Quick Answer
There are a few factors to consider when deciding whether to withdraw a LinkedIn connection request:
- How well do you know the person? If it’s someone you don’t know very well or at all, they may find an unsolicited request inappropriate.
- What’s your intention for connecting? Make sure you have a professional reason for wanting to connect.
- Has it been a while since you sent the request? Leaving a pending request open for weeks or months could seem strange.
- Are you looking to withdraw just one request, or prune your connections list? Withdrawing many requests hastily could be off-putting.
In general, it’s fine to withdraw a connection request if you feel it was sent prematurely or won’t provide value for either party. But weigh the context carefully, as doing so can damage real-world relationships. If possible, use other methods like a personalized message to make your intentions clearer.
Should You Withdraw a LinkedIn Connection Request?
When is it Appropriate to Withdraw a Connection Request?
There are a few circumstances when it may be appropriate to withdraw a LinkedIn connection request:
- If you requested to connect with someone you don’t know very well or at all. Blind connection requests can come across as spammy.
- If it’s been weeks or months since you sent the request with no response. Leaving a pending request open for a long time can seem strange.
- If you no longer have a professional need to connect with that person. For example, you switched jobs or projects.
- If you want to do some maintenance and prune your connections list of contacts you no longer interact with.
Essentially, if the connection request no longer makes sense or serves a purpose for your career goals or the other person, it’s just taking up space and withdrawing it cleans things up.
When Should You Avoid Withdrawing a Request?
Here are some situations where withdrawing a connection request may not be advisable:
- If you have a real-world relationship with the person. Withdrawing the request could damage that relationship.
- If you’re connected on other social media. Again, withdrawing just on LinkedIn can look strange.
- If you haven’t given the person much time to respond. One week is reasonable, one month is not.
- If you’re doing a mass purge of your connections. This signals you’re rescinding access to your network.
Basically, if the request withdrawal could be perceived as personal or passive-aggressive, or you haven’t given the recipient ample time to respond, leaving it in place avoids potential offense.
Should You Send a Message When Withdrawing?
It’s generally wise to send a message explaining why you’re withdrawing a LinkedIn request, when possible. This is especially important when:
- You have a real-world relationship
- The recipient is likely to notice the withdrawn request
- You may want to connect again in the future
A brief, professional message prevents misunderstandings and preserves the relationship. For example:
“Hi [name], I wanted to let you know I’m withdrawing my connection request for now, since I’m transitioning to a new role outside our industry. I’d be happy to connect again in the future.”
However, if it was an inappropriate blind request, a message may not be necessary. Use your best judgment based on the situation.
How to Withdraw a LinkedIn Connection Request
Withdrawing a connection request on LinkedIn is simple:
- Go to your My Network page and click the “Manage” button.
- Go to the “Invitations Sent” tab.
- Find the request you want to withdraw and click “Withdraw Invitation.”
- Confirm the withdrawal in the pop-up window.
The request will be removed instantly. The recipient will no longer see it pending in their notifications.
Here are some tips for smoothly withdrawing requests:
- Only withdraw one request at a time to avoid mass withdrawals.
- Use the mobile app if you’re more comfortable doing it privately.
- Wait a few days before resending a request, if applicable.
Withdrawing requests judiciously maintains your professional connections and relationships.
Pros of Withdrawing a LinkedIn Request
Here are some benefits to withdrawing a LinkedIn connection request when appropriate:
- Keeps your network focused on current contacts
- Prevents inappropriate access to your connections and information
- Maintains relationships by removing unwanted requests
- Allows you to refine connections over time as goals change
- Can prompt a desired response, like the recipient finally connecting
Essentially, withdrawing requests liberates you from connections that are stagnant, unnecessary, or potentially problematic. It’s healthy networking hygiene.
Keeps Your Network Current
Outdated requests linger forever if you don’t withdraw them. Regularly pruning requests for people you no longer interact with keeps your connections targeted to current contacts relevant to your goals.
Protects Your Privacy
If someone you barely know has a pending request, withdrawing it protects your profile and connections list from inappropriate access. You control who sees your network.
Preserves Real Relationships
For known contacts, withdrawing a request can tactfully signal that you are not interested in connecting on LinkedIn specifically, while sparing the external relationship.
Allows You to Refine Over Time
As you change jobs or careers, withdrawing old requests helps refine your network to be aligned with your current professional needs and priorities.
Prompts a Response
If the recipient was on the fence about connecting, withdrawing the request may prompt them to send a new request to you, if they want access to your network.
Cons of Withdrawing a LinkedIn Request
Here are some downsides to consider before withdrawing LinkedIn connection requests:
- Could damage the external relationship
- Perceived as passive-aggressive or petty
- Removes your access to the other person’s network
- Makes you appear indecisive if you send requests repeatedly
- Could cause the recipient embarrassment if done publicly
Essentially, withdrawing requests can potentially strain relationships, frustrate recipients, and cut off valuable access. Proceed carefully.
Strains External Relationships
Withdrawing a request from a known contact in real life without messaging them could confuse or harm that relationship outside of LinkedIn.
Seems Passive-Aggressive
Similarly, without explanation, withdrawing a request can come across as rude or passive-aggressive, even if that wasn’t your intention.
Loses Access to Recipient’s Network
While unwanted connections should be pruned, withdrawing also loses your access to that person’s own network, which may have value.
Makes You Appear Indecisive
If you frequently connect and withdraw with the same people, it signals indecision and lack of a clear networking strategy.
Causes Potential Embarrassment
If others notice a withdrawn request, it may embarrass the recipient or provoke unwanted questions about the status of your relationship.
Best Practices for Withdrawing Requests
To withdraw LinkedIn requests smoothly, consider these best practices:
- Send a polite message explaining why you’re withdrawing.
- Only withdraw requests one at a time, not mass withdrawals.
- Wait 1-2 weeks before resending a request, if applicable.
- Withdraw requests from your laptop or mobile for privacy.
- Focus on pruning contacts you don’t interact with regularly.
This thoughtful approach minimizes awkwardness and maintains your professional reputation.
Alternatives to Withdrawing Requests
Rather than withdrawing requests completely, consider these alternatives:
Let It Expire
If it’s been over a month with no response, let the request expire on its own after 30-60 days. This avoids active withdrawal.
Leave It Pending
If you may collaborate again in future, leaving the request pending but inactive keeps that option open.
Send a Clarifying Message
Explain your purpose for connecting and why it would be mutually beneficial, even if you don’t withdraw.
Connect In Real Life
Build your offline relationship first. Then a LinkedIn request has natural context.
Suggest An Alternative
For known contacts, suggest connecting on a different platform instead, if more appropriate for your relationship.
Conclusion
Withdrawing pending connection requests is appropriate if the recipients are irrelevant to your current goals, if the requests are overly-presumptuous, or as occasional network maintenance. However, take care to do so professionally to avoid misunderstandings. Send brief explanatory messages, withdraw individually rather than mass purges, and consider if simply letting requests expire may be safest for valued relationships. Withdrawing judiciously ultimately improves the quality of your network.