Crafting a LinkedIn Connection Message: Templates for Connecting with Strangers

The blank LinkedIn connection message box presents a deceptively simple challenge: How do you convince a complete stranger to add you to their professional network?

Most connection requests go something like “I’d like to add you to my professional network” (LinkedIn’s default) or get sent with no message at all. These requests often go ignored, especially by busy professionals who receive dozens weekly.

A well-crafted connection message dramatically increases your acceptance rate by showing the recipient why connecting with you is worthwhile. This guide provides templates, strategies, and examples for every networking scenario, helping you build meaningful professional connections on LinkedIn.

Why Connection Messages Matter

Understanding the importance of personalized messages informs your approach.

Standing Out in a Crowded Inbox

Active LinkedIn users—especially those with sought-after expertise—receive many connection requests. Most are generic or non-existent messages. A thoughtful, personalized note immediately distinguishes you from the crowd.

Demonstrating Professionalism

Your connection message is often someone’s first impression of you. A well-written message signals:

• Communication skills
• Professionalism
• Respect for the recipient’s time
• Genuine interest in connecting

Establishing Context

Cold connection requests leave recipients wondering, “Who is this person and why do they want to connect?” Your message provides context that makes accepting feel natural rather than random.

Opening Doors to Conversation

A generic connection rarely leads to meaningful interaction. A personalized message creates an opening for future dialogue, turning a connection into an actual professional relationship.

Higher Acceptance Rates

Statistics consistently show that personalized connection requests have significantly higher acceptance rates than generic ones—sometimes two to three times higher. When networking is your goal, this difference is substantial.

Anatomy of an Effective Connection Message

Effective messages share common elements.

The Opening Hook

Start with something specific that explains why you’re reaching out to this particular person. Generic openings like “I came across your profile” don’t distinguish you.

Weak opening: “I’d like to connect with you.”

Strong opening: “Your article on sustainable supply chain management caught my attention—particularly your point about supplier certification programs.”

The Connection Point

Establish what you have in common or why you’re interested in them specifically. This shows you’ve done your homework and aren’t mass-sending requests.

Connection points include:

• Shared industry or specialty
• Mutual connections
• Common alma mater
• Shared group memberships
• Similar career paths
• Interest in their work or content

The Value Proposition

What’s in it for them? Even implicitly, your message should suggest potential mutual benefit, not just what you want from them.

Value suggestions:

• Exchanging industry insights
• Discussing shared interests
• Supporting each other’s content
• Exploring mutual opportunities

The Call to Action

End with a clear but non-demanding request. You’re asking to connect, but you might also suggest a specific next step.

Soft CTA: “I’d love to connect and follow your work.”

Direct CTA: “I’d appreciate the opportunity to connect and would love to hear your thoughts on the recent industry changes if you’re open to it.”

Appropriate Length

LinkedIn limits connection messages to 300 characters (not words). This constraint forces brevity. Your message should be:

• Long enough to be substantive
• Short enough to read quickly
• Every word purposeful

Templates for Different Scenarios

Here are adaptable templates for common networking situations.

General Professional Networking

Template 1: Industry Connection

Hi [Name], I noticed we both work in [industry/field] and share connections with [mutual connection or company]. I'm always looking to connect with fellow professionals in our space and would love to add you to my network. Looking forward to connecting!

Template 2: Content-Based

Hi [Name], I came across your post about [topic] and found your perspective on [specific point] really insightful. I'd love to connect and continue following your content. Looking forward to learning from your expertise!

Template 3: Shared Interest

Hi [Name], I see you're passionate about [topic/industry]. As someone who shares that interest, I'd love to connect and exchange ideas. Your work at [company] in particular caught my attention. Hope to connect!

Job Seeking: Connecting with Recruiters

Template 1: Role-Specific

Hi [Name], I'm exploring [role type] opportunities and noticed you recruit for [company/industry]. I have [X years] experience in [relevant field]. I'd love to connect and be on your radar for relevant opportunities. Thanks!

Template 2: Company-Specific

Hi [Name], I'm very interested in opportunities at [Company] and saw that you handle recruiting there. My background in [relevant experience] aligns well with your [department]. I'd appreciate the chance to connect!

Template 3: Industry Recruiter

Hi [Name], I noticed you specialize in [industry] recruiting. I'm a [your title] with expertise in [relevant skills] and am exploring new opportunities. I'd love to connect in case something relevant comes across your desk.

