LinkedIn Connection Message: 20 Templates With Up To 78% Acceptance Rate

A well-crafted LinkedIn Connection Message can make a busy decision-maker choose to connect with you over 50 other pending Connection Requests they received that day. 

Our Sales and Marketing teams have been testing this out firsthand ever since the very beginnings of Skylead. 

That’s why, in today’s blog, we’re sharing with you all you need to know about LinkedIn Connection Requests and 20 LinkedIn Connection Message templates based on the principles our teams still apply to stand out in the platform users’ busy inboxes and get to the most qualified leads for our business. 

However, before you start your outreach, have in mind that 98% of sales representatives with more than 5,000 LinkedIn connections mostly surpass their selling quotas.

To get connections, think about these 2 things. 

• Earn an all-star LinkedIn profile status. LinkedIn members who complete their profile (even better if by the rules of LinkedIn SEO) get accepted more often, and rank higher up in the LinkedIn search results.

• Put extra effort into writing LinkedIn Connection Messages. Copy-paste or get inspired by the 20 LinkedIn Connection Message templates below. 

LinkedIn Connection Request

First things first, let’s talk about different types of LinkedIn connections. 

• 1st-degree connections are LinkedIn users that are already part of your network. Reach them out via LinkedIn messages.
• 2nd-degree connections are LinkedIn members that are connected with your 1st-degree connections. 
• 3rd-degree connections are LinkedIn members connected with your 2nd-degree connections. 

LinkedIn encourages you to connect with your 2nd-degree connections through Connection Requests, and with your 3rd-degree ones via LinkedIn InMails. To know more about LinkedIn InMails, check out our complete guide on how LinkedIn InMail works and LinkedIn InMail examples.

How to send a LinkedIn Connection Request

If you’ve done prospecting on LinkedIn and applied filters and wish to connect with someone from the Search Results page, this is how you do it. 

Click on the Connect button in the right corner of the member’s LinkedIn profile section. 

OR

Open the LinkedIn member’s profile. Click Connect. 

How to cancel a pending LinkedIn Connection Request

If you wish to cancel a pending LinkedIn Connection Request Message, this is how you do it. 

Click My Network on your LinkedIn profile home page. 

Choose Manage.

Choose Sent and the Withdraw option that’s next to the LinkedIn member’s name.

If you cancel a pending LinkedIn Connection Request, you won’t be able to send it again to the same member for the following 3 weeks. 

LinkedIn Connection Message Guidelines

It takes only a few people to deny your LinkedIn Connection Request and click I don’t know this person for you to be flagged on LinkedIn. 

Following the below-listed guidelines when sending Connection Messages on LinkedIn not only improves your acceptance rates but saves you from ending with a LinkedIn restriction. 

• Look for common ground.
  
  Mentioning any common ground that you might have with a lead with whom you are trying to connect turned out to be a positive practice. It could be a community you both belong to, a shared interest, school, industry, or even the same point of view on a specific topic.

• Stay professional. 
  
  Reach out to other members with the goal of professional networking. Avoid making personal references or giving compliments that are not business-related or argued.

• Personalize your LinkedIn Connection Message.
  
  Addressing your lead by name is a must. Then, any other detail that you can mention by its name such as – the company name, the exact job title, set of skills, or job description shows that you did your research. The more you know about your lead, the higher the chances of getting accepted on LinkedIn and turning that lead into your customer.
  
  
• No generic nor irrelevant LinkedIn Connection Messages.
  
  Even a blank LinkedIn Connection Request is better than I’d like to add you to my network.
  
  Also, it’s hard that a pharmaceutical sales representative is interested to read your article on SEO optimization. Know to whom you are talking.
  
  
• Be clear about your intention to connect or create a good hook.
  
  Whether you wish to expand your network, learn more about their work, or talk about a potential collaboration, try to make it clear in your LinkedIn Connection Message. Or, try to create a hook that can be a conversation starter in the desired direction once you get accepted.

• Avoid selling straight out the gate.
  
  Even if they need and like your product or service, no one will purchase anything without any additional info, chat, or call. 

LinkedIn Connection Message: 20 Templates With Up To 78% Acceptance Rate

Creating a quality personalized LinkedIn Connection Message can be time-consuming at the beginning. But, trust us, the result is pretty rewarding. 

Once you get used to the principles of writing in a compelling, LinkedIn-friendly way, your LinkedIn outreach will become a much more enjoyable experience. 

Also, don’t be afraid to take chances. Get creative, come up with something different, and test it out until you get the results that you want. 

#1 Connect with a member with a mutual connection  

Template

Hello {{firstName}},

I noticed that you are connected with {{mutualConnection}}.

