LinkedIn Connection Message Templates, Examples and Tips

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“I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.” Sounds boring, right?

Generic connection requests like these get lost in the digital noise on LinkedIn. 

Wondering how to write a LinkedIn connection request message that gets noticed and accepted? Or how to connect with someone on LinkedIn with a message?

Thankfully, LinkedIn allows you to write a personalized connect message of a maximum of 300 characters. You can use this as an opportunity to make a strong first impression with potential connections.

But sometimes writing a personalized connection message on LinkedIn can feel overwhelming. 

Even the best of us hit a wall at times and wonder how to write a LinkedIn connection request message. Many times, we all face writer’s block or struggle with where to start. 

Whatever the reason, you shouldn’t worry because our LinkedIn connect message examples and templates have you covered. These templates are a great place to start writing an effective connect message on LinkedIn. 

Simply pick the best LinkedIn message to connect from this guide and customize it for yourself and the target recipient. 

But before jumping into the LinkedIn connection request examples, let’s discuss what a LinkedIn connect message is and the types of LinkedIn connections. 

What Is a LinkedIn Connect Message?

A LinkedIn connect message is your introductory note when requesting to connect with someone on the platform. It serves as your first impression and the foundation for a valuable professional relationship.

Sure, the connect message is a great option to start networking on the platform. But keep in mind that LinkedIn users are very picky when it comes to who they want to connect and network with. 

As such, it is crucial to stand out from the crowd that sends generic connection requests and instead tailor your message to spark genuine connections. 

What Are the Different Types of LinkedIn Connections?

LinkedIn categorizes your connections based on degrees of separation, indicating how closely you’re connected to someone on the platform. 

Here’s a breakdown:

1st-Degree Connections

These are the people directly connected with you on LinkedIn. You’ve accepted their connection request or they’ve accepted yours. You have full access to their profile information (unless they’ve chosen limited visibility settings) and can message them directly.

2nd-Degree Connections

These are people who are connected to at least one of your 1st-degree connections, but you are not directly connected to them yourself. You’ll see a “2nd” icon next to their name on their profile or search results. 

You can see their basic profile information (name, headline, current company). But you cannot message them directly unless you upgrade your LinkedIn membership (certain paid plans offer this feature).

3rd-Degree Connections (and Beyond)

These are people who are connected to your 2nd-degree connections, but even further removed from your direct network. You’ll see a “3rd” icon (or “+” symbol) next to their name. 

Their profile information will be very limited (usually just name and headline) and you cannot see their full profile without a premium membership.

Understanding these degrees of connection can help you tailor your LinkedIn message to connect. 

The Best LinkedIn Connection Request Message Templates

Now comes the exciting part – writing a good LinkedIn message to connect! Remember, the key is to personalize and keep it concise (under 300 characters). 

Here are some tips you should follow to write the best LinkedIn connection request message:

• Start with a Strong Greeting: Use a friendly salutation that acknowledges their name;
• Personalize Your Introduction: Briefly mention something specific about their profile or work experience;
• State Your Purpose Clearly: Explain why you’re reaching out and what you hope to achieve through the connection;
• Offer Value: Highlight a skill or experience you can offer or express your desire to learn from them;
• Leverage Mutual Connections: If you share a mutual connection, mention their name in your message. This adds a layer of trust and familiarity;
• Keep it Concise: Respect their time – aim for under 300 characters (including spaces).

Also, remember that a touch of humor can be a great way to communicate, especially when connecting with someone in your industry. However, use it cautiously, ensuring the humor is appropriate and relevant to the recipient.

Check out the following LinkedIn connection request message templates for various situations, pick the one that best suits your needs, and tailor it for your target connection:

LinkedIn Connection Request Message to Boss

Connecting with your boss on LinkedIn can be a fantastic way to build a stronger professional relationship and gain valuable insights. 

Here’s how to write the best LinkedIn connection request message to your boss:

• Use your boss’s name to personalize the message. A simple “Hi [Boss’s name]” is professional and respectful;
• Briefly introduce yourself, including your name and department. Add a detail about your time at the company to showcase your commitment and familiarity with the team;
• Let your boss know that you’d like to connect and learn more from their experience.

Template

Hi [Boss’s name],

I’m [Your name], from the [Your department] team. I’ve been with the company for [Time] and have always admired your leadership in [Specific area]. I’d love to connect and learn from your experience.

Thank you.

LinkedIn Connection Request Message to CEO

CEOs are busy individuals, so your message needs to be concise, and impactful, and show your respect for their time.

Here’s how to write a compelling LinkedIn connection request message to a CEO:

• Mention a recent achievement, company initiative, or industry trend that resonates with the CEO’s stated interests or the company’s mission;
• Briefly express your admiration for the CEO’s leadership and their impact on the industry. State your desire to connect and learn more about their vision for the company’s future.

