When reaching out to someone on LinkedIn to connect, the message you send can make or break whether they accept your invite. A thoughtful, personalized message shows you took the time to consider why you want to connect with them specifically. On the other hand, a generic message may come across as spammy and get ignored or even rejected.
Quick tips for an effective LinkedIn connection request
- Personalize the message with their name and why you want to connect.
- Keep it short but thoughtful – a few concise sentences is plenty.
- Remind them where you met or your common connection.
- Highlight shared interests, affiliations or goals.
- Focus on how you can help them, not just what they can do for you.
- Proofread for typos before sending.
How to start your LinkedIn connection request message
The opening of your LinkedIn connection message sets the tone. You want to make a great first impression. Here are some options for strong opening lines:
1. Refer to where you met or your common connection
Jog their memory by mentioning where you met them or who you know in common. This gives context right away for why you want to connect.
Examples:
- “It was great to meet you at [event] last week.”
- “My colleague [name] suggested I connect with you.”
- “I see you used to work at [company]. I currently work there now.”
2. Compliment their work
If you admire their work or achievements, say so upfront. It’s flattering to receive praise from a prospective connection.
Examples:
- “I’ve been following your work at [company] and am truly impressed.”
- “Your presentation at [conference] was the highlight of the event for me.”
3. Note shared interests or connections
Pointing out common ground helps establish rapport quickly in your request. Look for shared interests, affiliations, or contacts.
Examples:
- “I see we both graduated from [university]. I’d love to connect with a fellow alum.”
- “It looks like we are both members of [association]. I’m excited to connect.”
- “I noticed you also know [mutual connection]. Small world!”
Explaining why you want to connect
After your opening line, take 1-2 more sentences to explain why you want to connect. This is your chance to show you have specific reasons for reaching out, not just expanding your network randomly.
Examples of explanations for connecting:
- “I am interested in learning more about your career path in [industry].”
- “I admire the culture you’ve built at [company]. I would love to connect and hear your thoughts on leadership.”
- “I’m currently researching [topic]. I’d love to connect and discuss your insights based on your paper on [specific paper].”
- “I’m looking to transition into [field]. I’d appreciate any career advice you could share from your experiences at [companies].”
- “I have a few ideas to collaborate on [shared interest]. I would enjoy brainstorming together.”
Closing your LinkedIn connection request
Wrap up your message with a simple closing statement confirming you sent the connection request. Ending on a gracious, appreciative note leaves a positive impression.
Examples of closing sentences:
- “I just sent you a connection request and look forward to connecting.”
- “I hope you will accept my invite. I’m excited at the prospect of connecting.”
- “I’d appreciate the opportunity to join your network.”
What to avoid in LinkedIn connection request messages
While thoughtful, personalized messages work best, there are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Generic messages: Copy-pasting the same message to every connection won’t show you care about that specific person.
- Hard sales pitches: Don’t make it all about what they can do for you. Focus on mutual benefit.
- Asking for too much: Don’t request long phone calls, in-person meetings, etc. Start with just connecting.
- Oversharing: Don’t get too personal about your life situation. Keep it professional.
- Typos/grammatical errors: Sloppy messages look unprofessional. Always proofread.
- Urgency: Avoid wording like “quick question” or “urgent request” that pressure recipients.
Templates and examples of effective LinkedIn connection messages
While your message will be most effective if customized to the recipient, sample templates can also provide helpful guidance. Here are some LinkedIn connection request message examples:
Basic template
Hi [name],
[Sentence about where we met or who we know in common.] I see we [share a connection, interest, goal, affiliation, etc.] and I would enjoy connecting with you on LinkedIn.
I just sent you an invite and look forward to connecting soon. Best regards,
[Your name]
After meeting at a conference
Hi Jane,
It was a pleasure meeting you at the Digital Media Summit last week. I enjoyed our conversation on leveraging social media in marketing campaigns.
I would love to stay in touch and learn more about your approach to digital marketing. I just sent you an invite to connect on LinkedIn. I hope you will accept!
Looking forward to staying connected,
John
Common interest
Hi Michael,
I came across your LinkedIn profile and noticed we share an interest in cycling. I’m training for a triathlon later this year.
I’d enjoy exchanging ideas on training tips and places to ride. I just sent you a connection invite and look forward to connecting.
Pedal on,
Michelle
Admiring their work
Hi Sue,
I’ve been very impressed by the website redesign you led for ABC Company. The new site is incredibly user-friendly and optimzed for mobile.
I’m aiming to eventually transition into a UX designer role. I would appreciate any advice you can share from your experiences. I just sent you an invite to connect on LinkedIn.
Hope to connect soon,
Tim
Career advice
Hi Samuel,
Colleague Kelly Jones suggested I reach out to you. I understand you worked as an accountant for several years before pivoting into corporate training and development.
I am looking to make a similar career change to training roles. I’d love to connect and hear any advice you can offer from your own transition.
I just sent a connection invite and look forward to your insights.
Thank you,
Sarah
Tips for sending effective LinkedIn invitations
Beyond crafting a thoughtful message, keep these tips in mind to boost your connection acceptance rate:
- Personalize invitations: Write a unique note for each person rather than blasting generic invites.
- Connect thoughtfully: Only reach out to those you genuinely want to build a relationship with.
- Show shared bonds: Highlight common ground you share like education, experience, contacts.
- Follow up: If they miss your initial invite, politely follow up again in a few weeks.
- Add value: Demonstrate how you can offer mutual benefit, not just ask for favors.
- Use humor judiciously: A dash of humor can help you connect, but avoid overdoing it.
Following up if your LinkedIn invitation is ignored
If you don’t receive a response after 1-2 weeks, it’s appropriate to follow up one time. Here are some tips for following up effectively if your initial LinkedIn outreach goes ignored:
- Wait at least 2 weeks before following up to allow them time to respond.
- Keep your follow up message brief, 2-3 sentences at most.
- Acknowledge you may have gotten lost in their inbox and restate who you are.
- Consider changing the wording but keeping the gist the same as your original invite.
- Avoid sounding demanding or entitled to their response.
- If they ignore again, let it go and don’t keep pestering them to accept.
Here is an example follow up message if your first LinkedIn invitation is ignored:
Hi [name],
I recently sent you a LinkedIn connection invitation but wanted to resend in case it got lost in your inbox. I’m [your name], we met at [event] and I think we could have some great conversations around [shared interest]. I’ve sent a new invite and hope we can connect!
Best,
[Your name]
Key takeaways
Connecting with new people on LinkedIn takes thoughtfulness and personalization. Keep these tips in mind when reaching out:
- Craft a unique message for each person.
- Explain how you can help them, not just what they can do for you.
- Highlight common ground you share.
- Follow up once if they miss your initial invite.
- Focus on quality over quantity of connections.
With a well-crafted, personalized invite message, you can successfully expand your professional network on LinkedIn.
