Sending connection requests is an important part of networking on LinkedIn. With over 660 million members worldwide, LinkedIn is the largest professional network and an invaluable tool for career development and growth. A good connection request allows you to expand your network and develop meaningful professional relationships on LinkedIn.
However, sending generic connection requests or using a templated message can often be ineffective. Writing a thoughtful, personalized request and taking the time to craft your message is key for connecting with people on LinkedIn. This increases the chances that your connection will accept and helps get your relationship off on the right foot.
So how do you write an effective LinkedIn connection request that grabs attention and gets accepted? Here are some tips and best practices to follow:
Do Your Homework
Before reaching out, learn about the person by reviewing their LinkedIn profile. Get familiar with their background, experience, interests and what you may have in common. Look for shared connections, companies, groups, colleges or interests that can help personalize your request and demonstrate you took the time to get to know them.
Mentioning something specific like “I see you also went to University of Michigan” or “I noticed we are both members of the Digital Marketing Association” adds meaningful context that shows this is not a generic outreach.
Make The Request Personal
Avoid using a copied and pasted template message. While it may be faster, it looks lazy and impersonal. Show you care by addressing them directly, referring to them by name and adding a personal touch explaining why you’d like to connect.
For example:
“Hi John, I hope you’re doing well! I came across your profile and was very impressed with your experience in financial analysis. As someone who is interested in pursuing a career in finance, I would appreciate the opportunity to connect and learn more about your background. I’m currently a junior at UC Berkeley majoring in business administration. Please let me know if you’re open to connecting on LinkedIn.”
Making it about their experience and how you feel you could learn from them turns a generic request into a thoughtful, tailored message.
Explain Why You Want to Connect
Give context around why you are reaching out, rather than making a vague request to connect on LinkedIn. Share your motivations transparently so they understand the purpose for connecting.
Some examples include:
– I’m interested in learning more about your career path and experience at Company X.
– I noticed you have expertise in engineering management. I would love to connect and get your advice on best practices as I transition into a management role.
– I saw you worked at Firm Y. I have applied for a marketing role there and would appreciate any insights you may have.
– Our shared interest in digital analytics made me think we should connect. I would be excited to exchange ideas and learn from your experience.
Explaining upfront why you want to connect and what value it may bring makes it easier for them to understand and accept your request.
Make The “Ask”
Don’t forget to directly ask if they are open to connecting on LinkedIn. It moves the conversation forward and prompts them to respond.
For example:
“Would you be open to connecting on LinkedIn?”
“I would appreciate the opportunity to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn. Please let me know if you’d be willing to connect.”
“I would value being part of your LinkedIn network. Are you comfortable with me sending a connection request?”
Being clear, polite and direct with your ask is important. It eliminates confusion and encourages the person to respond and continue the dialogue.
Reference Any Offline Interactions
If you have met someone in person that you would now like to connect with online, reference that interaction in your request.
For example:
“It was a pleasure meeting you at last week’s conference. I enjoyed our conversation and would love to stay connected on LinkedIn.”
Mentioning the context of where you met or any previous interactions you have had helps refresh their memory and reminds them of the relationship.
Follow Up If Needed
If they do not respond after about a week, consider sending a polite follow up message checking in and restating your interest in connecting.
For example:
“Hi John, I wanted to follow up on my earlier message requesting to connect on LinkedIn. I know things can get busy, so I wanted to reiterate my interest in staying connected. Please let me know if you received my original invitation and are open to connecting.”
Following up shows persistence and commitment to making the relationship happen. However, only follow up once to avoid seeming overly aggressive.
Accept Their Decision Graciously
There may be occasions where someone respectfully declines your request. If this happens, accept their decision gracefully, thank them for considering it and wish them well. Avoid asking why they declined or putting them in an uncomfortable position.
For example:
“Thanks for considering my invitation. I appreciate you taking the time to respond and certainly understand your preference to not connect at this time. Best of luck and please keep in touch if things change.”
Maintaining poise and maturity if faced with rejection speaks volumes about your character and professionalism.
Craft an Engaging Message
Once connected, reference your original conversation and send an engaging message to get things started.
For example:
“John, thanks for connecting! As we discussed, I’d love to learn more about your career path in engineering. What motivated you to transition into management? And what skills have been most important for you in leadership roles?”
