# [[4 - Effective Candidate Communication]] ## [InMail: AI-assisted InMail and effective communication](https://www.linkedin.com/learning/learning-linkedin-recruiter-22854115/inmail-ai-assisted-inmail-and-effective-communication?resume=false) By following these steps and best practices, you can effectively communicate with candidates and increase your chances of attracting top talent. **1. Importance of InMails** - *What are InMails?*: InMails are messages you can send to LinkedIn members you are not connected with. They are crucial for recruiters to reach out to potential candidates. - *Checking InMail Credits*: You can check the number of InMail credits you have by going to your profile image, selecting Product Settings, and then Usage Overview. **2. Sending an InMail** - *Starting an InMail*: To send an InMail, click on the envelope icon next to the candidate's profile. - *Using Templates*: If you have templates, you can use them to draft your message quickly. If not, you can create a new message from scratch. - *AI Assistance*: LinkedIn Recruiter offers an AI feature to draft messages. This can help you create personalized and effective messages quickly. - *Message Insights* (bottom right corner): Helps you to make more personalized InMails. **3. Best Practices for Effective Communication** - *Personalization*: Start with the candidate's name and include personalized details to make the message more engaging. - *Concise Content*: Keep your message short and to the point. Highlight key aspects of the role and why you are reaching out. - *Engaging Subject Line*: Use a subject line that grabs the candidate's attention. - *Call to Action*: Clearly state what you want the candidate to do next, such as scheduling a call. **4. Additional Features** - *Attachments*: You can attach documents, such as a job description, to provide more information. - *Follow-Up Messages*: You can schedule follow-up messages to ensure continued communication with the candidate. **5. Bulk Messaging** - *Sending Messages in Bulk*: You can send messages to multiple candidates at once. Use variables like {first name} to personalize each message. ## [Create and manage templates](https://www.linkedin.com/learning/learning-linkedin-recruiter-22854115/create-and-manage-templates-25019734?resume=false) These features help streamline your recruitment process by allowing you to quickly send personalized messages to candidates: - **Efficiency**: Creating message templates saves time and makes communication more efficient. - **Customization**: You can create and save templates for specific roles or messages, and personalize them with variables like the candidate's first name. - **Accessibility**: Templates can be managed and accessed through the product settings, making it easy to use them for future communications. ### Step-by-step guide to creating a message template: 1. **Open a Project**: Go to one of your projects in LinkedIn Recruiter. 2. **Start a Message**: Select a candidate and click on the envelope icon to start crafting a message. 3. **Create a New Template**: - If you don't have any templates, draft your message. - At the bottom of the message box, click "Save as new template". 4. **Name the Template**: Give your template a name (e.g., "Sales Manager San Francisco"). 5. **Customize the Template**: - Add a subject line. - Craft your message using the rich text editor. - Use variables (like first name) to personalize the message. 6. **Save the Template**: Decide if the template is for your use only or for anyone in your organization, then click "Save". 7. **Access Templates**: You can manage and access your templates by going to your profile picture, selecting "Product Settings", and then "Message Templates".