Job Seeking: Connecting with Hiring Managers

Template 1: Before Applying

Hi [Name], I'm very interested in the [role] position on your team at [Company]. Before applying, I wanted to connect and learn more about what you're looking for in this role. My background in [relevant experience] seems closely aligned. Would love to connect!

Template 2: After Applying

Hi [Name], I recently applied for the [role] on your team and wanted to introduce myself. My [X years] of experience in [relevant area] and passion for [industry/mission] make this role exciting to me. I'd love to connect and learn more about your team.

Template 3: Exploratory

Hi [Name], I've been following [Company]'s work in [area] and am impressed by your team's accomplishments. As a [your title] specializing in [relevant area], I'd love to connect and stay informed about opportunities on your team.

Networking with Industry Experts

Template 1: Admirer Approach

Hi [Name], I've been following your work on [specific topic] and have learned a lot from your insights. Your [specific article/post/presentation] particularly resonated with me. I'd be honored to connect and continue learning from your expertise.

Template 2: Peer Connection

Hi [Name], As a fellow [profession/specialist], I've admired your approach to [specific topic]. I'm working on similar challenges at [your company] and would love to connect and potentially exchange ideas.

Template 3: Event Follow-up

Hi [Name], I attended your presentation at [event] on [topic] and found your insights on [specific point] particularly valuable. I'd love to connect and continue following your work. Thanks for sharing your expertise!

Alumni Networking

Template 1: Direct Alumni

Hi [Name], Fellow [University] alum here! I noticed you've built an impressive career in [industry]. I'm currently working in [your field] and always enjoy connecting with fellow [mascot/school nickname]. Go [team]!

Template 2: Same Program

Hi [Name], I saw that you also graduated from [University]'s [program name]. I'm currently [your situation] and am building my network in [industry]. Would love to connect with a fellow [program] grad!

Template 3: Career Guidance

Hi [Name], As a fellow [University] alum who's built a successful career in [industry], I'd love to connect. I'm [X years] into my career in [related field] and always appreciate connecting with alumni who've walked a similar path.

Connecting with Mutual Connections

Template 1: Reference the Connection

Hi [Name], I noticed we're both connected with [Mutual Connection]. [He/She/They] has spoken highly of you and your work in [area]. I'd love to expand my network with professionals in [industry]. Looking forward to connecting!

Template 2: Recommendation from Connection

Hi [Name], [Mutual Connection] suggested I reach out to you. [He/She/They] mentioned your expertise in [area] and thought we might have some professional overlap. Would love to connect!

Template 3: Multiple Mutual Connections

Hi [Name], I noticed we have several connections in common, including [Name 1] and [Name 2]. Given our shared network in [industry/field], I thought it would make sense to connect directly. Looking forward to it!

Connecting After Meeting Briefly

Template 1: Conference/Event

Hi [Name], Great meeting you at [event] yesterday! I enjoyed our conversation about [topic discussed]. I'd love to stay connected and continue the discussion. Let's keep in touch!

Template 2: Webinar/Virtual Event

Hi [Name], I really enjoyed your questions during [webinar/event]. Your point about [specific topic] got me thinking. I'd love to connect and potentially discuss further.

Template 3: Informal Introduction

Hi [Name], We met briefly at [location/occasion] through [mutual acquaintance]. I appreciated your insights on [topic] and would love to stay connected. Hope to chat more soon!

Reconnecting with Former Colleagues

Template 1: Direct Former Colleague

Hi [Name], I can't believe we haven't connected on here yet! I really enjoyed working with you at [Company] and have been following your career since then. Would love to officially connect and stay in touch.

Template 2: Different Department

Hi [Name], I don't think we worked together directly at [Company], but I've heard great things about your work in [department]. Now that I'm in [current situation], I'd love to expand my network with former [Company] colleagues.

Template 3: Career Update

Hi [Name], It's been a while since [Company]! I see you've moved into [their current role/company]—congratulations! I'm now [your situation] and thought this would be a good time to reconnect. Hope you're doing well!

Strategies for Specific Goals

Tailor your approach based on what you’re trying to achieve.

Building General Industry Presence

When you want to grow your network within your industry:

• Connect with people who post content you engage with
• Join industry groups and connect with active members
• Follow companies you admire and connect with their employees
• Attend virtual events and connect with speakers and attendees

Messaging focus: Shared interest in industry topics, mutual commitment to the field, genuine appreciation for their content or work.

