After analyzing thousands of LinkedIn connection messages, the pattern is clear: most fail because they're either empty (no note) or generic ("I'd love to connect"). The best LinkedIn connection request messages have two things in common: something specific about the recipient's work and a clear reason to connect that isn't just "I want a job." Here's the framework and 12 connection message examples that work.
- Why most LinkedIn connection messages get ignored (the 3 patterns that fail)
- The 2 elements every accepted connection request had in common
- How to write a LinkedIn connection request message that gets accepted
- 12 connection message examples for different situations
- LinkedIn connection message best practices (and the character limit)
- How to reach out to hiring managers on LinkedIn after they accept
Quick Answers
How do I write a LinkedIn connection request message to a hiring manager?
Be specific and be curious. Reference something real about their work, role, or content. Ask a question or mention a genuine reason to connect—not just 'I'd love to pick your brain.' Keep it under the 300-character limit.
How do I reach out to a hiring manager on LinkedIn?
Send a personalized connection request with a note. Reference something specific about their work or content, express genuine curiosity, and avoid immediately asking for a job. After they accept, send a message to your new connection within 48 hours.
What is the LinkedIn connection message character limit?
LinkedIn connection request notes are limited to 300 characters. This forces you to be concise—every word matters. Focus on one specific thing about them and one reason to connect.
Should I mention that I applied for a job in my connection request?
You can, but don't lead with it. Lead with something specific about their work, then briefly mention you applied. End with a question about the team or role—not 'please look at my resume.'
A typical hiring manager receives over 100 LinkedIn connection requests per month and accepts roughly 10-15%. Most get ignored for the same three reasons. A few stand out immediately—and they all have two things in common.
Here's what separates the requests that get accepted from the ones that don't—and 12 LinkedIn connection message examples you can adapt for your own outreach.
The 3 patterns that get instantly declined
These are the messages that go straight to "Ignore":
Pattern 1: No note at all
- Just clicking 'Connect' without any message
- Forces the recipient to guess why you want to connect
- Feels lazy—if you can't write two sentences, why should they bother?
About 60% of connection requests have no note at all. These aren't necessarily bad candidates—they just make it too easy to ignore them. A note, even a short one, increases acceptance rates dramatically.
Pattern 2: The generic 'connector'
- 'I came across your profile and would love to connect'
- 'I'm expanding my network with professionals in [industry]'
- 'Let's connect and see if we can help each other'
These messages are so common they're meaningless. They could be sent to anyone. Hiring managers think: "This person is bulk-messaging. They didn't take time to learn anything about me. Why should they be special to me?"
Pattern 3: The immediate pitch
- 'I applied for [Role] and I'm the perfect candidate because...'
- 'I'd love to work for [Company]. Here's why you should hire me...'
- 'I noticed you're hiring. Please consider my application'
This is the most frustrating pattern. You're essentially asking hiring managers to do something (review your application, expedite your candidacy) before any relationship exists. It's transactional and presumptuous. Even if you're qualified, this approach turns people off.
Failed requests share one trait: they make connecting about what you want, without showing genuine interest in them.
The 2 elements every accepted request has in common
The messages that get accepted all share two characteristics:
Something specific about the recipient
Not just "I love your company" but "I read your post about managing remote teams last week—the point about async communication resonated."
Specificity proves you did homework. It flatters the recipient (genuinely). It signals you're thoughtful.
A clear reason that wasn't 'I want something from you'
The best requests positioned the connection as mutually interesting—not just job-seeker to hiring manager.
- "I'm exploring [space] and would love to follow your perspective"
- "We share a connection with [name]—thought we might find common ground"
- "Your team's work on [project] is fascinating—I'm curious to learn more about the approach"
The formula: Specific + Curious. Show you know something about them, and express genuine curiosity—not just job interest.
How to write a LinkedIn connection request message
Here's the "Specific + Curious" framework for writing a connection message that gets accepted:
Open with something specific (1 sentence)
Reference a post they wrote, a project they worked on, a talk they gave, or even just their career path. Make it clear you're not bulk-messaging.
Examples:
- "Your post on hiring for potential over credentials really resonated."
- "I saw your team just shipped [feature]—congrats."
- "We have 4 mutual connections at [Company]—thought we might have overlapping circles."
Add curiosity or connection (1 sentence)
Either ask a soft question or explain why you're interested—without making it about getting a job.
Examples:
- "I'm curious how you approach [aspect of their work]."
- "Your path from [A] to [B] is something I'm thinking about for myself."
- "Would love to follow your perspective on [topic]."
Optional: Light context (1 sentence max)
If you've applied or have a specific reason for reaching out, you can mention it—briefly. But don't lead with it.
Example:
- "I just applied for the [Role] on your team—excited about the mission."
LinkedIn connection notes have a 300-character limit. This is non-negotiable—LinkedIn will cut you off mid-sentence. Write your message, count the characters, and cut ruthlessly until it fits.
12 connection message examples for different situations
Here are LinkedIn connection message templates organized by context. Adapt these examples—don't copy verbatim.
Message to hiring manager after applying for job on LinkedIn
Hi [Name] — I just applied for the [Role] on your team. Your point about [specific from JD or their content] stood out—it's exactly how I approach [work]. Would love to follow your team's progress. [Your Name]
Hi [Name] — I applied for [Role] and noticed we both came from [industry/company]. I'm curious how that background shaped your approach at [Company]. Either way, would be great to connect. [Your Name]
Don't ask them to do anything (review your app, expedite your candidacy). Just express interest and curiosity. Let the connection develop naturally.
