How to Send an InMail with LinkedIn

The LinkedIn InMail feature lets you send a message directly to another LinkedIn member without anyone else getting involved. InMail is basically a private e-mail message that enables you to reach other members.

If your message is accepted, you will see the other party’s name and e-mail address, and you can communicate further. (In some cases, you see only the other person’s professional headline first, and then you see the person’s name after he or she accepts the InMail message)

When you’re ready to send someone an InMail, just follow these steps:

While logged in to LinkedIn, search for the person you’d like to meet.

You can use the Search box in the top-right corner of any LinkedIn page, or you can click on your Connections and search your friend’s networks.

From the list of search results, click the name of the person you want to contact.

You’re taken to the person’s profile page.

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Click the link that says Send InMail.

For example, suppose that you want to connect with Lynn Dralle, eBay Queen of Auctions. When you look at her profile, you see the Send InMail link, which means she is open to receiving InMail. You would click the Send InMail link to send her a message.

Now you can start filling out the Compose Your Message form.

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Select or deselect the Include My Contact Information check box, depending on your preference.

You’re asked whether to provide contact information that your recipient can use to contact you, in the form of e-mail and/or a phone number. Simply select the Include My Contact Information check box if you want to send contact information.

Complete the Category, Subject, and Salutation fields and then enter a message in the box provided.

Your Salutation options are these: Dear Name, Hi Name, Name, or no salutation. As with an Introduction, keep your message focused on why you would like to talk with this person, and/or what information you were hoping to exchange.

When you're ready, click the Send button to send off your InMail.

Your recipient receives this InMail in his LinkedIn Inbox and can decide whether to accept it. If your message is accepted, it’s up to the recipient to contact you in return. Be patient.