Active Job Search

When you’re looking for opportunities:

• Prioritize recruiters specializing in your field
• Connect with hiring managers at target companies
• Build relationships with employees at companies you’re interested in
• Engage with job-posting content before sending requests

Messaging focus: Genuine interest in the company/role, relevant qualifications, non-desperate tone that shows value.

Seeking Mentorship

When you want guidance from experienced professionals:

• Identify people whose careers you admire
• Start by engaging with their content
• Be specific about why you admire their path
• Make requests clear but non-imposing

Messaging focus: Genuine admiration for their career, specific aspects you’d like to learn about, respect for their time.

Sales and Business Development

When you’re building prospect relationships:

• Focus on providing value first
• Avoid sales-heavy language in initial connections
• Research the prospect’s challenges before reaching out
• Connect as a peer, not a salesperson

Messaging focus: Industry insights, shared challenges, potential mutual benefit—NOT your product or service.

Research and Information Gathering

When you want to learn about industries, roles, or companies:

• Be transparent about your informational intentions
• Offer to share what you learn
• Respect that information is valuable
• Express genuine curiosity

Messaging focus: Specific questions or areas of interest, what you hope to learn, how you’ll use the information.

What to Avoid in Connection Messages

Certain approaches reduce acceptance rates and damage professional impressions.

Generic Messages

The default LinkedIn message—“I’d like to add you to my professional network”—tells recipients nothing about why they should connect. Always personalize.

Immediate Asks

Requesting something substantial in your first message—a job referral, sales meeting, or lengthy advice session—puts recipients off. Build the relationship first.

Avoid: “Hi! I’d like to connect and also ask if you’d be willing to refer me for the open position on your team?”

Long Messages

LinkedIn limits connection messages to 300 characters for a reason. Even if you had more space, busy professionals won’t read paragraphs from strangers. Be concise.

Obvious Flattery

Genuine compliments work, but excessive or insincere flattery feels manipulative. “Your profile is the most impressive I’ve ever seen” reads as desperate or dishonest.

Typos and Errors

In a brief message, errors stand out dramatically. Proofread carefully—mistakes suggest carelessness.

Vague Value Propositions

“I think we could help each other” without any specifics sounds like empty sales talk. If you mention mutual benefit, be at least somewhat specific.

Copy-Paste Evidence

If your message obviously applies to anyone—no specific details about the recipient—it looks mass-produced. Recipients can tell when you haven’t done your homework.

Desperate Tone

Messages that seem needy, overly apologetic, or excessively grateful (before they’ve even accepted) undermine your professional impression.

Avoid: “I know you’re very important and probably don’t have time to connect with someone like me, but I’d be so incredibly grateful if you’d consider accepting my request…”

Following Up After Connections

Getting connected is just the beginning.

Thank New Connections

When someone accepts your request, send a brief thank-you message:

Thanks for connecting, [Name]! I'm looking forward to following your work and staying in touch. If there's ever anything I can help with, don't hesitate to reach out.

Engage with Their Content

The easiest way to maintain connections is engaging with their posts:

• Like their updates
• Leave thoughtful comments
• Share their content with added insights

This keeps you visible without requiring direct messages.

Add Value Before Asking

Before requesting something from a connection, look for ways to provide value:

• Share relevant articles they might find useful
• Introduce them to helpful contacts
• Congratulate them on achievements
• Offer assistance with their publicly stated goals

Appropriate Follow-Up Timing

If you want to move from connection to conversation:

• Wait at least a few days after connecting
• Engage with their content first if possible
• Make requests clear, specific, and respectful of their time
• Accept that they may not respond

Building a Connection Strategy

Thoughtful networking involves more than random connections.

Define Your Goals

What are you trying to achieve through networking?

• Finding job opportunities
• Building industry expertise
• Expanding business relationships
• Learning about career paths
• Finding mentors

Your goals determine who to connect with and how to approach them.

Research Before Reaching Out

Before sending a request, review:

• Their current role and company
• Their career history
• Content they’ve posted
• Shared connections
• Common ground

This research informs your personalized message.

Quality Over Quantity

A smaller network of engaged connections is more valuable than thousands of random contacts. Focus on connections who might actually benefit from the relationship.

Track Your Outreach

Platforms like 0portfolio.com help you organize your professional networking efforts alongside your career documents, making it easier to track connections, follow-ups, and networking progress.

