LinkedIn Connection Request Message Templates

20 templates across 5 scenarios. LinkedIn caps connection notes at 300 characters — every template below fits that limit with the fill-ins included. Replace anything in [brackets] before sending.

How to use these

• Personalize at minimum the first bracketed detail in every message — a name-only fill-in with nothing real behind it reads as templated and meaningfully cuts acceptance rate.
• Never pitch, sell, or mention your product in the connection note itself. Its only job is to get the click. Save the offer for later.
• Send between 8-10am or 4-6pm in the recipient's time zone — requests sent in these windows get seen same-day far more often than overnight sends.
• Cap yourself at 15-20 new requests per day. LinkedIn throttles and can restrict accounts that spike volume.

Scenario A — Mutual Connection (you share 1+ connections)

1. "Hi [First Name], I see we're both connected to [Mutual Name] — [he/she/they] mentioned you're doing great things in [space/role]. Would love to connect and swap notes on [topic]."
2. "Hi [First Name], [Mutual Name] speaks highly of you and suggested we connect given we're both focused on [shared area]. Open to connecting?"
3. "Hi [First Name], [Mutual Name] and I were just talking about [topic] and your name came up. Would be great to connect."
4. "Hi [First Name], noticed [Mutual Name] is in both our networks — always good to expand the circle with people working in [industry]. Let's connect."

Scenario B — Content Engagement (they posted, commented, or liked something relevant)

1. "Hi [First Name], really enjoyed your post on [topic] — particularly the point about [specific detail]. Would love to stay connected."
2. "Hi [First Name], your comment on [Poster]'s post about [topic] was spot on. Connecting with people who think that way about [topic]."
3. "Hi [First Name], you've been posting some sharp takes on [topic] lately — the one on [specific post] stuck with me. Let's connect."
4. "Hi [First Name], I follow your writing on [topic] — curious how you're seeing [trend] play out at [Company]. Would love to connect."

Scenario C — Cold, No Warm Path

1. "Hi [First Name], I work with [role/title]s in [industry] on [specific problem]. Not pitching anything — just want to connect and follow your work at [Company]."
2. "Hi [First Name], came across your profile researching [role] leaders in [industry] — solid path from [Prior Company] to [Company]. Would like to connect."
3. "Hi [First Name], I help [persona] tackle [specific pain point] and like connecting with people doing that work firsthand. Open to connecting?"
4. "Hi [First Name], [Company]'s work in [space] caught my eye — specifically [detail]. Would like to add you to my network."

Scenario D — Post-Event (met, or attended the same session)

1. "Hi [First Name], great meeting you at [Event Name] — enjoyed our chat about [topic discussed]. Let's stay connected."
2. "Hi [First Name], I was at your session on [topic] at [Event Name] — the point about [detail] landed well. Would love to connect."
3. "Hi [First Name], we were both at [Event Name] this week. Didn't get to meet in person, but wanted to connect given our shared interest in [topic]."
4. "Hi [First Name], following up after [Event Name] — you mentioned [detail] in the Q&A and I'd love to hear more. Let's connect."

Scenario E — Trigger Event (new role, promotion, funding, expansion)

1. "Hi [First Name], congrats on the move to [New Role] at [Company] — exciting step. Would love to connect as you settle in."
2. "Hi [First Name], saw the news about [Company]'s [funding round/expansion/launch] — congrats to the team. Would like to connect."
3. "Hi [First Name], congrats on the promotion to [New Title]. Well earned. Would love to stay connected as your remit grows."
4. "Hi [First Name], noticed [Company] just [trigger event — e.g. opened a new office / hit a milestone] — big moment. Would love to connect."

After they accept — the 3-message rule

Do not pitch in the connection note. Once accepted, wait 24-48 hours, then send a short, no-ask value message (1-2 sentences plus a question). Only introduce your offer in message 3, and only if they've engaged with messages 1 and 2.