Deciding whether to withdraw a LinkedIn connection request can be a tricky situation. On one hand, withdrawing a request could prevent an awkward online interaction if the recipient does not seem interested in connecting. On the other hand, withdrawing too quickly could mean missing out on a valuable professional relationship. Here are some quick answers to key questions to help you decide if withdrawing your LinkedIn request is the right move.
When should I withdraw a LinkedIn request?
There are a few common situations when withdrawing a LinkedIn request may be appropriate:
- The recipient does not respond after 1-2 weeks. Lack of response likely signals limited interest.
- You realize you sent the request prematurely or by mistake. For example, before an in-person meeting.
- You learn the recipient may not remember you. Reaching out privately may be better.
- The recipient declines or ignores multiple requests. Continued requests come across as desperate.
- Your contact is limited and you have no upcoming opportunities to connect. Let the request expire.
What are the risks of withdrawing a request?
Withdrawing a LinkedIn request can pose a few risks:
- The recipient may have wanted to connect but has not logged on to see your request yet.
- It can signal a lack of confidence or interest on your part in connecting.
- You may miss out on networking opportunities by not being patient.
- Repeatedly sending and withdrawing requests may annoy some recipients.
When is it better to just let the request expire?
Letting a LinkedIn request expire after 30 days of no response is often better than withdrawing if:
- You are uncertain if the recipient is interested in connecting.
- You do not know the recipient well and have limited mutual connections.
- Your professional circles do not overlap significantly.
- You have no upcoming opportunities for an in-person connection.
Expiring requests avoid signaling lack of interest through withdrawing. The recipient can still connect later if they want.
What is the etiquette for withdrawing a LinkedIn request?
To withdraw appropriately:
- Only withdraw a request once to avoid annoyances from repeated requests.
- Consider a brief message explaining the withdrawal. For example, “I realized I should have waited until after our meeting next month to connect. I will resend a request following up with you then.”
- If you have mutual connections, consider asking them to introduce you instead.
- Focus any future outreach on building rapport – do not resend connection requests excessively.
When is it okay to resend a withdrawn request?
It can be appropriate to resend a withdrawn LinkedIn request when:
- You allow for a period of weeks or months before resending to avoid seeming overly eager.
- You successfully meet or interact with the recipient through other channels.
- The recipient transfers to a new company or role where connecting makes more sense.
- You need to reconnect for a specific opportunity like a new job opening.
How do I withdraw a LinkedIn request?
To withdraw a sent LinkedIn request:
- Go to your My Network page.
- Click the Sent tab to view your pending requests.
- Locate the request you want to withdraw.
- Click the … icon next to the request.
- Select Withdraw connection request.
- Confirm withdrawing the request.
The request will be removed from the recipient’s inbox and will no longer appear as pending in your network.
Conclusion
Withdrawing a LinkedIn request can be appropriate when connections seem unlikely, premature, or one-sided. However, expiring requests quietly is often better to avoid signaling lack of interest. When reconnecting, focus on building rapport through other channels first before sending a new request. Withdrawals and requests should be limited to avoid perceptions of desperation. Considering the recipient’s position and your objectives can help determine when to withdraw versus letting requests expire.
Situation | Recommendation |
---|---|
No response after 1-2 weeks | Let the request expire |
Sent request prematurely | Withdraw request |
Limited existing relationship | Let the request expire |
Recipient ignores multiple requests | Stop sending requests |
New job opening to reconnect about | Send a new request with context |
Key Takeaways
- Let requests expire after no response rather than withdrawing when uncertain of interest.
- Focus on building rapport through other channels before resending withdrawn requests.
- Avoid excessive sends and withdrawals to prevent annoying recipients.