LinkedIn is a goldmine!

It’s one platform that offers a little something for everyone from freelancers and solopreneurs to jobseekers, corporate employees, and even founders. 

LinkedIn boasts the highest visitor-to-lead conversion rate of the three dominant social media advertising platforms. At 2.74%, it performs almost three times better (277%) than both Twitter (.69%) and Facebook (.77%). It also helps 8 people get hired every minute!

The saying ‘network is net worth’ is nowhere as true as on LinkedIn. After all, it is people who ultimately buy your product or service, who hire you, who can fill vacant roles for your company, and who connect you to more people.

The first step to network successfully on LinkedIn is to send a connection request. Your connection request message is the magic portal to dozens of exciting opportunities. Through this blog, we want to help you get it one hundred percent right.

Let’s go!

Understanding LinkedIn connection requests—The basics

Before you hit send on that connection request, it’s worthwhile to know the following: 

Types of connections on LinkedIn

There are three types of connections on LinkedIn:

1. First-degree connections: These are people you are directly connected to. You can send them direct messages, endorse them for skills, and see all of their activity, including their reactions, comments, and posts, on the platform.

2. Second-degree connections: These are people who are connected to your first-degree connections. You can send them an introduction through a mutual connection, but you don't have direct access to their profiles.

3. Third-degree connections: These are people who are two degrees removed from you, i.e., they are connected to someone who is connected to you. You can only see their public profile and can send them an invitation to connect.

When your invitation to connect is accepted, you and the recipient of your request become first-degree connections of each other and can see all of each other’s LinkedIn activity.

How to send a connection request on LinkedIn?

Sending a connection request on LinkedIn is no rocket-science. It involves a few very simple steps:

Sending a connection request from LinkedIn desktop version

1. Go to the LinkedIn profile of the person you want to connect with.

2. Click the ‘Connect’ button next to their profile picture.

3. A pop-up window will appear, allowing you to add a personalized note to your connection request. This is optional, but it's a good idea to add a brief message to let the person know why you're reaching out to connect.

4. Press Send.

Sending a connection request from the LinkedIn mobile app

1. Go to the LinkedIn profile of the person you want to connect with.

2. Go to the ellipsis (three dots) below their profile information. (Do not click the Connect button directly as it doesn’t let you send a personalized connection request message).

3. Click on ‘Personalize Invite’ and add your connection request message.

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4. Press Send.

Once the person receives your request, they can choose to accept or decline it. If they accept, they will become a first-degree connection. If they decline, the request will be canceled and you won't be able to send another one for a certain period of time.

Keep in mind that LinkedIn has a limit on the number of connection requests you can send per day (between 30 and 100 per user), so be selective in who you reach out to and make sure to only connect with people you genuinely want to have a professional relationship with.

How to cancel a connection request on LinkedIn?

To cancel a connection request on LinkedIn:

1. Go to your LinkedIn homepage.

2. Click on the 'My Network' tab at the top of the page.

3. Find the ‘Sent’ section on the right-side of the page and click on ‘See all’.

4. Locate the connection request you want to cancel and click on the three dots to the right of the person's name.

5. Select ‘Withdraw invitation’. 

6. Confirm your action by clicking on "Withdraw" in the pop-up window.

Once you've withdrawn the connection request, the person will no longer receive a notification of your invitation, and you can send another request to them if you'd like.

How many characters can you have in a LinkedIn connection request message?

The character limit for a LinkedIn connection request message is approximately 300 characters. Too few? I used to think so too!

Then I realized I loved reading (and accepting) requests that could make a valid point and do so with brevity. A strong first impression, a clear reason for connecting, and some common ground are all the ingredients you need for the perfect connection recipe. 

Pithy yet empathetic requests show you value the person’s time and the potential relationship with them, increasing your chances of getting connected!

Now that you know all you need to about connection requests, let’s dissect why personalized connection request messages work and how to craft them. 

Why should you write a personalized LinkedIn connection request message?

Personalizing your LinkedIn connection request message takes hardly a couple of minutes. 

(You can reduce it to a few seconds, too with our secret tool mentioned at the end 😀) But it can be life-changing. Here’s why:

1. It helps your request stand out in a sea of similar requests
2. It increases your request’s chances of acceptance
3. It helps you communicate that you’re interested in getting to know the person beyond their name on a screen
4. It allows you to share your reasons for wanting to be connected
5. It lets you demonstrate the value you could bring to the relationship

A personalized message is like a custom-made suit —it's tailored to fit the recipient, it makes them feel special, and it distinguishes you from the crowd. 

