LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 722 million users worldwide. It’s a great platform for networking, finding jobs, connecting with colleagues, and building your professional brand. One of the main activities on LinkedIn is sending connection requests to connect with other professionals.
When sending a connection request, you have the option to include a personalized message. Sending a customized message with your connection request is a great way to introduce yourself, explain why you’d like to connect, and increase your chances of getting accepted.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about sending connection requests with messages on LinkedIn, including:
- The benefits of sending a message with your connection request
- LinkedIn’s guidelines for connection request messages
- How to send a connection request with a message on desktop
- How to send a connection request with a message on mobile
- Tips for writing effective connection request messages
- Examples of great connection request messages
Whether you’re looking to connect with peers, potential clients, recruiters, or influential leaders in your industry, this guide will teach you how to send personalized connection invitations to maximize your chances of getting accepted.
Benefits of Sending a Message with Your Connection Request
Here are some of the main benefits of sending a customized message with your LinkedIn connection requests:
Increases Your Chances of Getting Accepted
Sending a generic connection request with no context can easily get ignored or rejected. Including a personalized message introduces yourself, establishes common ground, and gives the recipient context on why you want to connect. This makes them much more likely to accept your request.
Allows You to Make a Good First Impression
Your message gives you an opportunity to make a great first impression. You can convey your personality and introduce yourself in a warm, friendly manner.
Starts the Relationship Off on the Right Foot
Adding context lays the groundwork for a mutually beneficial relationship. Rather than connecting without any explanation, your message kicks off the relationship in a positive way.
Shows You Actually Read Their Profile
When you reference details about their background in your message, it shows you took the time to read their profile and are interested in connecting for legitimate reasons.
Sets You Apart from Other Connection Requests
Sending a generic connection invitation is easy to ignore. But a thoughtful, personalized message makes you stand out from the crowd.
LinkedIn’s Guidelines for Connection Request Messages
LinkedIn wants connection invitations to be meaningful, relevant, and professional. Here are some of their guidelines to keep in mind when crafting your message:
Keep it Brief Yet Personal
Your message should be short and to the point, but customized to the individual. Aim for 2-3 sentences or 50-100 words.
Be Professional
Avoid overly casual language and be polite in your messaging. Also, don’t use connection requests for sales pitches or solicitations.
Reference Your Common Ground
Point out things you have in common, like shared connections, groups, colleges, companies, interests, or experiences. This establishes relevance.
Explain Why You Want to Connect
Share your purpose for connecting, whether it’s exchanging industry insights, discussing career opportunities, or simply expanding your network.
Use Proper Grammar and Spelling
Make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors, as this will give a poor impression. Proofread before sending!
How to Send a Connection Request with a Message on LinkedIn Desktop
Sending a connection request with a custom message is easy to do on the LinkedIn desktop site. Here are step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Find the Profile You Want to Connect With
Use LinkedIn’s search bar to find the profile you want to connect with. Make sure it’s set to search for people rather than jobs, companies, etc.
Step 2: Click “Connect”
When viewing their profile, click the blue “Connect” button in the top right.
Step 3: Select “Add a Note”
On the connection request screen, select the option to “Add a note”. If you don’t see this, click the down arrow icon.
Step 4: Type Your Message
Write a personalized message up to 100 words. Mention common connections, shared interests, or reasons for connecting.
Step 5: Send the Request
Once you’ve written your note, click the “Send” button to send the connection request with your customized message.
That’s all there is to it! The recipient will now see your profile photo, name, and message when considering your request.
How to Send a Connection Request with a Message on Mobile
You can also easily send a personalized connection request on LinkedIn’s mobile app for iOS or Android. Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Navigate to the Profile
Use the search function to find the profile you want to connect to. Tap it to open the profile.
Step 2: Tap “Connect”
Near the top right, tap the blue “Connect” button.
Step 3: Tap “Add a note”
On the next screen, tap the option to “Add a note”. If you don’t see it, tap the down arrow.
Step 4: Write Your Message
Compose a brief, personalized message up to 100 words. Mention any common ground you share.
Step 5: Send the Request
Once you’ve written your note, tap “Send” to send the connection request with your custom message.
Following these steps, you can easily send personalized connection requests on mobile!
Tips for Writing Effective Connection Request Messages
The key to getting your connection requests accepted is sending thoughtful, personalized messages. Here are some tips:
Keep it Short But Specific
Long messages come across as overbearing. Keep it brief (2-3 sentences), but include specifics on why you want to connect.
Mention Common Connections or Interests
Pointing out mutual connections or shared backgrounds gives them context on who you are.
Explain How You Can Help Each Other
Rather than making it all about you, explain how you can exchange value, insights, or opportunities.
Compliment Their Work or Experience
If appropriate, compliment something admirable from their background or work. But be sincere rather than flattering.
Use a Warm, Conversational Tone
Write like you would talk to someone face-to-face. Avoid overly formal or robotic language.
Proofread Before Sending
Double check for spelling/grammar errors. Sloppy mistakes leave a bad impression.
Follow Up if No Response
If they don’t respond after 2 weeks, follow up with another message. Persistence pays off.
Examples of Great LinkedIn Connection Request Messages
To see these principles in action, here are some examples of effective personalized messages to send with your connection requests:
Common Background Example
Hi Jane, I noticed we both attended the University of Michigan. I’m building my alumni network on LinkedIn and would love to connect with fellow Wolverines. Looking forward to exchanging insights as our careers progress!
Regards,
[Your Name]
Common Connection Example
Hi Mike, [name of mutual connection] suggested we connect. As a marketing professional in the tech industry, I admire the work you’ve done building XYZ company’s brand presence. I would value the opportunity to connect and learn from your social media marketing expertise.
Best,
[Your Name]
Common Interests Example
Hi Sarah, I see we’re both involved in animal rescue and volunteer work for the ASPCA. I run a local dog rescue center here in [city] and would enjoy networking with other like-minded professionals. Hope we can connect to exchange animal care insights and ideas.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Career Advice Example
Hi Mia, I’m currently a civil engineering major at [college] exploring construction management career paths. As an accomplished woman leading [company], I’m very interested in your perspective on transitioning from engineering to project management roles. I’d appreciate any career insights or advice you’re willing to share. Looking forward to connecting!
Regards,
[Your Name]
Business Opportunity Example
Hello John, I noticed [company] is expanding into the Germany market for the first time this year based on your recent announcement. As founder of an e-commerce platform connecting German vendors to global retailers, I think there could be an opportunity for us to work together. Would you be open to a quick video call to discuss? Either way, I’d welcome the chance to connect.
Best,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
Sending thoughtful connection requests with personalized messages is a game-changer on LinkedIn. The right message provides context, establishes common ground, and kickstarts relationships on a positive note.
To recap, explain why you want to connect, keep it brief but specific, mention shared connections or interests, and use a warm and professional tone.
With these tips, you can write effective LinkedIn messages to boost your acceptance rate while making a great first impression. Just take time to personalize each request. Quality connections drive meaningful engagement.