{{mutualConnection}} and I worked together at {{company}}. I really loved {{whatYouLovedAboutMutualConnection}}.

I see that we are both in the {{industry}} industry and would love to have you in my network. 

Example

This template works because:

• You are making a reference to a mutual connection. The mutual connection should be someone you know, not a random virtual connection. 
• There is some kind of bond between you two. In this case, you work in the same or similar industries. You can mention something else that you have in common. 
• You are making a hook to continue a conversation. Continue talking about the mutual connection or the thing that you have in common. 

#2 Recruiter to a potential candidate 

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

It seems that you’ve been a great addition to your team at {{company}}. Way to go! 

I would like to talk to you about a business opportunity. 

But, even if you’re not interested, it would be great to have you as part of my network!

Example

OR 

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

I am reaching out to you for your vast experience as a {{occupation}}.

{{company}} is currently searching for a {{position}}.

If this sounds interesting to you, let’s connect. 

Example 

These templates work because: 

• You pinpointed and complimented a concrete accomplishment or a role that this person has at a specific company based on their job description or their other activity on LinkedIn (posts, content, or comments on other people’s posts). 
• Showing a clear intent for connecting is usually good practice and results in the member accepting your Connection Request even if not interested.  
• You take the pressure off with the last sentence where you express an honest intent to be part of someone’s network independently from the outcome (in the first template).

#3 Reaching out to a recruiter 

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

I saw that you are a recruiter at {{company}}.

I am a {{occupation}} with {{number}} years of experience in the {{industry}} industry, currently seeking new opportunities.

I’d like to connect and chat to see if my background fits any of your openings. 

Example 

OR 

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

I see that you’re the recruiter in charge of the {{occupation}} position at {{company}}. 

I am very interested in applying but would like to ask you a few questions first. 

Let’s connect. 

Example 

These templates work because:

• They are showing a clear intention of the person sending them.
• You included relevant details regarding your background that serve as a hook for later conversations.
• The recruiter might tell you straight up if there’s an opening or not. However, you will most likely connect and they will remember you once the position that fits your background opens up. 

#4 LinkedIn Connection Message that leads to a collaboration proposal

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

I am a long admirer of your work. 

I followed your advice regarding {{topic}} that you shared {{where}}. {{achievedResult}}.

Thank you once again! 

Would love to connect! 

Example 

This template works because:

• It shows that you know the person’s work. 
• Everyone enjoys genuine compliments. 
• They will feel valued and good for helping you.
• You wrote a good hook to continue the conversation in the direction of potential collaboration if that was your initial intent (or any other).

#5 Connect with a member of the community

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

Your post in {{mutualCommunity}} was quite insightful. 

I particularly liked the part where you said {{quote}}. 

I would like to discuss it further with you. Let’s connect. 

Example 

OR 

Template

Hello {{firstName}}, 

I saw that you are also a member of {{mutualGroup}}.

I would love to connect with you since we both work in the {{industry}} industry.

Example 

These templates work because:

• You are making a concrete reference to the community that you’re both members of. This indicates that you are most likely from the same or similar industry or have shared interests. 
• Everyone likes compliments. 
• It also indicates that you have a topic in common and that you can continue the conversation once you connect. 

#6 Approach on LinkedIn someone you met at an event 

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

It was great speaking to you at the {{eventName}} {{when}}. 

What you do at {{currentCompany}} sounded fascinating and it totally inspired me! 

I’d definitely like to stay up-to-date with your work.

Thank you in advance for connecting!

Example 

This template works because: 

• They will feel honored to hear that you remembered them and what you spoke about.
• You made a reference to a concrete event.
• They will feel admired. Everyone likes genuine compliments.
• You probably work in the same or similar industries since you’ve attended the same event and could mutually benefit from the connection. 

#7 Send a LinkedIn Connection Request to a LinkedIn event attendee

Template 

Hello {{firstName}}, 

I saw that you too attended the {{eventName}} LinkedIn event. 

Learning {{what}} was particularly useful for my business. 

Anyways, I would love to connect and exchange feedback on the event. 

Example 

This template works because: 

• You made a reference to an event you both attended.
• There is a concrete reference to something that you found useful regarding the LinkedIn event. 
• Having attended the same event implies that you have an interest or topic in common to continue the conversation.

Reaching out to LinkedIn event attendees is one of the industry leaders’ top strategies for finding qualified leads. 

Several months ago, we wrote a complete guide on why you should target members that attended the same event as you did.

LinkedIn itself made changes to the entire event concept to facilitate networking and connecting among the members that are attending the event. 

You can check out the complete guide here. 

#8 Reach out to an author of a LinkedIn article or post

Template 

Hi {{firstName}},

I came across your LinkedIn article on {{topic}}. 

I really resonated with your thoughts on {{topic}}.