What should you say when requesting a connection on LinkedIn?—Best practices & guidelines for LinkedIn connection request messages

The why is clear. Let’s now jump straight to the how of writing LinkedIn connection request messages. Here are a few best practices and guidelines to help you write an effective message:

1. Keep it brief: Your message should be short & sweet. Think of it like a first date—you want to make a good impression, but you don't want to overwhelm the other person with too much information. 

2. Personalize your message: Customize your message for each person you are reaching out to, mentioning something specific about their profile or background that caught your attention. We just talked about how it helps!

3. Explain why you want to connect: Let the recipient know why you're reaching out to connect and what you hope to gain from the relationship. This helps them gauge your intent and goals with clarity.

4. Offer value: Offering to help the other person shows that you're not just interested in getting, but in giving as well. And it can tilt the scales in your favor. 

5. Avoid being transactional right away: No one likes being sold to, especially from strangers. Establishing a rapport before you ask for a favor or pitch your product/service is the way to go on LinkedIn. 

Putting in some time, thought, and effort in creating your connection requests is a surefire way to get one step closer to achieving your desired results on LinkedIn.

15 LinkedIn connection request templates with up to 80% acceptance rates

We understand that it may not always be possible to pay careful attention to each connection request. At the same time, each potential connection is valuable.

These 15 kickass connection request templates will help you nail this balancing act. You can use them as inspiration or even copy them as it is, without needing to brainstorm the messages from scratch.

Just make sure to adapt them for your needs and your target audience.

1. Cold LinkedIn connection request

Use this template when you neither personally know nor have any mutual connections with the person you’re reaching out to.

Hi [Name],

I came across your profile while browsing LinkedIn and was impressed by your experience and achievements. 

Since we are both in the [name of the field/industry] industry and our paths overlap a great deal, I would love to connect.

Best, 
[Your Name]

2. Connection request for LinkedIn members with mutual connections

Use this template when you are reaching out to LinkedIn members with whom you share common connections.

Hello [Name],

I noticed we have [Number] mutual connections plus many shared interests including [interest 1], [interest 2], and [interest 3].

I would love to add you to my network and explore opportunities for collaboration!

Best, 
[Your Name]

3. Connection request for someone you admire

Reaching out to someone you admire can leave you tongue-tied. Use this template to overcome the writer’s block and have them become a part of your LinkedIn network.

Hello [Name],

I am a long admirer of your work in [field/industry]. 

Your tips on [topic] helped me [achieve these results] and I’m forever grateful for the advice.

Would love to connect! 

Best, 
[Your Name]

4. Connection request for someone you wish to work with

Looking forward to working with someone you’re not connected on LinkedIn to? Here’s a simple template for a connection request to fix that. Amen! 

Hi [Name], 

I admire your expertise in [field]. 

I, myself, have [number] of years of experience in [relevant area of work] and would love to collaborate with you. I can bring [skill 1], [skill 2], and [skill 3] to the table.

I hope you’ll consider it!

Thanks & best,
[Your Name]

5. Connection request for a current colleague

Most people use LinkedIn to stay in touch with colleagues, current as well as former. You can do that easily by using this request message template.

Hi [Name], 

It's been great working with you so far! 

You make an excellent addition to our team and I would like to continue our professional relationship on LinkedIn as well. 

Let's stay connected?

Best,
[Your Name]

6. Connection request for a previous colleague

Stumbled upon your favorite ex-colleague’s LinkedIn profile? It might be a great way to stay connected if you have lost touch. Just use this template and don’t hesitate to reach out to them.

Hello [Name], 

It was great working with you at [company name]. 

The way you actively continue to share your journey on LinkedIn is inspirational. 

I would love to keep in touch!

Best,
[Your Name]

7. Connection request for potential recruiters

Approaching a potential recruiter doesn’t have to be difficult or anxiety inducing. You might just be who they’re looking for! Try this connection request template to get the conversation going (and find your next big opportunity!). 

Hi [Name],

[Company] is my dream place to work in and I hear you’re currently hiring for [role]. 

I’m also a [role] with [number] of years of experience in [industry]. I’m actively seeking new opportunities & would love to connect to have a chat with you!

Thanks & best,
[Your Name]

8. Connection request for potential candidates for a role

Talent acquisition is no child’s play. You need all the help you can get and this connection request template is just one of the things that can make the rocky road smoother.

Hello [Name], 

I came across your profile and was impressed by the work you’ve done at [company]. 

I think you would be a great fit for the role of [name of the role] that I am currently hiring for. 

