When inviting someone to connect on LinkedIn, it’s important to be professional, polite, and provide context for why you want to connect. A good LinkedIn connection invitation demonstrates mutual interest, explains how the connection could benefit both parties, and gets straight to the point. While there are many ways to invite someone to connect on LinkedIn, there are several strategies that work well for initiating and crafting an effective request.
Why Connecting on LinkedIn Matters
Connecting with others on LinkedIn can provide many benefits for both parties. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Expanding networks and access to new contacts and opportunities
- Staying up to date on a connection’s career moves and accomplishments
- Showing others in your industry that you have relationships with respected professionals
- Gaining exposure for your own experience and expertise
- Collaborating more easily through access to shared connections and introductions
- Building relationships that could lead to mentorship, new business, and other long-term benefits
With over 722 million members, LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional networking platform. Making meaningful connections on LinkedIn can significantly impact your career and business success. However, simply connecting for connection’s sake does not provide much value. The best LinkedIn connections are strategic and based on shared interests, experiences, and networks.
How to Craft an Effective LinkedIn Connection Request
When reaching out to connect with someone on LinkedIn, follow these best practices:
Personalize the Request with Context
Always customize your connection invitation with details about who you are, how you may already be connected, and why you want to connect on LinkedIn. Generic invitations are easy to ignore. Demonstrate that you have genuine interest in the other person’s work and how your shared connection could mutually benefit you both.
Here are some examples of personalized introductions:
- Hi Jane, I saw that you work at Company XYZ as a marketing manager. I’m putting together a panel on social media strategy for an upcoming marketing conference, and would love if you could participate given your experience spearheading campaigns for XYZ.
- John, I came across your profile at Company ABC and noticed you have a background in data analytics. I lead the analytics team for 123 Corporation and think there may be an opportunity for our teams to collaborate. I’d like to connect and see if there may be any overlap.
When possible, specify how you found their profile, any key details that stood out, and the opportunities you see in connecting. This shows genuine interest in their unique experience and career path.
Keep it Short Yet Informative
A LinkedIn connection request should be concise yet informative. You want to avoid overly lengthy messages, but provide enough context in 1-2 brief sentences or short paragraphs.
Here’s an example of a short but meaningful request:
Hi Amanda, I came across your profile after speaking with our mutual colleague Kelly Smith about logistics professionals in the Austin area. I lead operations for the Texas branch of QuickShip Logistic Solutions, and would enjoy connecting to discuss any shared interests in supply chain and logistics roles in Austin. Looking forward to staying in touch!
This gets right to the point in just a few sentences, while still giving specifics about the reason for connecting and shared contacts.
Focus on Mutual Interests and Benefits
Emphasize shared connections, experiences, and interests that could be enhanced by connecting on LinkedIn. Rather than making it all about what you want to get from the connection, focus on the two-way benefits.
For example:
Hi Matt, I noticed we’re both alumni of University of Texas and are currently working in the tech sector here in Austin. I’m part of the management team at CloudTech and am interested in networking with other Austin tech professionals. I think we could have some great conversations around the tech scene here. Let me know if you’d be open to connecting!
This highlights the mutual interests (UT alumni, Austin tech scene) that make the connection worthwhile for both parties.
Reference Any Real-World Interactions
If you’ve met the person at an event, worked together directly, or have existing connections, reference this context. This builds legitimacy and a foundation for why connecting on LinkedIn makes sense.
For instance:
Hi Emily, It was great to meet you at last week’s SXSW conference. As we discussed, I’m recruiting for account manager roles at Acme Marketing, and would love to stay in touch on LinkedIn as you explore new opportunities. I think your background in digital marketing would be a terrific fit for our team. Looking forward to connecting!
Meeting in person provides a natural reason for connecting online after.
Use a Professional Yet Friendly Tone
While LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, you still want to cultivate relationships. Use a professional, polished tone while also being warm and friendly. Starting with a simple “Hi [name],” and concluding with “Looking forward to connecting!” establishes an open, collaborative stance.
Proofread Before Sending
Be sure to thoroughly proofread your invitation for any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. These types of mistakes can create a poor impression and undermine your message.
How to Follow Up on LinkedIn Connection Requests
If your initial connection invitation goes unanswered, follow up periodically to reiterate your interest. However, avoid pestering someone who may genuinely not want to connect. Here are some tips for effective LinkedIn connection follow ups:
- Wait at least 2 weeks before following up if your initial request gets no response.
- Be sure you didn’t miss a response somewhere – LinkedIn messages can sometimes get lost in other folders.
