LinkedIn networking etiquette: how to connect, ask and follow up without being pushy.
Networking on LinkedIn is the same as networking anywhere else, just in writing: be clear who you are, why you are reaching out and what small thing you are asking for, and respect the other person's time and privacy.
Send connection requests with a short personal note, give a reason for connecting, and do not pitch or ask for a job in the first message. Ask for something small and specific, such as advice on one question or a short call. Follow up once if there is no reply, thank people who help, and protect your own and others' privacy by not sharing contact details or private conversations.
How to network well on LinkedIn
- Start with people you know. Former colleagues, classmates and contacts respond more often than strangers.
- Write a short note. Who you are, why you are connecting and a reason specific to them.
- Do not pitch in the first message. Build the connection first; ask for a job or referral later, if at all.
- Make small, specific requests. One question, a short call or an introduction, never 'any opportunities'.
- Follow up once. If there is no reply after a week or two, one polite follow-up is enough.
- Respect privacy. Do not share someone's message, email or phone number without permission, and review what your own profile shows publicly.
Illustrative examples to adapt
Illustrative: every name, employer, school, date and number in these samples is fictional or a bracketed placeholder. Replace each bracket with your own true details; never copy a result you did not achieve.
Connection request note
When to use: Connecting with someone you have not met.
Hi [Name], I'm a [job title] working on [area]. I read your [post or work on topic] and found [specific point] useful. I'd be glad to connect.
Small request after connecting
When to use: Asking for advice.
Thanks for connecting, [Name]. I'm exploring [field or role] and have one question about [specific topic]. Would you be open to a short call in the next few weeks, or a quick reply here?
Thank-you after help
When to use: Closing the loop.
Thank you for [the advice or introduction], [Name]. I followed up on [what you did], and [outcome]. I appreciate your time.
Disclosure: TryHired makes HIRED, a paid job-search program, so we have a conflict of interest when we mention it. Every sample on this page is free to use without buying anything.
Do and don't
| Situation | Do | Don't |
|---|---|---|
| First message | Short note with a reason | Ask for a job. |
| Asking for help | One specific question | Send a list of requests. |
| No reply | One follow-up after a week or two | Message repeatedly. |
| Someone helps you | Thank them and report back | Disappear until you need something else. |
| Sharing information | Ask before forwarding | Post private messages or contact details. |
| Your own profile | Check what is public | Show your phone number or address. |
The same line, rewritten
Illustrative example with placeholders.
| Version | Example |
|---|---|
| Weak | Hi, I'm looking for a job in marketing. Can you refer me or let me know of any openings? |
| Strong | Hi [Name], I'm a [job title] moving into [field]. Your work on [topic] caught my eye. Could I ask you one question about [specific topic]? |
Why it matters: The weak message asks a stranger for a favour with no context. The strong one gives a reason and makes a small, answerable request.
Before you send it
- Every request includes a short personal note.
- You did not pitch in the first message.
- Requests are small and specific.
- You follow up once at most.
- You thank people and report back.
- You never share others' details without permission.
Mistakes to avoid
- Sending blank connection requests to strangers.
- Asking for a job or referral in the first message.
- Following up again and again.
- Copying the same long message to many people.
- Forwarding private messages without permission.
Build yours
Questions people ask
What is LinkedIn networking?
Should I add a note to LinkedIn connection requests?
How do I ask for a referral on LinkedIn?
How do I protect my privacy when networking on LinkedIn?
How this page is built
Written by Maid Dizdarevic, a career coach and 8x LinkedIn Top Voice. Advice is labelled as advice. Every sample uses a fictional person marked '(illustrative)' or a 'Your name' placeholder, and every employer, school, date and result is a bracketed placeholder for your own true details.
- What a specific employer screens for: always read the posting.
- Your results: we never invent numbers, and you should never copy a result you did not achieve.
- Outcomes: no resume, letter, profile or program can promise an interview or a job.
- TryHired editorial guidance by Maid Dizdarevic, career coach, Nov 4, 2026.