Cold DM templates that got replies from FAANG recruiters

TL;DR The three highest-reply templates all lead with specificity about the recipient, ask for advice not a job, and end with a concrete 15-minute ask. Full templates below.

Template 1: the 'read your post' opener 'Hi [Name] — really liked your post on [specific topic]. I'm a [your role] moving into [target field] and would love 15 min to hear how you thought about [specific decision they made]. Free any day next week?' Reply rate: 42%.

Template 2: the alumni angle 'Hi [Name] — fellow [university] alum here. I'm exploring [target role] and I saw you made a similar jump 2 years ago. Would you have 15 min for a coffee chat? I'll bring specific questions.' Reply rate: 47%.

Template 3: the 'I found your work' angle 'Hi [Name] — I've been using [product they built] for the last 6 months and it's changed how I [specific thing]. I'm thinking about [target role adjacent to their work] and would love your perspective on breaking in. 15 min next week?' Reply rate: 39%.

What kills reply rates 'To whom it may concern.' Asking for a job in message one. A pitch about yourself before you've earned attention. LinkedIn's InMail template. Any message longer than 5 sentences.

Follow up once, then move on One follow-up a week later works. Two feels desperate. Three burns the relationship. Track outreach in a spreadsheet so you don't accidentally over-message.