LinkedIn Connection Request Message Examples: Notes That Get Accepted

A good LinkedIn connection request message is a short, personal note with a clear purpose: in a sentence or two, it tells the other person who you are, how you found them, and why connecting makes sense. The note field is short, so long introductions, sales pitches, and copy-paste text don't work here. In this article you'll find note examples for different situations, templates for your first message after someone accepts, and the mistakes to avoid.

Do you always need to add a note?

You don't have to add a note for everyone. People you work with at the same company, met recently, or interact with often will usually accept a request without one. A note makes a difference when:

• The other person doesn't know you
• You have few or no mutual connections
• You're reaching out to a senior executive, a recruiter, or a potential client
• There's a specific reason for connecting (an event, a post, a mutual acquaintance)

Keep in mind that LinkedIn may limit how many personalized notes you can send depending on your account type, so save notes for the people where they'll really make a difference.

How to structure a LinkedIn connection request message

An effective note has three parts:

1. Context: Where or why did you find them?
2. Common ground or interest: What connects you to them?
3. A light intention: What do you hope to get from connecting? (An intention, not a demand.)

Each part can be as short as half a sentence. What matters is that the note reads as if it were written only for that person.

Before writing the note, spend a minute or two on the other person's profile. A detail like a recent post, a role they just changed, mutual connections, or the same alma mater is enough to make your note personal. If you can't find any such detail, ask yourself why you want to connect with this person; if there's no clear answer, maybe commenting on their posts first is a better way to get acquainted.

When writing your note, match the level of formality to the other person's seniority and the culture of the industry. Opening with "Dear Ms. [Last name]" may suit a corporate executive, while addressing a peer in the startup world by first name is usually fine.

Note examples for different situations

To someone whose post you read

Hi [Name], I read your post on [topic]; the part about [specific point] reminded me of something on my own team. I'd love to connect.

To someone you met at an event

Hi [Name], we had a quick chat about [topic] at [event] yesterday. I'd like to stay in touch.

To a peer in your industry

Hi [Name], I also work in [industry] as a [role]. I've been following your posts on [shared interest] and would like to connect.

To a recruiter

Hi [Name], I've been following [area] roles at [company]. I have experience as a [role] and would welcome a conversation when a good opportunity comes up.

To a potential client

Hi [Name], [something your company does] caught my attention. I work on [area] and would like to connect.

There's no sales pitch in this note. Developing the relationship over time after you connect is much healthier than pitching in your first message.

Through a mutual acquaintance

Hi [Name], [mutual acquaintance] suggested I talk to you about [topic]. I'd like to connect.

To an alum of your school

Hi [Name], I'm also a [school] graduate and I'm just starting my career in [field]. I'd love to learn from your experience. Could we connect?

Your first message after they accept

An accepted connection request is a beginning. Sending a long introduction or a sales message right after acceptance can damage the relationship. Your first message should be short and offer the other person something of value or an easy-to-answer question.

A thank-you and a light question:

Thanks for connecting, [Name]. I had a question about the [method/tool] you mentioned in your post on [topic]: [short question]?

Sharing a useful resource:

Thanks, [Name]. You might find this resource on [topic], which we talked about the other day, useful: [link]. Have a great week.

Asking for a call (once the relationship has developed a bit):

Hi [Name], would you be open to a quick 15-minute call about [topic]? I'd especially value your take on [specific question]. Happy to work around your schedule.

Mistakes to avoid

• Copy-paste notes: Generic lines like "I'd like to expand my professional network" aren't personal.
• Selling in the first message: A service pitch sent the moment someone accepts will most likely go unanswered and may get you removed as a connection.
• A long résumé: Don't describe yourself at length in the note; your profile is right there.
• Vague requests: Questions like "Can you help me?" have no answer. If you have a request, make it concrete.
• Sending requests in bulk: Sending requests to lots of people you don't know in a short time can get your requests declined or your account restricted.
• The wrong name or company: If you use a template, fill in the fields carefully.
• Sending requests from an empty profile: A request from a profile with no photo or headline is met with suspicion, no matter how good the note.

A final check after writing the note

Before sending, check your note with three questions: Would it lose its meaning if it were sent to someone else? Does the other person understand what I want? Does it give them a reason to reply or accept? If the answer to all three is "yes," your note is ready.

Keeping the relationship going after you connect

A network isn't just a number. Interacting with your connections from time to time keeps the relationship alive:

• Leave meaningful comments on their posts.
• Send a short congratulatory message when they share a new role or achievement.
• Share a resource or job opportunity when you see one that might interest them.

Another way to increase the chances your requests get accepted is making sure your profile inspires trust. However good the note, if the other person looks at your profile and can't tell what you do, they may leave the request pending. The HookSlayer profile score shows, with concrete suggestions, how well your profile makes that first impression.

Conclusion

A LinkedIn connection request message should be short, personal, and clear about its purpose. State the context, show the common ground, and close with a light intention. Build your first message after acceptance around value and an easy-to-answer question rather than a pitch, and develop the relationship over time through regular, meaningful interactions.