Below is a sample of LinkedIn message to connect with a CEO:

Template

Hi [CEO’s name],

I’m [Your name], a [Your job title] at [Your company]. I’ve been following [Company name]’s recent success in [Area of achievement/industry trend] and I’m truly impressed by your leadership in this space. I’d love to connect and learn more about your vision for the company’s future.

LinkedIn Connection Request Message to Colleagues and Co-Workers

Expanding your LinkedIn network doesn’t have to stop at the departmental level! Connecting with colleagues and co-workers across different departments on LinkedIn can foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and a stronger sense of team spirit. 

Here’s how to write the perfect LinkedIn message to connect with colleagues and co-workers:

• Mention a recent project, company event, or industry development that you both experienced;
• State your desire to connect and learn more about their expertise or experience in a specific area.

Have a look at the following LinkedIn connect message template for inspiration. 

Template

Hi [Colleague’s name],

I’m [Your name] from the [Your department] team. I really enjoyed working with you on [Shared project/experience]. I’d love to connect and learn more about your expertise in [Area of interest].

LinkedIn Connection Request Message to HR

Connecting with HR professionals on LinkedIn can be a good move, especially if you’re actively looking for new opportunities or want to stay on their radar for future openings. 

However, HR professionals receive hundreds of connection requests, so your message needs to be clear and highlight your value proposition.

Here’s how to write a compelling LinkedIn connect message to HR: 

• Mention your skills and experience that align with the company’s current needs or recent job postings (if applicable);
• Clearly state your interest in connecting with the HR professional. You can mention your openness to new opportunities or desire to learn more about the company culture.

Template

Hi [HR Contact Name],

I’m [Your name], a [Your job title] with [Years] of experience in [Your industry]. My skills in [Skills] align well with your recent job posting for [Job title] (if applicable). I’d love to connect and learn more about potential opportunities.

LinkedIn Connection Request Message to Recruiter

Recruiters are the gatekeepers to exciting job opportunities. This means connecting with them on LinkedIn can significantly increase your visibility within their network. 

Here’s how to reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn to grab their attention:

• Briefly mention a recent accomplishment or project that showcases your skills and aligns with the types of roles the recruiter typically places;
• State your interest in connecting and learning more about potential opportunities that align with your skills and experience (mention your target job title if relevant).

You can use the example below as a starting point but remember that customized templates are the key to sending effective LinkedIn connection requests. 

Template

Hi [Recruiter Name],

I’m [Your Name], a [Your Job Title] with [Years] of experience in [Your Industry]. I recently [Mention achievement related to target role]. I’m interested in connecting and exploring opportunities in [Target Job Title/Industry]. Would you be open to connecting?

LinkedIn Connection Request Message to Candidate

As a recruiter, you know that connecting with potential candidates on LinkedIn allows you to showcase your company culture and potentially discover hidden gems. 

Here are some LinkedIn connection message tips to network with the right candidates: 

• Acknowledge how you found their profile (e.g., through a job application, industry group, or mutual connection);
• Briefly mention a specific skill or achievement on their profile that aligns with the open position or your company’s needs.

Template

Hi [Candidate Name],

I came across your profile on LinkedIn while searching for [Mention source, e.g., “talented individuals in the marketing field”]. I was particularly impressed by your experience in [Mention specific skill/achievement].

Would you be open to connecting and networking?

LinkedIn Connection Request Message to Interviewer

Leaving a positive lasting impression after an interview is crucial. It reiterates your interest in the role and demonstrates professionalism. 

Here’s how to craft a compelling message:

• Thank the interviewer for their time and for considering you for the [Job Title] position. Briefly mention a specific skill or experience you discussed during the interview that aligns with the role’s requirements;
• Mention your eagerness to learn about the next steps in the hiring process.

Template

Hi [Interviewer Name],

Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] yesterday. It was great to learn more about the role and the team.

I’m very interested to connect with you and learn about the next steps in the hiring process.

LinkedIn Connection Request Message to Someone You Want to Work with

Want to reach someone on LinkedIn? 

In your connection request, mention how you found their profile. Did a mutual connection recommend them? Or maybe you were impressed by something they recently shared? Next, briefly introduce yourself and your current role or area of expertise.

Also, look for common ground in your profiles – maybe you both worked at a similar company or have a shared educational background. 

Template

Hi [Name],

I’m [Your Name], a [Your Job Title] with a passion for [Shared area of interest]. I’ve been following your work on [Mention specific project/achievement] and am truly impressed by your expertise in [Specific area of expertise].

Would you be open to connecting and networking on LinkedIn?

LinkedIn Connection Request Message to Influencer

Industry influencers are thought leaders who shape conversations and inspire action within their fields. Connecting with them on LinkedIn can boost your visibility, open doors to new knowledge, and potentially lead to future collaborations. 

