shows you acted on their advice and asks permission to stay in touch.
EXAMPLEHi Jamie, thanks again for chatting at the career fair. I followed up on your suggestion to learn SQL. Would you mind if I kept you posted on my search?149 characters - Story · Job Seekers, Students · Friendly
{number} applications. {number} rejections. One offer. What finally worked:
Why it works: The numbers tell a whole story in one line and make readers want the ending.
EXAMPLE62 applications. 61 rejections. One offer. What finally worked:76 characters - Contrarian · Job Seekers · Professional
Stop sending more applications. Send better ones.
Why it works: Short, direct and a little uncomfortable, which makes people read on.
EXAMPLEStop sending more applications. Send better ones.50 characters - Question · Job Seekers · Friendly
What would you do if you had to find a job in {number} days?
Why it works: A concrete scenario invites people to imagine and to comment.
EXAMPLEWhat would you do if you had to find a job in 30 days?60 characters - List · Job Seekers, Students · Friendly
{number} questions to ask at the end of every interview:
Why it works: Directly useful, easy to save and share.
EXAMPLE3 questions to ask at the end of every interview:56 characters - Mistake · Job Seekers · Friendly
I turned down a job I should have taken.
Why it works: An unexpected admission that invites curiosity and empathy.
EXAMPLEI turned down a job I should have taken.40 characters - Story · Job Seekers, Students · Friendly
The first time I {firstAttempt}, it did not go well. {whatHappened} I went home and {reaction}. I was not sure I was cut out for {role}. A {mentorRole} gave me one piece of advice: "{advice}" So I tried again. And again. {timeframe} later, {result}. If you are early in your career and your first try felt like a flop, keep going. The first attempt is rarely the one that counts. What is one piece of advice that kept you going?
Why it works: A small, honest failure is relatable, and the advice from someone else keeps the post from sounding like a humblebrag.
EXAMPLEThe first time I gave a client presentation, it did not go well. I read from my slides, ran out of time and forgot the main recommendation. I went home and replayed every minute. I was not sure I was cut out for consulting. A senior manager gave me one piece of advice: "Tell them the answer in the first minute." So I tried again. And again. Six months later, I led the final readout for a project at Northwind. If you are early in your career and your first try felt like a flop, keep going. The first attempt is rarely the one that counts. What is one piece of advice that kept you going?435 characters / 3000 - Lesson · Tech, Job Seekers · Professional
{number} lessons from {timeframe} as a {role}: 1. {lesson1} 2. {lesson2} 3. {lesson3} 4. {lesson4} 5. {lesson5} The one I wish I had learned first: #{favoriteLesson}. If you are just starting out in {field}, save this for later. What would you add to the list?
Why it works: A numbered list is easy to skim, and naming the one lesson you wish you learned first adds a personal angle.
EXAMPLE5 lessons from four years as a software engineer: 1. Read the error message twice before searching for it. 2. Write the test that would have caught the last bug. 3. Ask the question in the team channel, not a private message. 4. Small pull requests get reviewed faster and break less. 5. Your manager cannot help with problems they do not know about. The one I wish I had learned first: #3. If you are just starting out in engineering, save this for later. What would you add to the list?268 characters / 3000 - Milestone · Job Seekers, Healthcare · Professional
I am proud to share that I {achievement}. This took {timeframe} of {effort}, often while {balance}. A few things that made it possible: - {support1} - {support2} - {support3} What I learned along the way: {lesson} If you are working toward {goal} and want to compare notes, my messages are open.
Why it works: Pairs the achievement with the effort and the people behind it, and ends with a helpful offer instead of a request.
EXAMPLEI am proud to share that I passed the board exam and am now a licensed nurse practitioner. This took 18 months of study, often while working night shifts. A few things that made it possible: - A study group that met every Sunday morning - A manager at Lumen Health who adjusted my schedule - My partner, who handled everything else What I learned along the way: consistent short sessions beat cramming. If you are working toward your NP license and want to compare notes, my messages are open.300 characters / 3000 - Job update · Job Seekers, Tech · Friendly
I am excited to share that I have started a new role as {role} at {company}. Why this move: {why} What I will be working on: {focus} A big thank you to {thanks} at {previousCompany}. I learned {lesson} there, and I will carry it with me. And thank you to everyone who {support} during my search. It meant more than you know. If you work in {field}, I would love to connect.
Why it works: Goes beyond the job title: it explains the why, thanks people by name and invites new connections.
