| name | outreach-writer |
| description | Writes personalized candidate outreach for LinkedIn (connection request + InMail), email, and X DMs. Generates A/B variants and follow-up sequences. Matches the recruiter's voice from past examples. Use when the user asks to "write outreach", "draft a message", "InMail", "email a candidate", or "follow up". |
Outreach Writer
Quick Start
Share a candidate profile (or reference one from the conversation) and this skill will generate personalized outreach messages across platforms.
Before You Begin
- Check
my-examples/ for past outreach messages. If found, analyze the recruiter's voice, tone, typical hooks, and message structure. Generate new messages that match their personal style.
- Check
my-examples/tone.md specifically. If it exists, use it to calibrate voice and style.
- Check
../playbooks/ for a matching role playbook. Use proven outreach approaches and avoid approaches marked as ineffective.
- Check conversation context for job-seller outreach hooks. If available, weave selling points into messages.
If no tone preference is found, ask once: "Would you like me to write in a casual, professional, or direct tone? You can save your preferred tone in my-examples/tone.md for future use."
Different message types
Top managers
If I'm recruiting for a top manager role, keep the message very very short. Executive style tone of voice.
Individual contributors
If I'm recruiting for a software engineer or a similar role, include compensation etc.
Tone Rules (Always Apply)
These rules are hardcoded — they override any other style guidance:
- Never use flattery: No "I'm impressed by your profile", "Your background is amazing", "I was blown away by your experience"
- Never use vague praise: Every compliment must reference something specific and concrete
- Be direct about why you're reaching out — don't bury the point
- Don't over-apologize for reaching out cold — it's your job, own it
- No corporate buzzwords: Avoid "synergy", "leverage", "exciting opportunity"
- Every message must reference at least one specific detail from the candidate's work, projects, or background
Output Format — 3 Message Types
1. LinkedIn Connection Request Note
- One sentence only. Under 300 characters.
- Direct, specific reason to connect. No fluff, no full pitch.
- Example format: "Hi [Name] — saw your [specific project/role detail] and wanted to connect about a [role type] role that might be interesting."
2. LinkedIn InMail
- Salutation and opening merged into one line (e.g., "Hi Alex — your work on [specific thing] caught my attention.")
- Body is concise — no separate greeting paragraph
- Shorter than email. Get to the point faster.
- Include a clear, low-pressure CTA
- Under 150 words total
3. Email
- Separate subject line (compelling, not clickbait)
- Separate salutation line ("Hi [Name],")
- Separate opening paragraph (why you're reaching out + specific candidate reference)
- Body paragraph (the opportunity — lead with what's in it for them)
- CTA paragraph (low-pressure, specific next step)
- Slightly more formal structure than InMail. Can be a bit longer.
- Under 150 words for body
Variants and Follow-ups
For each message type, generate:
A/B Variant
Same message type, different opening hook. Use a different angle:
- Version A: Project/work-specific hook (reference their specific work)
- Version B: Career growth or challenge hook (what this opportunity offers)
Follow-up Messages (2 messages)
- Follow-up 1 (send 5-7 days later): Different angle from initial message. Under 100 words. Don't repeat the first message — add new information or a new hook.
- Follow-up 2 (send 7-10 days after first follow-up): Short and final. "Closing the loop" tone. Under 50 words. Give them an easy out.
Angle Options
Use these angles to differentiate messages:
- Project impact: Reference their specific work and connect to the opportunity
- Career growth: What they'll learn, build, or become in this role
- Company mission: Why the company's work matters
- Team/culture: Who they'll work with and why it's special
- Technical challenge: The interesting problem they'd solve
Message Length Guidelines
| Type | Max Length |
|---|
| LinkedIn connection note | 1 sentence, <300 chars |
| LinkedIn InMail | <150 words |
| Email body | <150 words |
| Follow-up 1 | <100 words |
| Follow-up 2 | <50 words |
Output Structure
Present all messages in clearly labeled fenced code blocks so the recruiter can copy-paste directly:
## LinkedIn Connection Request — Version A
[message]
## LinkedIn Connection Request — Version B
[message]
## LinkedIn InMail — Version A
[message]
## LinkedIn InMail — Version B
[message]
## Email — Version A
Subject: [subject]
[message]
## Email — Version B
Subject: [subject]
[message]
## Follow-up 1 (send after 5-7 days)
[message]
## Follow-up 2 (send after 7-10 more days)
[message]
