LinkedIn gives you 300 characters for a connection note. Most people either skip it entirely or write something generic that gets ignored. A short, specific message that explains why you're connecting gets accepted at 2–3x the rate of a blank request — and creates the foundation for an actual relationship.

What works — and what gets ignored

Gets accepted

✓ Specific reference to their work, company, or background
✓ A clear, simple reason you're connecting
✓ Under 200 characters — easy to read in 5 seconds
✓ Something that makes it easy to say yes

Gets ignored or declined

✗ No note at all (blank request)
✗ Generic 'I'd like to add you to my network'
✗ Immediate pitch or job ask in the first message
✗ Wall of text that takes effort to read

10 word-for-word templates

Each template is under 300 characters and optimized for the specific situation.

Connecting with a recruiter at a company you're targeting

Hi [Name] — I'm a [role] with [X years] of experience in [domain] and [Company] is at the top of my list for my next move. I'd love to be on your radar if the right role comes up.

Why it works: Recruiters get dozens of connection requests. The ones that get accepted are short, specific, and make it easy to see why you're reaching out.

Connecting with a hiring manager after applying

Hi [Name] — I just applied for the [Role] on your team and wanted to reach out directly to say I'm genuinely excited about this. Happy to connect if you'd like to learn more about my background before the formal process.

Why it works: This works best when sent the same day you apply. It's not an ask — it's a signal of genuine interest that separates you from the application stack.

Cold connection with someone whose work you've followed

Hi [Name] — I read your post on [specific topic] last week and your take on [specific point] has stuck with me. I work on similar problems in [your context]. Would love to follow your work — no agenda, just genuinely appreciate your thinking.

Why it works: The single most effective LinkedIn connection message is one where you prove you've read something they wrote or built. Specificity beats flattery every time.

Connecting after meeting at an event

Great to meet you at [Event] yesterday — enjoyed the conversation about [specific topic]. Would love to stay connected.

Why it works: The faster you send this after meeting in person, the better. Within 24 hours keeps the memory warm.

Connecting with a mutual connection's colleague

Hi [Name] — I'm connected with [Mutual Connection] and [he/she/they] suggested I reach out. I'm a [brief description] and your work at [Company] in [area] is directly relevant to what I'm exploring. Would love to connect.

Why it works: Name-dropping a mutual connection (honestly) dramatically increases acceptance rates. Only do this if you've actually spoken with the mutual connection about introducing you — otherwise it's deceptive.

Reconnecting with an old colleague

Hey [Name] — I realize we've never connected on LinkedIn despite working together at [Company]. Hope you're doing well. Would love to stay in touch.

Why it works: Don't over-explain. Keep it simple — the shared history is the connection.

Connecting with someone in a role you want to learn about

Hi [Name] — I'm exploring a move into [field/role type] and your career path from [background] to [current role] is exactly the trajectory I'm trying to understand. I'd love to connect and hopefully learn from your experience.

Why it works: This is the informational interview request disguised as a connection request. It's honest and usually welcomed — most people enjoy being asked about their work.

Connecting with a speaker after a talk or webinar

Hi [Name] — I caught your talk at [Event/Webinar] on [topic]. Your point about [specific takeaway] was the most useful thing I've heard on this topic in a while. Would love to follow your work.

Why it works: Speakers are in outreach mode after a talk — their acceptance rate for relevant connections goes up significantly for a few days after they present.

Connecting with a company founder or executive

Hi [Name] — I've been following [Company]'s work in [area] since [specific milestone]. I'm a [relevant description] and I find what you're building genuinely compelling. Happy to connect — no ask, just want to follow your journey.

Why it works: Executives get more requests and are more selective. Lead with relevance — why should they care about you specifically?

General connection with no specific context

Hi [Name] — I came across your profile while exploring [industry/topic] and your background in [area] is directly relevant to work I'm doing. I know this is a cold connection — but I'd love to stay on each other's radar if that's useful for you too.

Why it works: When you have no specific reason to connect, honesty is the best approach. A straightforward note that acknowledges the context-free nature of the request is more effective than a fabricated angle.

After they accept — what to do next

The connection request is the beginning, not the end. Once accepted, wait 24–48 hours before sending a follow-up message. Don't pitch immediately — respond to whatever they said when they accepted (if anything), or send a simple acknowledgment: “Thanks for connecting — happy to be in each other's networks.”

If your goal is an informational interview or a specific ask, make it in a separate message, not in the connection note itself. Connection request → brief exchange → specific ask is the sequence that converts best.

LinkedIn Connection Request Messages — 10 Templates That Get Accepted (2025)

What works — and what gets ignored

10 word-for-word templates

After they accept — what to do next