How to write a cold LinkedIn pitch that actually gets read

Millstein, who cofounded the company in 2020, admits she often ignores direct messages due to the sheer volume of unsolicited pitches landing in her inbox. Most applicants fail because they lack substance, she noted. This particular candidate succeeded by being ruthlessly specific: they stated the exact role they applied for, outlined their professional experience with clear metrics, and attached a résumé.

The pitch functioned as a high-level summary of the candidate's capacity to manage budgets and scale operations. According to Millstein, the message was effective precisely because it felt human, not automated. She promptly forwarded the information to her hiring manager with a simple endorsement: "This person seems awesome."

Beyond the pitch itself, the candidate followed a critical protocol: they had already submitted a formal application through the company’s portal before reaching out. Millstein emphasizes that sending a message without an existing application is a common mistake that leads to rejection. If a job is posted, the application is the prerequisite; the message is merely the tool to ensure the right eyes land on it.