- Acknowledge the delay and politely restate why you think connecting could benefit you both.
- If no response after 2 follow up attempts, it’s best not to contact again and reconsider whether the connection is needed.
- Move on and refrain from viewing their LinkedIn profile regularly, which can come across as aggressive.
Here is a sample follow up message:
Hi Nadia,
I wanted to reiterate my invitation to connect on LinkedIn. I greatly enjoyed meeting you at last month’s industry conference in Chicago. As mentioned, I think there could be strong synergies between your work in developing mobile apps for healthcare providers and my company’s new telehealth product line. I understand you must be very busy, but please let me know if you would reconsider connecting on LinkedIn. Best wishes!
The key is to restate your message politely without applying too much pressure. If your follow up also goes unanswered, that response should be respected.
Connect in an Authentic, Value-Driven Manner
When leveraged effectively, LinkedIn is a powerful platform for establishing new professional relationships and opportunities. But when reaching out to connect, focus on quality over quantity. Seek out connections that could lead to mutual value, growth, and impact. Prioritize relationships that have strategic relevance and alignment, rather than connecting randomly with everyone you encounter.
Craft personalized, detailed requests focused on shared interests and potential synergies. Follow up respectfully if needed. Overall, maintain a professional, friendly tone aimed at starting meaningful new relationships. By connecting on LinkedIn in an authentic, value-driven manner, you can build partnerships that support your career and business aspirations.
Sample LinkedIn Connection Request Templates
Here are some sample LinkedIn connection invitation templates that demonstrate effective language and key principles to include:
Basic Introduction
Hi [name],
My name is [your name] and I’m a [your position] at [your company]. I noticed we share some common interests in [detail shared interests] and would enjoy connecting on LinkedIn. I believe we could have some great conversations around [detail potential discussion topics]. Let me know if you’re open to connecting!
Best,
[Your name]
Event Follow Up
Hi [name],
It was great to meet you at [event name] last week. As we discussed, I’m currently leading [project/initiative] for [your company] and think your background in [their expertise] could provide some valuable insights. I’d love to stay connected on LinkedIn to discuss more as my project progresses. Looking forward to collaborating!
Best,
[Your name]
Introduction Through Shared Contact
Hi [name],
[Mutual connection name] suggested I reach out and connect with you here on LinkedIn. As [position] at [your company], I’m working on [initiative] and understand you have experience in [relevant experience] that could be quite helpful. I’d welcome the chance to connect and potentially explore if we might collaborate going forward. Let me know if you’re open to connecting on LinkedIn.
Best,
[Your name]
Company Partnership Opportunity
Hello [name],
I came across your profile while researching companies working in [industry] here in [location]. I lead [business line] for [your company] and think our companies’ offerings could strongly complement each other. I’d love to connect on LinkedIn to discuss any potential partnership opportunities that could benefit us both. Please let me know if this interests you as well.
Best,
[Your name]
Career Advice Request
Hi [name],
I’ve followed your career with [company] and am very impressed with all you’ve accomplished in [field]. I’m currently exploring new opportunities in [field] and considering a transition from my current marketing role into more of a communications focus. I’d love to connect on LinkedIn and potentially set up a call to get your perspective on making this career pivot. Please let me know if you would be open to this type of discussion.
Thank you,
[Your name]
Key Takeaways for LinkedIn Connection Requests
Here are some of the main tips to keep in mind when inviting someone to connect on LinkedIn:
- Personalize the request by referencing shared contacts, interests, location, and other specifics.
- Explain why you want to connect and how you could mutually benefit from the relationship.
- Keep it brief yet informative – 1-2 sentences or a short paragraph.
- Highlight shared experiences, networks, and interests.
- Use a warm yet professional tone.
- Proofread before sending and follow up respectfully.
- Focus on quality connections that offer strategic value.
- Consider using LinkedIn connection templates to optimize your invites.
Connecting authentically on LinkedIn can lead to impactful professional relationships and opportunities. With the right approach, a simple invite can be the start of an engaging community that supports your career growth.
Conclusion
When reaching out to someone on LinkedIn, keep the invite professional yet friendly. Personalize the request by explaining who you are, how you could be mutually beneficial connections, and any shared experiences or contacts. Emphasize the two-way value in connecting through common interests, networks, and potential opportunities. Use a warm but polished tone. Follow up politely if needed, but don’t be overly aggressive. Connecting on LinkedIn is most worthwhile when it facilitates strategic relationships. By crafting thoughtful, tailored connection invitations, you can establish connections that support your broader career or business goals.