Make sure your connection request to an influencer acknowledges their expertise. Plus, it is a good idea to mention a specific piece of their content (e.g., article, post) that resonated with you. 

Template

Hi [Influencer Name],

I recently came across your [Mention specific content type, e.g., “thought-provoking article”] on [Topic] and found it incredibly insightful.

[Optional: Briefly mention a shared interest or skill].

Let’s connect and learn more about our work and expertise. 

LinkedIn Connection Request Message to Alumni

Networking with fellow alumni on LinkedIn can lead to mentorship opportunities, career advice, and a sense of shared community. 

If you want to send a connection request to alumni, ensure your message showcases your graduation years and memories from your time at the school. Also, you may want to express admiration about their career path or maybe one of their recent achievements. 

Here’s a LinkedIn connection request template to connect with alumni: 

Template

Hi [Name],

A fellow [School name] alum from [Graduation year] (or “the [Memorable event] crew”). I came across your profile and was impressed by your work in [Area of expertise].

I’d love to connect and learn more about your experience at [School name] and your career path since then. 

LinkedIn Connection Request Message to Who Went at the Same School as You

This is the same as sending a LinkedIn connect message to an alumni. In your message, mention your shared experience as an alumnus from the same school. If their profile mentions their graduation year or major, you can use that to personalize the message further.

Template

Hi [Name],

I noticed you also went to [School name]! I graduated in [Your graduation year] (or “was there from [Start year] to [End year]”) and saw you majored in [Their major] (if mentioned in profile).

I’m currently working in [Your industry] as a [Your job title]. Let’s connect.

LinkedIn Connection Request Message to Professor

Professors play a pivotal role in shaping academic journeys. You can connect with them on LinkedIn to show appreciation, stay updated on their research, and potentially explore future collaborations.

In your connection request message, express your gratitude for their guidance and mention the specific course you took with them (if applicable). And if their teachings had a significant impact on your career path, briefly mention it. 

Template

Hi Professor [Professor’s name],

I am [Your name], a former student from your [Course name] class in [Year]. I wanted to express my gratitude for your guidance and insightful teaching during that time.

I’d love to connect and learn more about your current research.

LinkedIn Connection Request Message to Conference or Event Attendee

Conferences and events are excellent networking opportunities. Following up with attendees on LinkedIn can solidify your relationships, opening doors to future collaboration.

While writing a message to connect on LinkedIn, briefly mention the specific conference or event you both attended and how you might have crossed paths (e.g., “during the [Session name]” or “at the [Networking event]”). 

Plus, if you had a specific conversation or shared interest, briefly mention it. You can also offer to exchange contact information for future communication (optional).

Have a look at the following LinkedIn connection request message template to connect with event or conference attendees:

Template

Hi [Name],

It was great connecting with you at the recent [Conference/Event name], [Mention how you met, e.g., “during the [Session name]” or “at the [Networking event]”].

I’d love to connect and learn more about your work in [Their area of expertise].

LinkedIn Connection Request Message to Mutual Connection

Having a mutual connection on LinkedIn is a great way to expand your network. A friendly introduction from someone you both know can increase your chances of a positive response. 

Here’s how to create a compelling connection request message that leverages this shared connection:

• Mention the name of the mutual connection and how you know them. This establishes a sense of trust and familiarity;
• Explain why you’re reaching out and briefly introduce yourself and your background;
• Although optional, if you’ve identified a shared interest with the person you’re reaching out to (through their profile or the mutual connection), you can mention it. 

Template

Hi [Name],

[Mutual Connection Name] mentioned we both work in the [Industry] field and thought we might connect. I’m [Your Name], a [Your Job Title] with [Years] of experience in [Your area of expertise].

I’d love to connect and learn more about your work at [Company Name].

LinkedIn Connection Request Message to Someone in the Same LinkedIn Group

LinkedIn groups provide you with an opportunity to network with professionals who share your interests. 

Here’s how to craft a compelling LinkedIn connect request message to someone in the same group:

• Mention the group name and briefly introduce yourself. This establishes a sense of shared interest and context;
• Mention a recent post or discussion they made in the group while highlighting something specific you found valuable. This helps personalize your message and demonstrate you’re actively engaged in the group;
• State your desire to connect and learn more about their work or area of expertise within the group’s field.

Template

Hi [Name],

I came across your profile in the [Group name] group and wanted to connect. I’m [Your Name], and I’m particularly interested in [Area of interest within the group].

[Briefly mention a valuable contribution they made in the group].

I’d love to learn more about your expertise in [Their area of expertise].

LinkedIn Connection Request Message to Unknown Person

It’s no secret that connecting with people on LinkedIn you haven’t met before can feel daunting. But did you know that it is a fantastic way to expand your network and discover new opportunities? 

While sending a connect request to such professionals, be sure to always address the person by their name to make the message more professional and respectful. 

