LinkedIn Networking: How to Connect With People You Don't Know (Without Being Awkward)

Why Most LinkedIn Connection Requests Get Ignored

The default LinkedIn connection request says "I'd like to add you to my professional network." That's it. It tells the recipient nothing about you, why you want to connect, or what's in it for them.

Result: most generic requests get ignored.

Here's how to send connection requests that get accepted.

The Golden Rule of LinkedIn Networking

Always give before you ask. Before reaching out cold, try:

• Commenting meaningfully on their posts (multiple times over a few weeks)
• Sharing their content with commentary
• Referencing something specific about their work

This warms up the connection before you make it formal.

How to Write a Connection Request People Accept

Always add a note (yes, it's worth the extra 5 minutes).

A good connection note:

• Is under 300 characters (LinkedIn's limit)
• Mentions a specific reason you want to connect
• References something you have in common or admire
• Doesn't pitch anything

Bad: "Hey, I'd love to connect and share some exciting opportunities with you."

Good: "Hi Sarah, I really enjoyed your piece on remote team management — the point about async communication resonated with me. I'm a PM working on similar challenges and would love to stay connected."

Connection Request Templates by Situation

After meeting at an event: "Hi [Name], great meeting you at [event]. Your talk on [topic] was insightful — I'd love to stay connected and continue the conversation."

Reaching out to someone at a target company: "Hi [Name], I've been following [Company]'s work in [space] and am really impressed by [specific thing]. I'm exploring opportunities in [field] and would love to connect."

Reaching out to an alumni connection: "Hi [Name], fellow [University] alum here — I graduated in [year] with a degree in [field]. Your career path in [industry] is something I'd love to learn more about. Hope to connect!"

Reaching out to a potential mentor: "Hi [Name], I've been following your insights on [topic] for months — your post about [specific post] changed how I approach [thing]. I'm early in my career in [field] and would be grateful to connect."

Use our Connection Request Generator to create personalized requests in seconds.

After They Accept: The Follow-Up Message

Most people connect and then... nothing. Use this moment.

Send a warm follow-up within 24 hours: "Thanks for connecting, [Name]! I'd love to hear more about [specific aspect of their work]. Would you be open to a 15-20 minute call sometime this month?"

Not everyone will say yes. But some will. And those conversations can change your career.

Free Networking Tools

• Connection Request Generator — Craft personalized requests
• Message Generator — Write follow-up messages
• InMail Generator — Send premium InMail messages
• Thank You Message Generator — Follow up after meetings

Generate your connection request →