When sending a connection request on LinkedIn, you have a limit of 300 characters for your personalized message. This allows you to briefly introduce yourself and explain why you want to connect with the other person. Going over the 300 character limit will prevent you from sending the request.
Tips for Writing Effective Connection Messages Within the Limit
Crafting a great connection request message within 300 characters takes strategy. Here are some tips:
- Get right to the point – Don’t beat around the bush. Briefly explain who you are and why you want to connect.
- Personalize the message – Make it specific to the person by referencing shared connections, groups, or interests.
- Highlight value – Explain how connecting could be mutually beneficial to support each other’s professional goals.
- Use their name – Adding their first or last name makes it more personal.
- Ask a question – Give them a reason to want to connect with you.
- Use abbreviations – Shorten company names or titles to conserve characters.
- Skip small talk – Pleasantries like “Hope you are well!” take up precious space.
- Check character count – Use the counter below the message box to see how many you have left.
Sample Connection Request Messages
Here are some example connection request messages that make an impact within the 300 character limit:
- “Hi [first name], I see we both work at [company]. I would love to connect and get your insights on [topic relevant to their role].”
- “Hello [first name], we have 15 mutual connections including [name]. As a [their current title] at [their company], I’d appreciate connecting and learning more about your career path.”
- “[First name], I noticed you work in [their industry]. I’m exploring a transition into that field and would value your perspective. Could we connect on LinkedIn?”
- “[First name], I came across your profile while researching [topic of interest]. Your experience with [relevant skill] stood out to me. I would appreciate the chance to connect with you here.”
Tips for Avoiding the Spam Filter
If your connection messages sound spammy or disingenuine, LinkedIn may flag and block them. Here are some tips to make your messages sound more personalized and professional:
- Avoid overused phrases like “I’d like to add you to my professional network.” Come up with something unique.
- Don’t make it sound like a template. Show you actually looked at their profile and career.
- Steer clear of gimmicks like jokes, emojis, or unusual punctuation.
- Don’t use all caps for emphasis. It looks unprofessional.
- Don’t ask to connect without giving a reason. Explain what you have in common.
- Avoid requesting access to their network right away. Build trust first.
What to Do If You Exceed the Character Limit
If you accidentally go over 300 characters, here is what you can do:
- Get straight to the point faster. Remove any fluffy language.
- Shorten section headers or company names by removing “Company” or “Corporation.”
- Substitute longer phrases with shorter alternatives like “utilize” for “make use of.”
- Eliminate filler words like “really,” “basically,” “quite.”
- Remove optional commas and articles like “the” “an” or “a.”
- Split it into two messages, but make sure the first explains who you are.
- Remove sentences that aren’t essential to your main point.
You can also copy your message into a document editor to check the word count. Remove words from there before pasting it back into LinkedIn.
What Happens if You Send an Over-Limit Request
If you accidentally send a connection request over 300 characters, here is what will happen:
- LinkedIn will block the message from being sent.
- You will see an error saying “Message cannot exceed 300 characters.”
- You will need to edit your message in order to resend the request.
- The recipient will not see or receive the over-limit message.
- You will not be penalized or banned for sending one over-limit message.
As long as you promptly edit your message to be within the 300 character count, you can resend your connection request successfully.
Does the Character Limit Include Formatting?
Yes, any formatting such as line breaks, punctuation, spaces, commas, etc. all count towards the 300 character limit. For example:
Hi John,
I noticed you work at XYZ Company. I also work there – let’s connect!
The above message may look short, but it contains 43 characters of formatting. Formatting can quickly eat up your 300 characters, so use it sparingly.
Does the Limit Apply to Mobile App Messages?
Yes, the 300 character limit applies whether you are sending LinkedIn connection requests on desktop or mobile app. Any version of LinkedIn will restrict messages over 300 characters.
However, the mobile app does not show a character counter as you type. So it’s easy to accidentally go over the limit. Be extra conscious of length when drafting messages on mobile.
Does LinkedIn Ever Increase the Limit?
No, LinkedIn has kept the connection request message limit at 300 for many years. They have not increased it for regular LinkedIn members.
However, some premium LinkedIn services may offer increased limits. For example, LinkedIn Recruiter allows messages up to 2000 characters when reaching out to candidates.
But for most users, the limit has remained firm at 300 characters with no signs of changing anytime soon.
Tips for Shortening Your Message
Here are some additional tips to condense your text:
- Remove articles – “the”, “an”, “a”
- Delete unnecessary pronouns – “I”, “you”, “we”
- Omit needless prepositions – “on”, “with”, “by”
- Shorten phrases – “want to” = “want 2”
- Use numeric digits – “for” = “4”
- Add and remove spaces strategically to save characters.
- Shorten section headers – “Key Takeaways” = “Takeaways”
Proofread carefully before sending. While shorthand can conserve characters, you still want your message to look professional.
Tools to Check Character Count
Here are some tools to verify you are within the 300 character limit:
- LinkedIn’s built-in counter below the message box
- Microsoft Word’s word count feature
- Google Docs character count tool
- Online character count websites
- Text counter apps for iPhone or Android
Paste your message into the tool, make edits to shorten it, then paste it back into LinkedIn when ready to send.
Key Takeaways
- LinkedIn connection messages have a limit of 300 characters.
- Craft an effective message by personalizing, highlighting value, and getting right to the point.
- Edit and proofread messages that exceed the limit before sending your request.
- Use online tools to easily check the length of your text.
- Keeping your message under 300 characters ensures LinkedIn will successfully send your connection request.