Be Patient

Networking is a long game. Don’t expect immediate returns from every connection. Relationships develop over time, and the benefits often come from unexpected sources months or years later.

Platform-Specific Tips

LinkedIn has specific features and norms to understand.

Character Limit

Connection messages are limited to 300 characters. Plan accordingly:

• Write your message first
• Edit ruthlessly
• Use contractions and concise phrasing
• Focus on the essential elements

Mobile vs. Desktop

LinkedIn behaves slightly differently on mobile and desktop. Always send connection requests from desktop if possible—the interface better supports personalized messages.

InMail vs. Connection Request

For people outside your network, you have two options:

• Connection request (free): Limited to 300 characters, recipient must accept to see your full profile
• InMail (Premium feature): Longer messages, doesn’t require connection, shows serious intent

For most purposes, connection requests work fine. InMail is useful for high-priority outreach where the extra length and premium signal matter.

Profile Before Message

Recipients will view your profile when deciding whether to accept. Ensure your profile is complete and professional before sending requests:

• Professional photo
• Compelling headline
• Complete summary
• Detailed experience section

Timing Considerations

The best times to send connection requests are typically:

• Tuesday through Thursday
• Morning or early afternoon in the recipient’s time zone
• Not during obvious vacation periods

This timing increases the chance your request is seen and considered, not lost in the weekend queue.

Templates for Challenging Situations

Some scenarios require extra care.

Connecting with VIPs or Executives

Hi [Name], I've been following [Company]'s innovation in [area] and found your recent [speech/article/interview] about [topic] particularly insightful. As someone building a career in [related field], I'd be honored to connect. I understand you're busy—I simply want to follow your continued leadership in [industry].

Connecting After Being Rejected for a Job

Hi [Name], Thank you for considering me for the [role] position. While I understand I wasn't the right fit this time, I'd love to stay connected and keep [Company] on my radar for future opportunities. I really appreciate the time you took in the process.

Connecting Without Any Obvious Reason

Hi [Name], I'm expanding my network with professionals in [industry/field] and came across your profile. Your experience at [company] and background in [area] caught my attention. I'd love to connect and potentially find ways our professional paths might intersect.

Reconnecting After Losing Touch

Hi [Name], I realized we'd lost touch since [circumstance]. Congratulations on your role at [company]! I've been [your update] and thought this would be a good time to reconnect. Hope all is well with you!

Connecting with Someone Who’s Connected to Everyone

Hi [Name], I know you probably receive countless connection requests given your network in [industry]. I'm reaching out specifically because [specific, genuine reason]. Even if we don't connect, I appreciate the work you do for our professional community.

Measuring Connection Success

Track your networking effectiveness.

Acceptance Rate

Monitor what percentage of your requests are accepted. A healthy rate is typically:

• 30-40%+ for personalized messages to relevant contacts
• Lower for cold outreach to executives or celebrities
• Higher for alumni, mutual connections, or post-event contacts

If your rate is below 20%, revisit your messaging approach.

Quality of Connections

Beyond acceptance, assess:

• Do connections engage with your content?
• Have any led to meaningful conversations?
• Have you received value from the network?
• Has anyone provided opportunities or introductions?

Network Growth Trajectory

Track your network size and composition:

• Total connections over time
• Connections by industry, role, or company
• Percentage who engage with your content

Long-Term Relationship Development

The best connections evolve into genuine professional relationships. Note which connections have led to:

• Informational conversations
• Job opportunities or referrals
• Business relationships
• Mentorship or guidance
• Friendship

Final Thoughts

LinkedIn connection messages are brief, but they set the tone for professional relationships. A thoughtful, personalized message—even in 300 characters—demonstrates the same communication skills, attention to detail, and genuine interest that make someone valuable to know professionally.

The templates in this guide provide starting points, but the most effective messages are those authentically tailored to each recipient. Take time to research the person you’re reaching out to, identify genuine common ground, and write a message that shows you understand who they are and why connecting makes sense for both of you.

Remember that networking is about building relationships, not collecting contacts. Quality matters more than quantity, and the messages you send today can open doors to opportunities months or years in the future. Invest in those messages accordingly.

Start with your immediate goals—whether job searching, building industry presence, or finding mentors—and systematically grow your network with intention. Over time, LinkedIn becomes not just a platform but a genuine professional community that supports your career growth.