EXAMPLEI am excited to share that I have started a new role as Product Designer at Northwind. Why this move: I wanted to work on a product that small business owners use every day. What I will be working on: the invoicing and payments experience. A big thank you to Morgan and the design team at Lumen Health. I learned how to run research with real users there, and I will carry it with me. And thank you to everyone who sent a referral or reviewed my portfolio during my search. It meant more than you know. If you work in fintech design, I would love to connect.379 characters / 3000 - Job update · Job Seekers, Marketers · Professional
After {timeframe} at {previousCompany}, I am looking for my next role. What I am looking for: {role} roles in {field}, {location}. What I bring: - {strength1} - {strength2} - {strength3} What I am proud of from my last role: {result} If you know a team that needs this, an introduction or a share would mean a lot. My messages are open.
Why it works: Makes it easy to help: a clear target role, three strengths and one result give people what they need to refer you.
EXAMPLEAfter four years at Lumen Health, I am looking for my next role. What I am looking for: content marketing manager roles in B2B SaaS, remote or in Chicago. What I bring: - Building an editorial calendar from scratch - Writing and editing long-form guides - Working closely with sales on case studies What I am proud of from my last role: I rebuilt our blog and grew organic sign-ups over two years. If you know a team that needs this, an introduction or a share would mean a lot. My messages are open.341 characters / 3000 - Event recap · Students, Founders · Friendly
Last {day}, I {eventAction} at {event}. I was nervous. {nerves} Here is what I learned from the experience: - {lesson1} - {lesson2} - {lesson3} The best conversation of the day was with {person}, who told me {insight}. Thank you to {organizers} for putting this together. If you are thinking about going next year, do it. Happy to share tips.
Why it works: Personal nerves plus concrete lessons make a recap more engaging than a list of photos and thank-yous.
EXAMPLELast Saturday, I presented our team project at the Northwind Student Pitch Day. I was nervous. I had never spoken to a room of more than 20 people. Here is what I learned from the experience: - Practicing out loud matters more than polishing slides - Judges asked about our users, not our tech - A short demo beats a long explanation The best conversation of the day was with a founder named Dana, who told me to talk to ten users before writing any more code. Thank you to the career center for putting this together. If you are thinking about going next year, do it. Happy to share tips.348 characters / 3000 - Apply follow-up · Job Seekers · Professional
Hi {firstName}, I applied for the {role} role at {company} and wanted to introduce myself. I bring {skill or result}. I would be glad to share more if helpful.
Why it works: Short, specific and gives the recruiter one reason to look.
EXAMPLEHi Dana, I applied for the Data Analyst role at Lumen Health and wanted to introduce myself. I bring 3 years of SQL and dashboard work in healthcare. I would be glad to share more if helpful.159 characters - Apply follow-up · Students · Friendly
Hi {firstName}, I just applied for the {role} internship at {company}. I am a {year} studying {major}, and {project or detail}. Thank you for considering my application!
Why it works: Gives context a recruiter can scan in seconds.
EXAMPLEHi Sam, I just applied for the marketing internship at Brightline. I am a junior studying communications, and I run our club's Instagram. Thank you for considering my application!169 characters - Apply follow-up · Job Seekers · Professional
Hi {firstName}, following up on my application for {role} ({job ID}). I am very interested in {company}'s work on {topic}. Is there anything else I can share?
Why it works: Including the job ID makes it easy to find your application.
EXAMPLEHi Alex, following up on my application for Product Designer (ID 4821). I am very interested in Brightline's work on accessibility. Is there anything else I can share?158 characters - Referral request · Job Seekers · Friendly
Hi {firstName}, I hope you are well. I am applying for the {role} role at {company}. Would you be comfortable referring me? I am happy to send my resume and a short summary to make it easy.
Why it works: Makes the ask clear and offers to do the work.
EXAMPLEHi Riley, I hope you are well. I am applying for the Backend Engineer role at Lumen. Would you be comfortable referring me? I am happy to send my resume and a short summary to make it easy.189 characters - Referral request · Students · Friendly
Hi {firstName}, fellow {school} alum here. I am applying for {role} at {company}. Could I ask you two quick questions about the team before I apply?
Why it works: Asks for information first; referrals often follow naturally.
EXAMPLEHi Taylor, fellow UT Austin alum here. I am applying for Analyst at Harbor Wealth. Could I ask you two quick questions about the team before I apply?148 characters - Informational interview · Job Seekers, Students · Friendly
Hi {firstName}, I am exploring a move into {field} and your path from {past role} stood out. Would you be open to a 15-minute call? I would love to hear what you wish you had known.
Why it works: A short, specific ask that respects their time.
EXAMPLEHi Jordan, I am exploring a move into UX research and your path from teaching stood out. Would you be open to a 15-minute call? I would love to hear what you wish you had known.181 characters - Thank-you · Job Seekers · Professional
Hi {firstName}, thank you for speaking with me about the {role} role today. I enjoyed learning about {detail}, and I am even more excited about the opportunity. Please let me know if I can share anything else.
