LinkedIn is a professional networking platform used by over 700 million members worldwide. Making connections is a key part of using LinkedIn effectively, but it’s important to follow proper etiquette when sending connection requests. Here are some tips on the right and wrong ways to connect with people on LinkedIn.
Should you connect with someone you don’t know?
In general, it’s fine to connect with people you don’t know personally on LinkedIn. The purpose of the platform is to build your professional network, which includes connections outside of your immediate contacts. However, you should have a specific, professional reason for wanting to connect with someone.
For example, you may want to connect with someone because:
- You work in the same industry or have similar job roles
- You went to the same school or have shared connections
- You met them at a networking event or conference
- They work at a company you’re interested in
Avoid sending generic connection requests without context. Always customize the request with a note explaining your reason for connecting. For instance, “Hi John, I saw that you work at Company X. I’m interested in learning more about their marketing department for my job search.”
How to customize your connection request
Personalizing your connection request is LinkedIn Etiquette 101. Here are some tips for customizing your outreach:
- Mention where you met them or your shared connection
- Explain why you’d like to connect with them specifically
- Tailor the message based on their profile and interests
- Keep the tone conversational but professional
- Proofread for typos and clarity
A generic message like “I’d like to add you to my professional network” is more likely to be ignored. Take the time to craft a custom note showing you actually read their profile.
How to connect if you only know someone casually
If you only know someone peripherally, it’s still okay to connect on LinkedIn. Examples include a professional acquaintance, someone you met briefly at an event, a past coworker you didn’t work closely with, or even a friend of a friend.
In these cases, briefly explain who you are and where you met them. If there is a specific reason you want to stay in touch on LinkedIn, mention that too. For instance, “Hi Mary, we met at last month’s networking happy hour. I’d love to connect on LinkedIn to exchange career advice and industry insights.”
Should you send a follow-up note if they don’t respond?
As a rule, avoid sending multiple connection requests if someone hasn’t responded. LinkedIn shows when you have pending invitations sent out, so they likely saw your initial request and chose not to connect at this time.
It’s usually fine to send one follow up message, but further outreach can come across as pushy. Instead, look for other opportunities to interact, like commenting on one of their posts or joining a LinkedIn group they are in.
How to decline or ignore a connection request
If you receive an unwanted connection request, you have a few options:
- Ignore it: Simply leave the request pending. This is the easiest option.
- Decline privately: Check the box to ” exclude a note when declining” so no message is sent.
- Send a polite response: Decline the request with a note, such as “Hi Tim, I’m flattered by your invitation but don’t think I have enough in common professionally to connect on LinkedIn.”
It’s understandable if you’re uncomfortable connecting with someone you don’t know well. But in most cases, there is no need to call them out or be overtly critical in a response. A simple “Thanks for the invitation, but I’m going to pass on connecting at this time” will do.
Is it okay to connect with coworkers and managers?
Connecting with coworkers, including managers and direct reports, is perfectly acceptable on LinkedIn. Since you already have an established professional relationship, a request can be simple such as “Hi Sue, I wanted to connect on LinkedIn since we’re working together on the customer engagement project.”
That said, avoid sending requests to every single coworker if you don’t regularly interact with them. And never pressure peers or subordinates to connect with you – some prefer to keep work connections separate.
Should you connect with recruiters and hiring managers?
Yes, connecting with recruiters and hiring managers in your industry is a smart move on LinkedIn.
When sending a request, reference any existing conversations you’ve had and politely express interest in new career opportunities. For example: “Hi Amy, enjoyed speaking at last week’s virtual job fair. I’d love to connect here on LinkedIn to continue our conversation and stay in touch about roles at Company X.”
This gives them context on who you are and your interest in working with them. Avoid generic outreach that simply says “I’d like to add you to my professional network.”
How to manage your growing network
As your LinkedIn network grows, it can become difficult to keep up with all your connections. Here are some tips for maintaining your network:
- Review new connections weekly and send welcome notes when possible
- Organize connections into groups and LinkedIn Lists to segment your network
- Customize notifications and reduce emails to avoid being overwhelmed
- Don’t feel obligated to accept every request – be selective
- Unfollow connections who overpost so you remain engaged
Periodically prune inactive connections by sorting your network by Last Contacted and removing those you no longer interact with. Keeping your network focused is better than accepting connections indiscriminately.
Should you proactively reach out with a note?
Being proactive about messaging new connections is encouraged. Here are some best practices:
- Personalize the note and demonstrate you looked at their profile
- Say hello, provide value, and make it about starting a two-way conversation
- Ask smart, open-ended questions about their background, interests, or industry
- Follow up if you get a reply and keep the dialogue going
Avoid overly salesy outreach right away, like pitching your business or asking for favors. Focus on building the relationship first.
How to engage with your network
To get the most out of your network, you have to engage with connections – not just amass them. Here are some ways to actively engage:
- Congratulate connections on work milestones and achievements
- Comment on their content and re-share relevant posts
- Respond thoughtfully to their discussion posts and polls
- Like and react to their news and updates
- Provide recommendations and endorse skills
- Direct message helpful resources and opportunities
Interacting sincerely without an agenda fosters mutually beneficial relationships. Don’t let your connections languish without regular engagement.
How to follow up with connections
Following up with existing connections maintains valuable relationships that can provide career advice, industry insights, referrals, and more. Here are some ways to follow up:
- Check in every quarter or so – no need to follow up constantly
- Wish them well on promotions, new jobs, birthdays, etc.
- Share an interesting article or opportunity relevant to them
- Ask thoughtful questions about their latest projects or initiatives
- Offer congratulations, feedback, or assistance when appropriate
When you follow up consistently without asking for favors, connections are more likely to provide support when needed. Don’t just reach out when you need something.
How to avoid coming across as spammy
While outreach is encouraged, there are some pitfalls to avoid so you don’t come across as spammy:
- Don’t send mass connection requests without personalization
- Don’t copy-paste the exact same message to every connection
- Don’t relentlessly follow up connections who don’t respond
- Don’t always steer the conversation to promotions or favors
- Don’t share irrelevant content or opportunities
- Don’t make every interaction about you and your needs
Personalize each interaction, focus on building two-way value, and vary your engagement tactics. Being helpful and adding value is key.
How to gracefully disconnect from someone
There may be occasions when you wish to disconnect from a LinkedIn contact, such as:
- They don’t engage or respond when you reach out
- They frequently send unsolicited, spammy messages
- The connection is no longer relevant
The best approach is to first limit their updates in your feed and mute notifications. If you still wish to disconnect, it’s fine to remove them politely.
You can send a message saying: “Hi [name], I wanted to let you know I will be disconnecting on LinkedIn as I don’t think I can provide value to you at this time. I appreciate you reaching out originally, and I wish you the best. Please don’t hesitate to connect again if there are ways we might collaborate in future.”
This provides transparency while acknowledging the original reason for connecting. Avoid calling them out or making negative statements.
Conclusion
Following LinkedIn etiquette helps build an engaged, professional network that mutually shares value. The keys are personalizing invitations, regularly interacting with your network, and providing help without expectation. With these proper manners, your connections are more likely to grow into beneficial relationships over time.