I’d love to keep in touch and learn more about your work. 

Example 

This template works because: 

• It shows that you know someone’s work. People like to know that their content was useful to someone. 
• There is a concrete reference on what exactly you liked and what resonated with you. 
• You can continue discussing the same topic once connected. 

#9 Use industry humor or a joke in your LinkedIn Connection Message

Approaching a LinkedIn member with a humorous LinkedIn Connection Message turned out to be quite a success. 

Everyone likes a good joke and a lighthearted approach, even in professional settings. 

We actually dedicated an entire blog to using humor in outreach and collected 35+ industry jokes that you can use or get inspired by for your LinkedIn Connection Message.

Template 

Hi {{firstName}},

How many therapists does it take to change a light bulb? 

Just one – but the light bulb has to really want to change.

Jokes aside, I would love to connect!

Example 

OR (something as silly as this) 

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

I noticed we both breathe oxygen. 

Sounds like a perfect fit to me, let’s connect! 

Example 

These templates work because: 

• As mentioned earlier, everyone likes a lighthearted and humorous approach. 
• You’re likely to work in the same industry, or you had to check your lead’s industry before deciding on what joke to send, so you did some research.  

#10 Connect with a previous colleague 

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

Remember me?

We used to work together at {{company}} back in {{year}}.

Let’s connect and catch up, I would love to hear how it is going at {{currentCompany}}! 

Example 

OR 

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

It was such a pleasure working with you at {{company}} back in {{year}}. 

Let’s connect! I would like to hear what you’ve been up to professionally since. 

Example 

These templates work because: 

• You are making a reference to something that you have in common. Even if you haven’t met or worked directly together, the previous company is a shared experience in a way. 
• You are showing genuine interest in how your former colleague is doing at their new work or how they’ve been since leaving the company. 

#11 Connect with a colleague 

If a company is really big, it’s hard to know everyone you’re working with. 

However, connecting with colleagues is a good practice for expanding your network on LinkedIn. 

Remember that they also might have some interesting connections and you never know to whom they could get you introduced. 

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

Good news travels fast! I heard about you {{achievement}}. Great job! 

Anyways, I am {{yourName}} from the {{department}} team and would love to connect! 

Example 

This template works because: 

• Everyone likes a genuine compliment especially if the news of their great work travels a bit further than their department. 
• You said something about yourself at the end. If you’re working in a big company, don’t assume that they know who you are. Nothing personal. 

#12 Connect with a former alumnus

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

I see that we graduated from the same university. Go {{school’sSportsTeam}}! 🙂

I would like to connect and learn more about your experience at {{company}}. 

I myself majored in {{major}} and currently work in the {{industry}} industry. 

Example 

This template works because: 

• Recalling college days warms everyone’s hearts.  
• It shows that you’ve checked their LinkedIn profile. 
• After connecting, you can start a conversation in a business direction. See what they’re up to professionally. Later, you can even check their connections and ask to be introduced to someone interesting in your business.

#13 Send a Connection Request to someone who reacted to your or someone else’s LinkedIn post

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

I saw that you are also a fan of {{name}}’s content and just wanted to connect with you. 

Example 

 

OR

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

I saw that you also liked {{Name}}’s post on {{topic}}. I am a big fan of his/her work. 

His/her advice worked well for me!  

Anyways, I would love to connect and maybe even discuss it further. 

Example 

This template works because: 

• There is a concrete reference to a topic or person of your interest.
• You have something in common and could continue the conversation after you’ve connected. 
• There’s a great chance that you work in similar industries or shared interests that you can bond over taking into consideration that you follow the same person and like their content. 

#14 Connect with a member who asked a question in the post comment

Template 

Hi {{firstName}},

I saw that you commented on {{name}}’s post about {{topic}} and asked {{question}}. 

I would like to connect and share some resources with you that could be helpful. 

Example 

This template works because: 

• You are reaching out with a concrete reference to someone’s comment or question.
• This is a great way to guide a back-and-forth conversation and find out more about the lead’s problems, needs, and doubts. 
• You are offering to help the lead on a certain matter.

Summary 

These simple, yet impactful LinkedIn Connection Messages are proven to help you stand out from the crowd and send requests that get accepted. 

Ok, so your Connection Request went through. Now what? 

Here are sales templates for starting conversations with members you don’t know on LinkedIn, and our sales book in which we gathered sales templates used by our Sales Team to level up Skylead can help you out in your outreach. 

Both are valuable resources for those who need ready-to-use sales templates for LinkedIn Connection Messages, InMails, LinkedIn Messages, Emails, entire sequences, and outreach strategies. 

Last but not least, if you want to speed up the process of expanding your network or generating leads, test out Skylead 7 days for free.