Connecting with someone new on LinkedIn can be an exciting opportunity to grow your network and potentially create valuable professional relationships. However, simply sending a generic connection request with no message can come across as lazy or thoughtless. The message you send when connecting makes a significant first impression and sets the tone for your future interactions. With some strategic thought and care put into your connection message, you can maximize your chances of the recipient accepting your request and engaging with you in a meaningful way.
Keep it concise yet personalized
When crafting your connection message on LinkedIn, you want to aim for brevity while still communicating enough context. Generic messages like “I’d like to add you to my professional network” are unlikely to capture much attention. However, an excessively long message can also be off-putting to the recipient. Shoot for 1-3 concise yet thoughtful sentences tailored specifically for the person you are connecting with.
For example, “Hi [name], I came across your profile after seeing some of your insightful posts in [LinkedIn group or other channel]. I’m also working in [their industry or company], specifically as a [your role]. I would enjoy connecting and learning more about your experiences with [aspect of their work].” This brief introduction explains why you want to connect, indicates you share common ground, and gives a specific reason for further discussion.
Highlight shared connections or experiences
When applicable, noting any shared connections, groups, or companies you have in common with the recipient can make your outreach more compelling. For instance, “We are both members of the [name] LinkedIn group, so I wanted to reach out and connect directly as well.” If someone you know referred you to their profile, mentioning that mutual contact by name can give validity to your request.
Shared educational or professional experiences can also be relevant: “I see we both graduated from [university] around the same time – it would be great to connect with a fellow alum working in this industry.” Make an effort to find and reference these points of alignment when possible.
Explain how you can help each other
Rather than making a one-sided ask to connect, think about how you may be able to assist the recipient as well. Are you able to provide industry introductions, share helpful resources, or offer insights based on your work experience? Articulating the mutual benefit can inspire engagement from the other party. For example: “I am very interested in learning more about your work with [company/initiative]. I have connections at [relevant organizations] that I would be happy to introduce you to.”
Personalize with specific profile details
Taking the time to personalize your request based on specifics from the recipient’s profile is always advised. For example, “I noticed on your LinkedIn profile that you have experience in [area] – that aligns closely with a project I’m currently working on for [company/role].” Or, “I read your recent article about [topic] and found your perspective on [detail] especially insightful.” Identify a couple of unique details to call out rather than taking a generic approach.
Be clear on your specific ask
Rather than generally asking to connect, include a specific call-to-action based on your intentions. For instance, “Would you be open to hopping on a 20-minute phone call next week to discuss challenges and best practices around [topic]? I would value hearing your thoughts.” Or, “Please feel free to reach out if you would like to connect on [upcoming event, industry conference, etc.].” Giving a defined next step makes it easier for the recipient to respond.
Use a warm and enthusiastic tone
While the content and structure are important, the overall tone of your message also leaves an impression. Adopt a friendly, upbeat voice and avoid sounding overly formal. For example, use enthusiastic language like “It was so wonderful learning about…” rather than stiff phrasing like “I appreciated the opportunity to review…”.
Follow up if needed
If you don’t receive a response within a week or so, consider sending a brief, polite follow-up message checking on the status of your connection request. However, don’t harass the person if they remain unresponsive. For instance: “Hi [name], just wanted to follow up on my earlier message requesting to connect on LinkedIn. Please let me know if you would be open to connecting at this time.” If you still don’t hear back, let it be.
Sample Connection Message Templates
Here are a few sample LinkedIn connection message templates you can use for inspiration:
Connection Scenario | Sample Message |
---|---|
Common work history | Hi [name], I noticed we both worked at [company] around the same time – it’s great to connect with a [company] alum. I’d enjoy chatting about your experiences there and current work with [company name]. Are you open to connecting? |
Academic background | Hi [name], I see we both attended [university] and studied [major]. I would love to connect with a fellow [university] graduate in this field. Please let me know if you’re open to connecting on LinkedIn. |
Shared connection | Hi [name], [mutual connection] suggested I reach out to connect with you here on LinkedIn. As a fellow [industry] professional, I think we could have some great conversations. I’d be happy to introduce you to [mutual connection] as well if helpful. Looking forward to connecting! |
Industry insights | Hi [name], I came across your profile after reading your recent article on [topic]. As someone working in [your role] at [company], I would love to connect and learn more about your insights on [industry trends, challenges, etc]. Are you open to connecting on LinkedIn? |
Event or conference | Hi [name], I noticed we will both be attending [event/conference]. I would enjoy connecting beforehand to discuss session interests and potentially meet up in person. If you’re open to it, please feel free to connect! |
With these tips in mind, you can thoughtfully craft a compelling LinkedIn connection request. A strategic, personalized message demonstrates your shared interests, lays the foundation for future conversations, and ultimately gives you the best shot at growing your network.
Should I include an attachment or media in my initial connection request?
In most cases, it’s best not to include attachments or media files in your initial connection message on LinkedIn. The exception could be sharing a helpful article or other piece of content that directly relates to your reason for connecting. But generic files or large attachments can come across as spammy. Keep your first outreach focused just on a warm, concise text introduction.
Is there an ideal length for a LinkedIn connection message?
As a general guideline, aim to keep your LinkedIn connection message 1-3 sentences or around 2-3 short paragraphs. This provides enough context without being excessively long. Anything substantially shorter than a sentence may seem overly terse, while messages longer than 3 paragraphs risk being ignored or overwhelming the recipient.
How important is personalization in a LinkedIn request?
Personalization is very important to make your message stand out as more than just a generic template. Taking 2-3 minutes to include specific details from the person’s profile or work demonstrates sincere interest in connecting with them specifically, not just expanding your network broadly. LinkedIn also monitors generic language, so personalized messages have better deliverability.
Should I follow up if I don’t receive a response to my initial request?
One follow-up message is generally acceptable if your initial connection request receives no response after 5-7 days. However, if your follow-up also goes unanswered, it’s best not to continue pursing that connection. Persistent messaging could come across as spammy or harassing.
What tone should I adopt in my LinkedIn connection message?
Aim for a warm, friendly tone that still maintains professionalism. You want to avoid sounding overly formal or stilted, but also avoid being too casual. Keep the language upbeat and enthusiastic while still being thoughtful. Strike the right balance based on your relationship with the recipient.
Conclusion
Crafting a compelling initial message when sending a LinkedIn connection invitation requires both strategy and creativity. While certain best practices can inform your approach, there is no one-size-fits-all template. The most effective messages make a memorable first impression through elements of personalization, specificity, and enthusiasm. With care, thought, and brevity, your introduction can capture the recipient’s attention, convey shared interests, and kickstart a mutually beneficial professional relationship.