LinkedIn connection request messages: short notes people actually accept.
A personal note on a connection request tells the other person why you want to connect. Keep it short, specific and free of asks; save requests for the message after they accept.
A good LinkedIn connection request message is one or two sentences: how you know them or why you are reaching out, plus one genuine, specific detail. Do not ask for a job or referral in the request. Once they accept, send a short follow-up message with your actual question. LinkedIn limits the length of invitation notes, so keep them brief.
5 copy-ready templates
Illustrative: names, companies, dates and numbers in these templates and examples are fictional. Replace every bracket with your own true details before you send anything.
Recruiter in your field
When to use: A recruiter who hires for roles like yours.
Hi [Name], I see you recruit for [function] roles at [Company]. I'm a [role] with experience in [area] and would love to connect.
Hiring manager
When to use: Someone who leads the team you want to join.
Hi [Name], I enjoyed your post about [topic]. I work in [field] and am interested in how your team approaches [area]. Would love to connect.
Alumni
When to use: Shared school or program.
Hi [Name], fellow [school] grad here. I'm exploring [field] and would love to connect and follow your work.
Someone you met
When to use: After an event, call or class.
Hi [Name], great meeting you at [event] and talking about [topic]. Let's stay in touch.
After they accept
When to use: Your real ask, in a separate message.
Thanks for connecting, [Name]. I'm exploring [type of role] and would really value 15 minutes of your perspective on [specific question]. Would you be open to a quick call in the next few weeks?
Disclosure: TryHired makes HIRED, a paid job-search program, so we have a conflict of interest when we mention it. Every template on this page is free to use without buying anything.
Note or no note?
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Recruiter or hiring manager | Always add a note. |
| Someone you met | Add a note within two days. |
| Stranger, no shared context | Find a genuine reason or don't connect yet. |
| Accepted | Follow up within a week with one specific ask. |
The same message, rewritten
Illustrative example with fictional details.
| Version | Example |
|---|---|
| Weak | I'd like to add you to my professional network. |
| Strong | Hi Jordan, I enjoyed your post about building a data team from scratch. I work in analytics and I'm interested in how your team approaches self-serve reporting. Would love to connect. |
Why it matters: The default message tells the other person nothing. A specific note shows you know who they are and gives them a reason to accept.
Mistakes to avoid
- Asking for a job or referral in the connection note.
- Sending a long pitch immediately after they accept.
- Copy-pasting the same note to dozens of people.
- Connecting with no profile photo or headline.
Write yours faster
Questions people ask
Should I add a note to a LinkedIn connection request?
How long can a LinkedIn connection note be?
Is it OK to ask for a referral after connecting?
Should I connect with recruiters even if I'm not job hunting?
How this page is built
Written by Maid Dizdarevic, a career coach and 8x LinkedIn Top Voice. The templates and timing guides are practical advice, labelled as advice. We do not publish response rates or success rates, and every example uses fictional details.
- How a specific employer or recruiter will respond: practices vary by company, industry and person.
- Legal advice: for contracts, severance releases or disputes, talk to an employment attorney or the relevant agency.
- Outcomes: no message, template or program can promise an interview or a job.
- TryHired editorial guidance by Maid Dizdarevic, career coach, Nov 2, 2026.