Why it works: A prompt, specific thank-you keeps you memorable.
EXAMPLEHi Dana, thank you for speaking with me about the Data Analyst role today. I enjoyed learning about your new data platform, and I am even more excited about the opportunity. Please let me know if I can share anything else.209 characters - Thank-you · Students · Friendly
Thanks so much for your time today, {firstName}! Your advice about {topic} was really helpful. I will keep you posted on how my search goes.
Why it works: Gratitude plus an update keeps the relationship going.
EXAMPLEThanks so much for your time today, Sam! Your advice about informational interviews was really helpful. I will keep you posted on how my search goes.140 characters - Thank-you · Job Seekers · Professional
Hi {firstName}, thank you for the referral to {company}. I submitted my application today and will let you know how it goes. I really appreciate your help.
Why it works: Closing the loop makes people happy to help again.
EXAMPLEHi Riley, thank you for the referral to Lumen. I submitted my application today and will let you know how it goes. I really appreciate your help.155 characters - Apply follow-up · Job Seekers · Bold
Hi {firstName}, I am excited about the {role} role at {company}. In my last role I {result}, and I would love to do the same for your team. Can we find 15 minutes to talk?
Why it works: Leads with a result and a direct ask.
EXAMPLEHi Morgan, I am excited about the Account Executive role at Brightline. In my last role I closed $1.2M in new ARR, and I would love to do the same for your team. Can we find 15 minutes to talk?171 characters - Peer · Students, Job Seekers · Friendly
{firstName} and I were {relationship} at {company}. Even early in their career, {firstName} stood out for {trait}. During {project}, {firstName} {contribution}, and also {extra}, without being asked. What I appreciated most: {appreciation}. Any team hiring for {role} would benefit from {firstName}'s {strength}.
Why it works: Written for a peer early in their career, such as a fellow intern. Highlights initiative, which matters most at entry level.
EXAMPLEPriya and I were summer interns together at Northwind. Even early in her career, she stood out for her curiosity. During our team's customer survey project, Priya wrote the survey and analyzed over 200 responses. She also created a guide for future interns, without being asked. What I appreciated most: she shared credit generously in every presentation. Any team hiring for an analyst role would benefit from Priya's care and initiative.315 characters - Client · Coaches, Job Seekers · Friendly
I worked with {firstName} as my {coachType} for {timeframe}, and it made a real difference. Before we started, I was {before}. {firstName} helped me {how}. A turning point was {moment}. Today, {after}. If you are thinking about working with {firstName}, I recommend it.
Why it works: Written as a coaching client. A clear before and after makes the recommendation concrete without exaggerating.
EXAMPLEI worked with Dana as my career coach for four months, and it made a real difference. Before we started, I was applying to every job I saw and hearing nothing back. Dana helped me narrow my search to two types of roles and rewrite my resume for each. A turning point was a mock interview where she showed me I was underselling my project work. Today, I am in a role I chose on purpose. If you are thinking about working with Dana, I recommend it.272 characters - Mentor · Students, Job Seekers · Friendly
{firstName} mentored me when I was {stage}, and I still use that advice today. We met through {howWeMet}. Over {timeframe}, {firstName} {support}. The most valuable thing {firstName} taught me: {lesson}. {firstName} gives time generously and expects nothing back. Anyone lucky enough to learn from {firstName} will be better for it.
Why it works: Written for a mentor. One lesson you still use shows the lasting value of their guidance.
EXAMPLEMorgan mentored me when I was a college junior trying to break into product management, and I still use his advice today. We met through our university alumni program. Over a full school year, Morgan reviewed my resume, ran mock interviews and introduced me to two product teams. The most valuable thing he taught me: always start with the user problem, not the feature. Morgan gives time generously and expects nothing back. Anyone lucky enough to learn from him will be better for it.335 characters
Guides to read
Frequently asked questions
Which tool should I use first?
The Headline Generator. Your headline is what recruiters see in search and next to every message you send, so it is the fastest win. Once it names your target role and core skills, move on to the About section.
Should I message a recruiter after applying on LinkedIn?
Yes. A short note that names the role, gives your strongest relevant result and says thanks is perfectly normal. Keep it to a few sentences and only send your resume if they ask.
Do these tools work for students and new grads?
Yes. Use the same headline, About and connection tools, and lean on internships, coursework, projects and the roles you want instead of past job titles.
Is it okay to ask a stranger for a referral?
It goes better if you connect and have a short exchange first. A referral puts their name behind yours, so give them the job link and a clear reason you fit when you ask.
Do these tools apply to jobs or send messages for me?
No. They help you write and format text. You paste it into LinkedIn and send it yourself, which keeps your account safe and your messages personal.