outreach-writer

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

1. 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.
2. Check my-examples/tone.md specifically. If it exists, use it to calibrate voice and style.
3. Check ../playbooks/ for a matching role playbook. Use proven outreach approaches and avoid approaches marked as ineffective.
4. 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."

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:

1. Project impact: Reference their specific work and connect to the opportunity
2. Career growth: What they'll learn, build, or become in this role
3. Company mission: Why the company's work matters
4. Team/culture: Who they'll work with and why it's special
5. 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]