Interested in having a chat this week?

Best, 
[Your Name]

Recommended reading: How to write the perfect cold recruiting email

9. Connection request for a sales prospect

While it’s always best to build a relationship with potential clients or customers before selling, some people do appreciate directness. If you’ve done your research and know your prospects’ needs inside out, you might want to open with a friendly yet impactful pitch, like the one below.

Hi [Name], 

I’m a big fan of your work in [field] and believe I can help you [solve a problem].

I’ve previously helped [company 1] & [company 2] with great results (testimonials on my profile).

Let's chat and discuss a potential collaboration?

Best,
[Your Name]

Recommended reading: Top career advice for SDRs

10. Connection request for an existing client/customer

Current clients can also be future clients. Nurturing business relationships is the oldest way to retain customers. And LinkedIn provides the perfect avenue to do that. Use this template to stay in touch with existing customers and clients.

Hello [Name],

I had fun working with you and would love to partner up again in the future! 

We can stay in touch by adding each other to our LinkedIn networks.

Best wishes,
[Your Name]

11. Connection request for someone you met at a networking event

Found someone with shared interests at a networking event? Want to connect with them and explore how the relationship could be a win-win for you both? You can reach out to them with the template below. 

Hi [Name], 

It was great meeting you at [event name]. 

I was fascinated by the work you do at [company name]. I’d love to follow your journey & explore potential collaboration.

I hope we can connect.

Best,
[Your Name]

12. Connection request for someone in the same community/group

LinkedIn Groups and communities can be great places to connect with like-minded people and glean industry insights from experts. Here’s a quick template to connect with someone from the same community/group.

Hi [Name], 

I noticed we are both members of [group name]. 

I loved your latest contribution to the discussion on [topic]. 

Since we’re both [occupation], I think we’d have a lot in common. 

Looking forward to exchanging ideas!

Best,
[Your Name]

13. Connection request for a former alumnus

Running into people from our alma mater is always special, isn’t it? Especially if they’re your juniors or seniors, you might be curious about their journey and how your university/college/school helped shaped it. Use this template to reach out to former alumni without making it awkward.

Hi [Name], 

We both graduated from [university name]! How cool 🙂

I would like to connect and learn more about your experience at [company]. 

I myself went on to pursue [field] and currently work in the [industry] industry. 

Best,
[Your Name]

14. Connection request for someone who engaged with your LinkedIn post

Now, you don’t have to connect with everyone who engages with your LinkedIn post. But, sometimes it might make sense to—especially if they work in similar fields or have similar interests. Here’s a template to connect with them.

Hi [Name], 

I appreciate you engaging with my post on [topic]. 

I found your profile and achievements impressive and would love to connect with you. 

Curious to hear more about your work and interests! 

Best,
[Your Name]

15. Connection request for someone whose LinkedIn post you engaged with

It’s rare but sometimes you come across amazing posts in your feed, navigate to the author’s profile, like a few more posts by them, and feel the urge to learn more about them and their work. This connection request template will see you through those times.  

Hello [Name], 

I was impressed by the quality of insights in your post on [topic].

I have a keen interest in the same and would love to connect with you to discuss more.

Here’s hoping that you accept and that we can learn from each other!

Best,
[Your Name]

I’m confident that you’ll be able to drastically improve your LinkedIn requests’ acceptance rates with these 15 templates. If we’ve missed out on any particular connection request message that you’d like us to include, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

Automate writing LinkedIn connection requests with OSlash text expander

Remember the secret tool I mentioned earlier? The one that could speed up your LinkedIn outreach by automating your connection request messages?

I was talking about the OSlash text expander. It is a productivity tool that allows you to automate the process of writing repetitive phrases, sentences, or paragraphs by designating snippet shortcuts for them. When writing LinkedIn connection requests, it can save you time and help ensure that your messages are consistent and professional.

Recommended reading: The ultimate guide to using a text expander for LinkedIn

Here’s how it works: You can create a text expansion for your LinkedIn connection request messages. Then, when you need to send a connection request, you can simply type a short keyword or abbreviation, such as o/connection or o/connect, and the text expander will automatically insert the full message for you.

You can use all the 15 templates from this blog and save them as snippets in OSlash for an even faster experience.

You can even personalize the placeholder values such as the name of the recipient, your introduction & affiliation, an explanation of why you want to connect, and an offer of value.

This can be especially helpful for sending out a large number of connection requests in a short span of time. Almost like magic! You can give OSlash a spin here. It’s free to get started!