How to Message a Fintech Recruiter on LinkedIn: Mistakes to Avoid

LinkedIn can be a game-changer in your fintech job search -  if you use it right. Reaching out to a recruiter can open doors. But send the wrong message, and you might close them before you even step in.

As a fintech recruitment agency helping startups and scale-ups grow fast, Evotym Team gets hundreds of messages a week. Some are thoughtful. Others? Not so much.

Here’s how to stand out (for the right reasons).

1. Messaging before your profile is ready

Think of your LinkedIn profile as your digital handshake - or, in the fintech world, your personal landing page. It’s often the very first thing a recruiter sees, and if it’s outdated, incomplete, or confusing, it can instantly put you at a disadvantage. Especially in fintech, where innovation and agility are everything, your profile needs to reflect that you’re in touch with the industry and ready to contribute.

Beyond just your job history, your profile tells a story. What technologies are you familiar with? Are you following relevant market trends? Do your endorsements and featured content showcase your value? These are subtle cues recruiters pick up on in seconds.

What to do instead:

• Refresh your job title, company names, dates, and descriptions to reflect your most recent work
• Write a short bio summarizing your professional expertise and what you’re looking for
• Turn on “Open to Work” if you’re actively searching, and make your contact details accessible
• Pin relevant posts, projects, or publications that highlight your thought leadership

‍

2. Sending the same generic message to everyone

If your message could be sent to any recruiter without changing a word, it's not going to get noticed. Recruiters, especially those in fast-moving fintech markets, get dozens of these messages every day. And when they all look the same, they all get skipped.

"Hi, I’m looking for opportunities."

That’s not a conversation starter - it’s a dead end. It lacks context, direction, and most importantly, relevance.

In fintech hiring, recruiters are time-strapped and outcome-driven. They’re not just scanning for interest - they’re looking for alignment. A vague message puts the burden on them to figure out how you might fit, and that’s rarely worth the time.

What to do instead:

1. Use the recruiter’s name (double-check spelling - it matters)

‍
“It's funny, as I often find myself Allah” – Alla, Evotym Recruiter

1. Mention a speific job, skill match, or recent article/post they shared
2. Include 1–2 lines showing you’ve done your homework and have a reason for reaching out (e.g., "I saw you're hiring for a BDM Lead / Head of Payments - my Experience with high-risk industries aligns well.")

‍

3. Using the wrong tone

Yes, LinkedIn is more casual than email. But it’s still a professional space. Your tone can make or break your first impression. If you're too formal, you risk sounding impersonal or even AI-generated. On the other hand, being too casual you risk being taken less seriously - especially when messaging someone you’ve never met.

Recruiters appreciate messages that feel natural but respectful - like you understand this is a professional outreach, not a quick DM to a friend.

Try this instead of guessing the vibe:

• Friendly opener: “Hi [Name], I came across your profile while researching [company/role]…”
• Clear intent: “I’m actively exploring roles in [area], and your recent post about [topic] really resonated with me.”
• Polite close: “Would love to connect and learn more if the timing is right.”

‍

"I adore the thrill of connecting with people and discovering the unique stories that each person brings.» - Yuliya, Evotym Recruitment Team Lead

‍

4. Spamming or double-texting

Following up multiple times in one day doesn't signal professionalism - it suggests impatience and a lack of respect for the recruiter's time. Just like in fintech product launches, timing and tone are everything. A well-timed follow-up can demonstrate professionalism and genuine interest. But when you cross the line into persistent pushing, it starts to feel like pressure, and nobody likes that.

Recruiters often manage dozens of open roles at once. Your message might not get an instant reply, but that doesn't mean it's been ignored. Respecting that space while gently reminding them of your interest is a far more effective long game.

What to do instead:

• Follow up once after 3–5 business days to give breathing room
• Keep your message short, respectful, and helpful (e.g., "Just checking in in case this got buried!")
• Offer flexibility: "Happy to reconnect at a better time or via email if that works better"

‍

5. Forgetting a call to action

We’re friendly fintech recruiters - not mind readers (though we try our best!). If you don’t ask for something specific, we might not know how to help. Too many candidates send general messages like “open to roles” or “looking for something new.” That kind of language doesn’t give us enough to work with.

When you include a clear call to action, you show initiative and make it easier for recruiters to understand how they can support you. Whether it’s requesting a call, sharing your CV, or asking a direct question about a role, it sets the conversation in motion.

Use CTAs like:

• “Would you be open to a quick intro call this week?”
• “I’ve attached my CV - feel free to pass it along if anything comes up.”
• “Is this role still open, and could I be a fit based on my background in [X]?”

‍

"A candidate should be able to ask the right questions to show genuine interest. The goal is to make communication comfortable for both sides and reduce stress." – Arina, Evotym Recruiter

‍

Messaging a fintech recruiter is like pitching your value proposition

Imagine you had 30 seconds in an elevator with your dream investor. What would you say to get them excited about your startup? Messaging a recruiter works the same way. You need to communicate who you are, what you offer, and why it matters.

Recruiters aren’t expecting perfection. But we do appreciate clarity, thoughtfulness, and a human approach. When your message shows that you understand the role, know your strengths, and genuinely want to connect, it stands out - more than any resume alone ever could.

Want to make the first move?

• Check out hot open positions on our career page
• Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for hiring tips and updates
• Or drop us a message or connect with us - we’re always happy to chat (and yes, we actually read your messages!)