Next, refer to something specific from their profile that caught your eye, such as their experience, skills, or recent achievements. This demonstrates you’ve done your research and personalizes the message.

Here’s a LinkedIn connection request example that you can tailor to your needs:

Template

Hi [Name],

I was impressed by your experience in [Area of expertise]. I’m [Your Name], a [Your Job Title] with a passion for [Your area of interest].

[Briefly explain why you’re reaching out, e.g., “learning more about [Specific topic related to their expertise]”].

[Optional: Briefly mention something you can offer in return].

Let’s connect.

LinkedIn Connection Request Message to Prospect

When writing a message to connect with a prospect on LinkedIn, first mention how you came across their profile, whether through a mutual connection or their impressive work. Then, briefly introduce yourself and your current area of expertise.

Next, find common ground. 

Look through their profile for shared interests, like a past employer or educational background. Highlighting this information shows you’ve done your research, which can help build rapport. 

Finally, express your interest in working together. Briefly mention your desire to collaborate and suggest a quick chat to explore potential opportunities.

Template

Hi [Prospect Name],

I came across your profile on LinkedIn and noticed you’re at [Prospect Company]. I’m particularly impressed by your work in [Specific area of prospect’s expertise].

I help businesses in the [Industry] industry grow and boost revenue. 

Are you open to connecting on LinkedIn?

LinkedIn Connection Request Message to Client

Sending a LinkedIn connection request to a client requires a slightly different approach.

In your connect message, briefly express your gratitude for their business and mention a specific aspect of the project you enjoyed. 

Then, subtly showcase how your expertise could further benefit them in the future.

Template

Hi [Client Name],

It was a pleasure working with you on the [Project Name] project at [Your Company]. I truly enjoyed [Specific aspects you enjoyed – e.g., collaborating on creative solutions, tackling the technical challenges].

I’d love to connect and network with you on LinkedIn.

LinkedIn Connection Request Message for Sales

When sending a LinkedIn connection request with the intention of sales, remember that your message doesn’t sound like a sales pitch. 

First, personalize it! Mention something specific that caught your eye in their profile – a recent achievement, shared industry interest, or a mutual connection. Then briefly introduce yourself. 

Next, offer value and spark curiosity. Instead of a direct sales pitch, mention that you’d love to chat and learn more about their current challenges. 

Template

Hi [Client Name],

I came across your profile and was impressed by [Specific achievement or area of expertise]. At [Your Company], we help businesses in the [Industry] industry overcome challenges like [Common pain point].

I’d love to connect and learn more about what you’re currently focusing on at [Client Company].

LinkedIn Connection Request Message for Collaboration

When crafting a connection request message for collaboration on LinkedIn, focus on building rapport. Mention how you found their profile, perhaps through a shared connection or their work on a relevant project. 

Also, highlight a shared interest or specific skill from their profile that aligns with your project or area of focus. 

Template

Hi [Name],

I came across your profile through [Mutual connection/Project they worked on] and was impressed by your work in [Specific skill/area].

I’m [Your Name] and I’m currently working on [Your project/Area of focus]. Your expertise in [Shared skill/area] seems like a great fit for potential collaboration.

I’d love to connect and explore some ideas. 

LinkedIn Connection Request Message Using Industry Humor

A touch of industry humor can make your connection request on LinkedIn stand out! Write a brief, lighthearted joke relevant to your prospect’s industry. Keep it tasteful and avoid anything offensive.

After the joke, mention how it relates to your prospect’s work or your area of expertise. End your message by expressing your desire to connect and learn more about their work. 

Template

Hi [Name],

I came across your profile and had to laugh about [Industry-related jokes]. It perfectly captures the struggle of [Brief explanation of how the joke relates to their work].

Speaking of avoiding [Industry Humor Topic], at [Your Company] we specialize in [Your area of expertise]. I’d love to connect and learn more about what you’re working on at [Client Company].

How to Send LinkedIn Connection Requests with Dripify

With Dripify sales automation tool, you can efficiently manage and automate your LinkedIn outreach that helps you expand your network and achieve your business goals faster and more effectively.

In the campaign creation process, you can add multiple steps. To send a connection request, select “Add Step” and choose “Send Connection Request.”

Copy and paste any of the templates above, but don’t forget to personalize your connection request message. To do that, use variables like {{FirstName}} that automatically insert the recipient’s details. 

Go through the campaign settings to ensure everything is configured correctly.

Once you’re satisfied, click “Start Campaign.” Dripify will begin sending out connection requests based on the parameters you’ve set.

Try Dripify today with 7-day free trial!

Conclusion

Building a vast LinkedIn network takes time and effort, but the rewards are worth it. Use the LinkedIn connection message examples provided in this guide to create connection requests that are more likely to get noticed and accepted.

However, make sure to adapt and personalize these templates to each target recipient.