Getting random connection requests from people you don’t know on LinkedIn can be puzzling and concerning. However, there are several common reasons why this happens. In this article, we’ll explore the main causes of random LinkedIn connection requests and provide tips on managing them.
They found you through search
The most common reason for random connection requests is that the sender found you through searching on LinkedIn. With over 740 million members, LinkedIn has become the go-to platform for networking and making professional connections. People often search for others in their industry or geographic location and send out connection requests in hopes of expanding their network.
For example, if you work in marketing in Chicago, someone else with that background living in Chicago may find your profile and decide to connect. The same goes for alumni of your university who are looking to connect with fellow graduates. If you have a unique name or job title, you may pop up in searches more frequently, resulting in more random requests.
They want to grow their network
Many LinkedIn users focus on growing their number of connections, as a larger network looks more impressive and provides access to more people. For some, connecting with new people is part of their regular networking strategy. They may search for profiles they find interesting or that they have some loose connection to and send a request to connect.
Having a large network also helps increase the likelihood of being found in searches. The more connections someone has, the more their profile may show up when others are searching on LinkedIn. Some people send random requests simply to boost their numbers and presence on the platform.
They were impressed by your profile
Your LinkedIn profile is a snapshot of your professional background, skills, accomplishments and brand. If you have an eye-catching summary, extensive experience, shared connections or went to an impressive school, others may be drawn to send you a request.
Likewise, if you have a leadership position, work for a well-known company or have an impactful public profile, people you don’t know may want to connect because they find you interesting or inspiring. They may not have an explicit reason to network with you, but want to add you to their connections.
They want to sell you something
Unfortunately, some connection requests are sent with ulterior sales motives. Insurance agents, financial advisors, recruiters, business coaches and other professionals sometimes use LinkedIn requests as a way to gain a new potential client.
By connecting with you, they can then message you directly and pitch their services. This strategy is less effective now that LinkedIn limits the ability of third-degree connections to send messages, but it still happens. If someone with a sales-oriented title sends a vague request, they may be hoping to make a new business contact.
Your network is impressive
Similarly, you may receive requests because you have an impressive network yourself. If you are connected to leaders in your industry, went to a top school or have a large first-degree network, you become more appealing for others to connect with.
Some people aim to connect with “super-connectors” who can introduce them to many prominent professionals. Or they may hope that connecting to you will lead to a secondary connection with someone influential. Look at your own connections – if you have a position of influence, those you’re linked to likely get random requests too.
You have shared connections
According to LinkedIn, you are 10x more likely to accept a connection request if you have shared connections. Having mutual connections indicates that you likely have overlapping professional networks or backgrounds. When viewing someone’s profile, the number of shared connections is listed near the top.
People who share 2nd-degree connections with you may decide there is enough of a potential relationship to warrant connecting directly. This is especially common among alumni from the same school or people in the same geographic area or industry. But beware – some salespeople also look for shared connections to increase the chance you’ll accept their request.
They think you’d benefit from connecting
Some LinkedIn members are simply very active networkers and link requesters. They may not have a specific professional interest in connecting with you, but send requests to anyone they think could potentially gain from their network.
For example, they might connect with all marketers in Chicago to offer the ability to tap into their connections. Or they may target graduates of a certain college to help them elevate their alumni network. If the requester has a legitimate reason for thinking you’d benefit, a request may be valid.
You have an open network policy
Your own account settings impact the random requests you receive. If you have your LinkedIn profile set to receive requests from anyone on the platform without existing shared connections, you are much more likely to get incoming requests.
Because your network is completely open, you become a target for both well-meaning networkers and salespeople trying to expand their reach. Consider adjusting your settings to limit requests to only people with shared connections or with customized criteria.
Tips for handling random LinkedIn requests
Now that you know the main reasons for random LinkedIn requests, here are some tips for managing them:
Review profiles carefully
Don’t accept requests blindly. Take the time to thoroughly review the person’s profile and see if you can figure out their intentions and why they want to connect.
Check for shared connections
Pay attention to your number of shared connections. More shared connections make it more likely the request is valid and you might mutually benefit from connecting.
Ignore salespeople
Feel free to ignore requests from people who clearly have sales intents, like financial advisors or insurance agents, unless you are currently looking for their services.
Manage your settings
Adjust your account settings to limit random requests. Options include connecting only with those who share connections, accepting requests manually, and more.
It’s ok to ignore requests
You are not obligated to accept every request. If someone seems suspicious or irrelevant, feel empowered to simply ignore the request.
Remove unwanted connections
If you are already connected with someone who sends you unwanted solicitations, you can remove them from your connections.
Report suspicious behavior
If someone engages in inappropriate or suspicious behavior through connection requests, report them to LinkedIn.
Personalize requests you send
When reaching out to connect with others, personalize your request with a note explaining who you are and why you want to connect.
Key takeaways
Here are the key points to remember about random LinkedIn connection requests:
- They are typically sent because the requester found you through search or wants to grow their network.
- Some people connect with anyone they think could benefit from their network.
- The more shared connections you have, the more likely requests are valid.
- Be cautious of salespeople trying to pitch services.
- Review profiles carefully and manage your account settings.
- It’s fine to ignore or decline requests if they aren’t relevant.
The future of random connection requests
Random LinkedIn requests can be annoying, but are unlikely to disappear completely given the platform’s focus on networking and profile visibility. As LinkedIn continues to grow, requests from strangers may increase even more. However, by being selective and using privacy settings, you can manage the requests you receive and maintain an authentic network.
LinkedIn may consider additional changes to limit sales-focused requesting behavior to improve the user experience. But the ability to connect with professionals outside of your existing network will remain core to LinkedIn’s identity and value proposition. Learning to leverage random requests while avoiding unwanted solicitations may simply be the necessary cost of an open, networked platform like LinkedIn.