Don’t just connect and move on. Follow up with substantive dialogue and questions to grow the relationship. Use it as a chance to exchange ideas, seek advice and nurture your new connection.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
– Research the person’s profile and look for common ground
– Personalize the request and explain why you want to connect
– Be clear in your ask to connect on LinkedIn
– Reference any offline interactions you’ve had
– Follow up politely once if needed
– Accept gracefully if they decline
– Continue the dialogue once connected
Benefits of Good Connection Requests
Taking the time to craft thoughtful, personalized requests has many advantages:
- Higher response and acceptance rates
- Builds rapport and develops relationships
- Enables you to expand your network organically
- Shows you are selective and intentional with connections
- Paves the way for meaningful interactions
Poorly written requests are easy to ignore or dismiss. But a good connection request grabs attention, conveys shared interests and motivates the recipient to engage further.
Examples of Good Connection Requests
Here are some examples of strong connection requests:
Referencing a Common Background
Hi Linda,
I hope all is well! I wanted to reach out because I noticed we both graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2015. I enjoyed my time there and have fond memories of my law school experience.
I am currently an associate at Smith & Johnson, specializing in corporate law. As I continue progressing in my legal career, I would appreciate the opportunity to grow my professional network and connect with other UVA Law alums. Please let me know if you are open to connecting on LinkedIn. I look forward to staying in touch!
Best,
John
Following Up After Meeting In Person
Dear Sam,
It was a pleasure meeting you at last week’s ABA Conference in Chicago. I enjoyed hearing about your litigation practice and experience serving on the ABA Ethics Committee. As discussed, I would welcome the opportunity to stay in touch and connect on LinkedIn. Please let me know if you’re open to furthering our acquaintance!
Thanks again for the great conversation. I look forward to crossing paths at a future ABA event.
Best regards,
Sarah
Connecting Over Shared Interests and Experience
Hi Dev,
My name is Maria and I recently joined the American Marketing Association to further develop my experience in the marketing field. I couldn’t help but notice you are also an active member, so I wanted to reach out and introduce myself.
I have followed your career with great interest, particularly your work as CMO at Epsilon. As someone with a passion for marketing and customer insights, I would love to connect on LinkedIn. It would be wonderful to learn from your perspective and experiences. Please let me know if you would be open to connecting.
Thanks for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you!
Regards,
Maria
Requesting Informational Interview
Dear Mrs. Jones,
My name is Kevin and I am currently pursuing my MBA, with a concentration in finance, at the Wharton School. I came across your profile and was thoroughly impressed with your career trajectory and leadership in investment banking.
I am very interested in learning more about your path to success in the industry. If you have availability and are open to the idea, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to schedule a brief informational interview. Please let me know if this is something you would be willing to do.
In any case, it was wonderful to virtually connect with you. I admire your accomplishments as a woman in finance and wish you continued success. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best,
Kevin
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While crafting your LinkedIn connection request, keep in mind these common missteps:
- Using a generic template message
- Making it all about yourself and your needs
- Being too aggressive or overly pushy
- Connecting without a clear purpose
- Making the request too long or formal
- Not following up after connecting
- Asking to connect repeatedly if rejected
A good request is personalized, thoughtful, and focused on how both parties can mutually benefit from the connection.
Tips for Accepting Connection Requests
Just as thought should be put into sending requests, you should also be selective when accepting invitations:
- Review the person’s profile to determine if they would be a valuable connection.
- Only accept requests from people you know or have an interest in connecting with.
- Make sure they personalized the request and took time to craft it.
- If needed, ask for more context on their background or goals.
- It’s ok to politely decline a request if there is no clear basis for connecting.
Having standards for who you accept and thoughtfully managing requests protects the value of your network and relationships.
Expanding Your Network Authentically
Here are some additional tips as you look to grow your network:
- Connect with people you meet at events, conferences and industry functions.
- Leverage shared education, interests, groups and experiences.
- Seek introductions from mutual connections.
- Connect strategically but also selectively.
- Aim for quality over quantity in your network.
The goal is to build an authentic network based on shared interests and experiences, not just connect with anyone and everyone.
Maintaining Connections
Once connected, relationships require ongoing nurturing:
- Engage with their content by liking, commenting and sharing.
- Congratulate them on work anniversaries, promotions and other life events.
- Follow up and continue building the relationship.
- Offer help and advice when you can provide value.
- Keep them updated on your own career journey.
Put effort into maintaining your connections. Having strong, active relationships leads to more meaningful interactions that can enrich your career.
Conclusion
Connecting with professionals on LinkedIn is an impactful way to grow your network and access new opportunities. But sending thoughtful, personalized requests is key. Do your research, make it about them, explain why you want to connect, and follow up professionally. With these best practices, you can authentically expand your reach while building relationships that support your career aspirations.