When connecting with someone new on LinkedIn, it can be tricky to know what to write in the note or message you send with your connection request. A good connection note serves multiple purposes – it introduces you, explains why you want to connect, and makes a good first impression. Here are some tips on how to craft an effective LinkedIn connection note:
Keep it personal yet professional
A LinkedIn connection request is not the same as connecting with a close friend on Facebook. While you want your note to sound natural, it should maintain a professional tone. Include a warm greeting like “Hi [name]” or “Hello [name]”, mention where you met or your common connection if applicable, and use a professional sign-off such as “Best” or “Regards”. Stay away from overly casual language like “Hey girl!” or intimating you are longtime friends if you just met recently.
Explain why you want to connect
Don’t just send a generic connection request with no context. Take a minute to share why you would like to connect with this person on LinkedIn. Did you meet at a recent conference or networking event? Are you looking to learn more about their company? Do you want to discuss a possible job opportunity? Briefly explain the reason for your request so they understand why you want to connect.
Keep it short yet personalized
You want your note to be personalized yet succinct. Aim for 2-3 sentences or 50 words at most. Resist the urge to make it too long. You don’t need to include your whole backstory here. Summarize just enough context so they remember you or understand your intent, without inundating them with unnecessary details.
Highlight common ground
When applicable, point out common ground you share as another reason to connect. This could be working in the same industry, attending the same university, belonging to the same professional associations, or coming from the same hometown. Show them you did your homework and looked at their profile to find shared connections.
Show you bring value
Demonstrate you are looking to build a mutually beneficial relationship, not just expand your network. Explain how you looking forward to sharing industry insights, exchanging ideas, or providing helpful contacts. Avoid sounding like you just want to pitch them something without offering value in return.
Compliment their work
If appropriate, include a brief compliment about their experience, accomplishments, or company. Maybe you found a recent post of theirs insightful or admired a project listed on their profile. A small genuing compliment can flatter them and make your request stand out.
Ask to continue the conversation
Closing your note by asking to set up a call, meet for coffee, or keep in touch opens the door to further discussion. This gives them a sense you want an ongoing professional relationship, not just a one-off interaction. Just be sure your request for future contact aligns with your reason for connecting in the first place.
Proofread before sending
Double check your note for any spelling or grammar errors before sending your connection request. Since this is often your first communication with someone, you want to make a good impression by showing care and professionalism in your writing.
Follow up if they don’t respond
If they haven’t responded after a week or two, consider sending a brief follow-up message. Reintroduce yourself, restate why you want to connect, and offer to provide any clarification needed. But don’t stalk them with constant reminders if they remain unresponsive.
Customize for different audiences
Adjust your messaging depending on who you are connecting with. Your note to a potential employer, for example, will sound different than one sent to a peer or industry influencer. Tailor your tone, reason for connecting, and any compliments to the specific person.
Connect first, send note after
Some prefer to connect first then follow up with a note explaining the request. This can work well if you’ve met them before in person. Just be sure to send the note soon after connecting or they may forget who you are.
Keep it mobile friendly
With much LinkedIn activity happening on mobile, ensure your note displays clearly on a small screen. Avoid hard-to-read fonts and formatting. Get straight to the point faster.
Send personalized InMail instead
If you want to stand out, try sending your note via LinkedIn’s InMail messaging system. This allows you to send longer, customized messages to those you aren’t already connected with. Just be sure to use InMail thoughtfully and avoid overusing it.
Reference any mutual connections
If you and the person share any 1st-degree connections on LinkedIn, mention those familiar names in your note. This immediately gives you some common ground and makes it harder for them to ignore your request.
Include a call-to-action
Close your note with a specific call-to-action to increase the odds of a response. Rather than just saying “I look forward to connecting!” give them an action prompt like “Please add me back so we can discuss further over coffee” or “Let’s schedule a quick phone call to exchange ideas.”
Avoid sounding too salesy or pushy
While you want to explain why you want to connect, don’t come across as overly salesy or pushy. This can turn some people off if your note sounds more focused on your own agenda vs. mutual benefit. Keep the focus on how you can help them or build a relationship.
Connect with added value
Increase the chance of acceptance by immediately providing value in your initial outreach. Maybe you are including a link to an interesting article or have a referral you can make. Lead with upside to connecting vs. just asking for something.
In summary, an effective LinkedIn connection note strikes the right tone between professional and personal, clearly explains your reasons for connecting, and gives the other person a sense of the value in accepting. Take the time to make your request genuine and thoughtful.