LinkedIn Guide · 8 min read · Updated 2026

LinkedIn Connection Request Templates That Get Accepted

The LinkedIn connection request note is a 300-character opportunity that most people waste. The default "I'd like to add you to my professional network" is the equivalent of a cold email that says "Hi" — it gives the recipient no reason to accept, and many don't.

A personalized connection note dramatically increases your acceptance rate. This guide covers the formula behind a great note and includes 10 copy-paste templates for the most common scenarios. For deeper networking strategy, see our guide on LinkedIn networking messages and our profile optimization tips to make sure your profile looks professional before you start reaching out.

The connection request formula (300 characters)

The biggest mistake people make is treating a connection request like a cover letter. It's not. It's a 50-word handshake. Be specific about why you chose this person, give one reason you're worth connecting with, and close gently. That's it.

10 copy-paste connection request templates

Template 1: Connecting with a recruiter (specific role)

Hi [Name], I saw you're recruiting for the [Job Title] role
at [Company]. I have [years] years of experience in
[relevant field] and I'm a big fan of your product. Would
love to connect!

Template 2: Connecting with a recruiter (general)

Hi [Name], I saw you recruit for [industry/field] roles
at [Company]. I'm a [your role] with [years] years of
experience in that space. I'd love to connect and stay
in touch about future opportunities!

Template 3: Connecting with a hiring manager

Hi [Name], I've been following [Company]'s work on
[specific project/product] and I'm really impressed. I'm
a [your role] with experience in [relevant area]. Would
love to connect and follow your work!

Template 4: Connecting with an alum from your school

Hi [Name], I see we both went to [University]! I'm
currently working as a [your role] and I'm always looking
to connect with fellow [University mascot/alumni]. Would
love to add you to my network!

Template 5: Connecting after a LinkedIn event or webinar

Hi [Name], I attended your talk at [event/webinar] and
really enjoyed your perspective on [specific topic they
discussed]. I work in [your field] and found your insights
directly relevant. Would love to connect!

Template 6: Connecting after they posted great content

Hi [Name], I really enjoyed your recent post about
[specific topic]. The point you made about [specific
insight] resonated with me — I deal with this in my work
as a [your role]. Would love to connect and follow your
content!

Template 7: Connecting with someone in your target company

Hi [Name], I'm a [your role] exploring opportunities at
[Company] — I've been following your team's work on
[specific project] and I'm really impressed. Would love
to connect and learn more about the culture there!

Template 8: Connecting with an industry peer

Hi [Name], I came across your profile while looking at
other [your field] professionals. We have similar
experience in [shared area] and I'd love to connect and
stay in touch. Always great to meet peers in the space!

Template 9: Connecting with a speaker or thought leader

Hi [Name], I read your article on [specific topic] and
it completely shifted how I think about [specific
concept]. I'm a [your role] working on [related area] and
your framework was incredibly helpful. Would love to
connect!

Template 10: Reconnecting with a former colleague

Hi [Name]! It's been a while since our days at
[Company]. I'm now working as a [your role] at [current
company]. Would love to reconnect and catch up on how
things are going on your end!

Connection request best practices

1. Always personalize. If your note could be sent to 100 different people without changing a word, it's not personalized. The templates above are starting points — fill in the specific details that show you chose this person for a reason.

2. Don't ask for a job in the connection request.The ask in a connection note should be "would you like to connect?" — nothing more. Once you're connected and they've accepted, you can send a longer message with a more specific ask. Asking for a job in a 300-character note from a stranger feels transactional and reduces acceptance rates.

3. Reference something specific. A post they wrote, a role they're hiring for, a shared alma mater, a mutual connection, a project their company is working on. Specificity proves you're not mass-sending requests.

4. Keep it under 300 characters. LinkedIn's hard limit is 300 characters for connection notes. Write your note, count the characters, and trim if needed. Shorter is fine — 150 characters of genuine personalization beats 300 characters of padding.

5. Make sure your profile is ready first. When someone receives your connection request, they click through to your profile before deciding. If your headline is generic and your About is blank, even a great note won't help. Start with our LinkedIn profile audit checklist to fix the basics.

Want to see exactly where your profile stands before you start networking? Get your free LinkedIn visibility score — paste your URL and get an instant 0–100 score with your top fixes. You can also check our guide on common LinkedIn profile mistakes to make sure your profile doesn't undermine your outreach.