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LinkedIn Connection Requests

Add a note and personalize the connection.

Get Personal

As you build your connections on LinkedIn, it is important to customize your connection requests with a friendly note. People are much more likely to accept your request if you remind them how you met. Reference the templates in this article to get started.

Keep Reading to Learn:

  • Potential connections you can make on LinkedIn
  • The importance of personalizing a connection request note
  • Templates on different audiences
    • Including alumni, recruiters, referrals, and more

Connect with a New Colleague

After starting a new role (a job, an internship) you’ll be less familiar with your new coworkers.

Tip

Do research on each person and mention their projects, interests, strengths, etc. in your request. This will strengthen your relationships with those people and increase the likelihood they’ll accept your request.

New Colleague Request Example

Dear [FIRST NAME],

I’m so excited to join the product development department. The team’s innovation and commitment to always finding the best testing methodologies is one of the reasons I was drawn to work at Jones Wheeler. Looking forward to contributing.

Best,

[YOUR NAME]

Connect with Someone You Admire

While it’s intimidating, connecting with someone you admire and would like to learn from is a fantastic way to expand your knowledge, grow, and build your network.

Tip

Do your research (not just on LinkedIn!) Always mention why you’re reaching out (Would you like to have a career conversation? Stay up-to-date on their projects?) and express your gratitude.

Someone You Admire Request Example

Dear [FIRST NAME],

I’m a college senior interested in working in marketing. I’ve been following your work for Bryan & Associates, and it’s really impressed me. I particularly loved your recent campaign in The Atlantic. If you have 20 or so minutes, I’d love to hear more about how you started working in the field and what skills you believe are most relevant to the profession.

Thank you,

[YOUR NAME]

Connect with Someone You Met at an Event

Throughout your life you’ll attend many events – job fairs, networking events, presentations at club meetings, conferences, the list goes on. Don’t forget to follow up with these folks and connect with them on LinkedIn!

Tip

Remind them when and where you met, what you talked about, etc.

Someone You Met Request Example

Dear [FIRST NAME],

It was great speaking with you at the ESRI User Conference in San Diego last month. The mapping and charting work you do for airports sounded fascinating! I’d definitely like to stay up-to-date on your career.

Thank you,

[YOUR NAME]

Connect with a Recruiter

Recruiters tend to get dozens upon dozens of connection requests, so if you’re going to send one, you need to make it meaningful.

Tip

Mention what you have in common – whether it be a mutual connection, participation in a professional organization, membership in the same LinkedIn group, educational/work background, etc. If you don’t have anything in common, do your research and see what groups they’re a member of and join one of them.

Recruiter Request Example

Dear [FIRST NAME],

I found your profile on the Association of Professional Women page and wanted to reach out to discuss opportunities at Willard Johnson. I’m a social media strategist with six years of experience am currently seeking new opportunities. I’d love to chat about whether my background might be a fit for any of your openings, and I’d also be happy to connect you with others in my network.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

[YOUR NAME]

Connect with an Alumni

For the most part, people feel fondly about the educational institutions they’ve attended – from High School, to College/University, and beyond. Connecting with alumni is always a great way to expand your network.

Tip

Focus on appealing to their school spirit, and mention things you may have in common. (Like a major, club involvement, athletics, study abroad, etc.)

Alumni Request Example

Dear [FIRST NAME],

I see that you graduated from my current university, the University of St. Thomas – Go Tommies! I’m an aerospace engineering major and would be excited to hear more about your work with NASA. If you have 30 or so minutes to chat, I’d love to hear more about how you started working in the field and what skills you believe are most relevant to the profession.

Thank you,

[YOUR NAME]

Connect with a Referral

Upon occasion, a person you already know may suggest someone else you should talk to or connect with. This is called getting a referral.

Tip

When connecting with the new person, be sure to mention your mutual connection, and why they referred you.

Referral Request Example

Dear [FIRST NAME],

I was recently speaking with Jabari Jones at Willard Smith and he suggested I contact you! I’m a journalism major at the University of St. Thomas and am particularly interested to hear more about your work with The New York Times. If you have 30 or so minutes to chat, I’d love to hear more about how you started working in the field and what skills you believe are most relevant to the profession.

Thank you,

[YOUR NAME]

Next Steps

  • Draft a few messages and spell-check
  • Get on LinkedIn and start networking!!

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