A LinkedIn connection request is an invitation from one user to connect with another professional on the platform. When you send a connection request, It means you’re asking the other person to join your network, this will allow both of you to view and interact with each other’s profiles and updates. For example, if you’re a photographer and you connect with a magazine editor, this connection allows you to stay in touch and it opens doors for potential collaborations or job opportunities. It’s like building a bridge between your skills and their needs. So, a connection is like a digital handshake that paves the way for future interactions and possibilities. So, don’t underestimate the power of a well-crafted connection request—it could be the start of something truly rewarding in your career! In this informative blog post, I’ll share tips and tricks on LinkedIn connection requests, and how to write a connection request message effectively which will help you to get good results. Let’s start with How to Write a Connection Request Message on LinkedIn Writing a great connection request message on LinkedIn can make all the difference in expanding your network effectively. First of all, you need to understand What is a Connection Request Message? & How to send it. A LinkedIn connection request message is the message that you send along with your request to connect with someone you don’t know. To send a connect request log into your LinkedIn account and then Navigate to the profile of the person you want to connect with. Look for the “Connect” button on their profile. Click “Connect,” and you’ll see two options: “Send without a note” and “Add a Note.” If you choose “Send without a note,” LinkedIn sends a default request without a personalized message. This isn’t very effective, especially when reaching out to recruiters who receive many messages. "Add a note" and "sent a without note" button Image via Linkedin If you select “Add a Note,” it allows you to include a personalized message. This increases the chances of grabbing the recipient’s attention and opening up possibilities for future opportunities. Note: The free version limits personalized invitations, while with Premium, you can add longer personalized notes to all your invites. Key Tips for Writing an Effective Connection Request Message Well, writing personalized notes may indeed require more time compared to using a standard message, but if you know what to add to your LinkedIn connection request message can make the process faster. In every LinkedIn request message, you should include: Greetings: Start with the greetings, and say “Hello” to the recipient with their first Name. Introduce yourself: Introduce yourself by stating your name and current position, like “SEO Executive.” If you’re a student, share your grade, school, and field of study, and also you can mention your future plans. Mutual Connections: If you have a mutual connection, be sure to mention them! It can help to build trust. Tell how you found their profile: Let them know how you came across their LinkedIn profile. Was it through a mutual connection, a networking event, a job board, or simply by searching on LinkedIn? Mention Common Interests: Look for common ground such as shared interests, schools, employers, or other similarities between you and the person you’re sending the LinkedIn connection request message to. Purpose: Clarify your reason for sending the LinkedIn connection request. Are you looking to grow your professional network and make connections within your industry? Or are you on the lookout for new job opportunities? Message Closing: Wrap up your message with a friendly closing, such as “Best Regards,” “Thanks for your time,” or “Hope to hear from you soon,” and then sign off with your name. Sound like a Professional: Ensure your message tone is professional as it will leave a positive impression on the recipient. Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your LinkedIn Connection Request Message Here are a few things to avoid in your LinkedIn connection request message. Avoid using generic wording such as “I’d like to add you to my network. It won’t leave a positive impression on the recipient. Ensure your message is professional and avoid any misspellings or grammatical errors. Don’t jump into a PR or sales pitch too quickly in your message. Instead, focus on building a genuine connection with the person first. Allow some time for your connection to develop before making your pitch. Keep your message short —no more than 200 characters. In a free version of LinkedIn, you can write up to 200 characters in your personalized note. In the premium version, you may write longer. Ready-to-Use LinkedIn Connection Request Templates Here are a few LinkedIn connection request message templates that you can use: LinkedIn Connection Request Message Template to Recruiter Hello [name], I’m [your name], and I came across your profile via [industry company profile]. As a [career] with [x] years of experience in boosting company revenue, I’m keen on exploring new opportunities in [field]. I believe my background and skills could be a great fit for a position at your company. Looking forward to hearing from you soon, [your name] LinkedIn Connection Request Message Template for Job Hello [name], I’m [your name], and I discovered your profile on [industry company profile]. As a [career] with [x] years of experience, I specialize in [mention your expertise]. I’m currently seeking new opportunities in [field] and believe my skills could be a valuable asset to your team. Looking forward to the possibility of connecting and discussing potential opportunities. Best regards, [your name] LinkedIn Connection Request Message Template to CEO Hello [CEO’s Name], I hope this message finds you well. I recently came across your profile and was impressed by your accomplishments at [Company Name]. As a seasoned professional in [your field], I’ve been dedicated to driving growth and innovation. I’m eager to connect with like-minded individuals in leadership positions to exchange insights and explore potential collaboration opportunities. Looking forward to the possibility of connecting and discussing further. Best regards, [Your Name] LinkedIn Connection Request Message Template to HR Hello [name], I’m [your name], and I came across your profile while exploring HR professionals in the industry. With [x] years of experience in human resources, I’ve successfully navigated various facets of talent acquisition and employee development. I’m currently seeking new opportunities in HR and would love to discuss how my expertise aligns with the needs of your organization. Looking forward to potentially connecting and exploring opportunities together. Best regards, [your name] LinkedIn Connection Request Message Template for Unknown Hello [name], I hope this message finds you well. I recently came across your profile on LinkedIn and was intrigued by your background in [industry/field]. As someone who is also passionate about [industry/field], I’m always eager to connect with like-minded professionals. I’d love the opportunity to connect and learn more about your experiences and insights in [industry/field]. Looking forward to the possibility of connecting with you, [Your Name] LinkedIn Connection Request Message Template for Sales Hello [name], I’m [your name], and I came across your profile while exploring [industry company profile]. With [x] years of experience in sales and a track record of driving revenue growth, I’m passionate about connecting with fellow professionals in the field. I’m eager to discuss potential synergies and explore how we can collaborate to achieve mutual success. Looking forward to the opportunity to connect and learn from each other. Best regards, [your name] We hope these templates will provide ideas for writing your connection request messages. Feel free to use them as they are or customize them to fit your needs. If you have other engaging connection request templates to share, please let us know in the comments! We’d love to include them in this blog. Frequently Asked Questions How to send a message with a connection request on LinkedIn? Go to the profile of the person you wish to connect with. Look for the “Connect” button on their profile and click on it. A new window will pop up with two options: “Send without a note” and “Add a note.” Choose your preferred option. That’s it! Your connection request has been sent. What to say in a LinkedIn connection request message? When writing a LinkedIn invitation note, it’s important to include several key elements. Begin with a polite greeting, introduce yourself briefly, mention any mutual connections, explain why you’d like to connect and end with a friendly closing. What is the LinkedIn connection request message character limit? In a free version of LinkedIn, you can write up to 200 characters in your personalized note. In the premium version, you may write longer up to 300 characters.