LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 722 million users worldwide. Making connections on LinkedIn can help expand your professional network and open doors to new opportunities. When sending a connection request on LinkedIn, it’s important to customize the message you send to increase your chances of getting accepted. Here are some tips on what to write in a LinkedIn connection request message.
Keep it brief but personalized
Your connect message should be short and to the point. There’s no need to write a whole paragraph. Aim for 2-3 sentences at most. However, you want to personalize the message so it doesn’t sound copy-pasted. The connection is more likely to accept if you explain who you are, where you met them, or why you want to connect.
For example:
“Hi John, I hope you still remember me. We met at the Digital Marketing Conference in Chicago last month. I enjoyed our conversation about leveraging social media. I’d love to connect on LinkedIn to continue the discussion.”
Mention mutual connections
If you have any mutual connections, be sure to mention them in your request message. This helps establish legitimacy and gives the recipient more context about you.
For example:
“Hi Mary, I see we are both connected to Mike Smith. I hope to expand my network of marketing professionals and would appreciate connecting with you on LinkedIn.”
Explain why you want to connect
Give a specific reason why you want to connect to show you have a genuine intent. Are you interested in their industry? Do you want to learn from their career path? Explain how connecting would be valuable.
For example:
“Hello Matt, I noticed you work at XYZ Company as a Product Marketing Manager. I’m interested in product marketing and would love to connect with you to learn more about your experience in the field.”
Offer to help or share knowledge
Saying you have something to offer them makes the connection mutually beneficial. Offer to share knowledge, provide feedback, or help them in any way you can.
For example:
“Hi Amanda, I see you went to the University of Michigan as well! I’d love to connect on LinkedIn and see if I could offer any advice or support as a fellow Wolverine.”
Compliment their work
If you admire something they have done, like a project or publication, mention it in your request. People love hearing about work they’re proud of.
For example:
“Hello Tom, I recently read your article on disruptive technology trends in the Journal of Emerging Technologies. Your insights were very informative. I would appreciate connecting on LinkedIn to continue the discussion.”
Use a warm and friendly tone
LinkedIn is a professional platform but that doesn’t mean you can’t be personal and conversational. Use a warm, friendly tone to establish an initial rapport.
For example:
“Hi Lucy, I hope your week is going well! We met at last month’s Chamber of Commerce event. You gave such an engaging presentation on leadership skills. I’d love to connect on LinkedIn – hope we can support each other in our careers!”
Follow up if they don’t respond
If your connection request goes unanswered after 1-2 weeks, consider sending a follow up message. Keep it casual and re-state why you want to connect.
For example:
“Hi Jack, just wanted to follow up on my earlier request to connect on LinkedIn. I think we could have some great discussions around digital transformation. Let me know if you would reconsider connecting.”
Connect with common interests
Look at their profile to find shared interests or experiences you could bond over – maybe you went to the same school, worked at the same company, or are part of the same professional associations.
For example:
“Hi Lily, I see we are both members of the American Marketing Association and graduates of the University of Texas. I would love to connect on LinkedIn as a fellow Longhorn and marketing professional.”
Make it about them, not you
Avoid making the connection request too much about your own goals for connecting. Keep the focus on how you can help them or what you admire about their work.
For example:
“Hello Greg, I’m really impressed with your work as CTO at TechCo. I’m building my technical skills in software development and would love to connect on LinkedIn, so I can learn from your experience leading engineering teams.”
Conclusion
Customizing your LinkedIn connection requests takes a little extra effort, but it pays off. Personalized messages have much higher acceptance rates compared to generic invites. Show you put thought into why you want to connect, and you’ll start growing your professional network.
Here are some final tips for writing effective LinkedIn connection messages:
- Keep it short and personable – 2-3 sentences max
- Mention mutual connections when possible
- Explain how connecting would be valuable for both of you
- Use a warm, conversational tone
- Follow up if they don’t respond after 1-2 weeks
- Focus on their interests and goals, not just your own
With these best practices, you’ll be on your way to sending out customized LinkedIn requests and expanding your professional community.