Before any job is posted (the long game)
Hi [Name] — Your post on [topic] hit home. I've been thinking about [related challenge] and your perspective shifted mine. Would love to follow along. [Your Name]
Hi [Name] — [Company]'s approach to [specific thing] is the most interesting I've seen in the space. As someone in [your field], I'd love to follow your team's work. [Your Name]
Hi [Name] — I noticed you moved from [A] to [B]—I'm exploring a similar path. Your journey is inspiring. Would be great to connect. [Your Name]
Through a mutual connection (leverage correctly)
Hi [Name] — We're both connected with [mutual connection]. I've been following your work on [topic]—[one specific thing you noticed]. Thought we might have overlapping interests. [Your Name]
Hi [Name] — [Mutual connection] mentioned you're doing interesting work on [topic]. I'm in [your area] and found [specific detail] fascinating. Would love to learn more. [Your Name]
Alumni or shared background
Hi [Name] — Fellow [School] alum here. Your path from [major/early career] to [current role] is something I'm thinking about. Would be great to connect with someone who's been there. [Your Name]
Hi [Name] — I saw you spent time at [Previous Company]—I was there too [timeframe/team]. Always good to connect with fellow alumni. [Your Name]
LinkedIn connection message to unknown person (cold outreach)
These templates work when you're reaching out to someone you don't know and have no mutual connections with—a true cold message on LinkedIn.
Hi [Name] — I work in [your area] and have been following [Company]'s approach to [topic]. Your team's work on [specific] is the benchmark I point to. Would love to stay connected. [Your Name]
Hi [Name] — I caught your talk at [Event] on [topic]. The point about [specific insight] stuck with me. Would be great to connect. [Your Name]
Hi [Name] — Your writing on [platform] about [topic] has shaped how I think about [your work]. Curious how you developed that perspective. Would love to follow along. [Your Name]
LinkedIn message to new connection: what to do after they accept
Getting accepted is step one. What happens next determines whether the connection has value. Your message to a new connection on LinkedIn sets the tone for the entire relationship.
Send a thank-you message (within 24-48 hours)
Keep it brief. Acknowledge the connection and add one thing of value.
Thanks for connecting, [Name]. [One sentence referencing what you mentioned in your connection request, or a recent post they made]. I'd love to hear about [specific question]—or happy to share thoughts on [something you can offer]. Either way, looking forward to following your work.
DON'T immediately pitch yourself
This is the most common mistake. The moment someone accepts, they get:
"Thanks for connecting! I'm actually looking for roles and would love if you could take a look at my profile..."
This feels like bait-and-switch. You asked to connect for one reason; now you're asking for favors. It erodes trust.
DO continue the conversation naturally
Ask a question. Share a relevant article. Comment on their recent post. Build the relationship before asking for anything.
The connection is the beginning, not the goal. Use it to start a conversation, not to extract value.
The follow-up that turns a connection into a conversation
If you want to eventually talk about job opportunities, you need to build toward it. Here's a natural arc:
Week 1: Engage with their content
Like and thoughtfully comment on one of their posts. This keeps you visible without asking for anything.
Week 2: Share something relevant
DM them an article, tool, or insight related to something they posted about. "Saw this and thought of your point about [topic]."
Week 3-4: Ask a thoughtful question
If they've been responsive, you can ask a genuine question about their work, their team, or their company. Not "can I interview for a job" but "I'm curious how your team approaches [challenge]."
When timing is right: Mention your interest
After real interaction: "I've really enjoyed these exchanges. If there's ever an opportunity on your team that fits my background, I'd love to be considered. Either way, grateful for the connection."
This timeline is a guide, not a script. Some hiring managers engage actively on LinkedIn; others rarely check messages. Read the room—if someone's responsive, move faster. If they're not, don't force it. Not every connection becomes a conversation, and that's fine.
The people who get hiring managers' attention aren't the ones asking for jobs. They're the ones who add value first—then, when they mention they're looking, hiring managers are already inclined to help.
LinkedIn connection message best practices (and mistakes to avoid)
Follow these best practices for LinkedIn connection messages—and avoid the common mistakes that get you ignored.
Connection request mistakes
- Sending the same template to 50 people—it's obvious and off-putting
- Mentioning you're 'open to opportunities' in the connection note—save that for later
- Exceeding the 300-character limit—your message will get cut off
- Being too formal—LinkedIn is professional but conversational
- Not sending a note at all—you're just making it easy to ignore
Follow-up mistakes
- Immediately asking them to review your application or profile
- Sending your resume unsolicited
- Following up repeatedly if they don't respond to messages
- Being pushy about setting up calls—let it develop naturally
LinkedIn connection message best practices
- 1Always send a note—blank requests get ignored
- 2Avoid generic messages that could apply to anyone
- 3Use the 'Specific + Curious' formula: something about them + genuine interest
- 4Stay within the 300-character limit—every word counts
- 5Don't lead with 'I applied for your role'—build relationship first
- 6Send a message to new connections within 48 hours of acceptance
- 7Only mention job interest after establishing real rapport
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LinkedIn connection request message character limit?
LinkedIn connection notes are limited to 300 characters. This is a hard limit—if you exceed it, your message will be cut off. Write concisely: one specific thing about them, one reason to connect.
Should I send a connection request before or after I apply?
Either can work. Before: you might get intel that helps your application. After: you have a concrete reason to mention ('I just applied'). Don't overthink it—what matters is the quality of your connection message, not the timing.
How do I send a cold message to a recruiter on LinkedIn?
Recruiters expect job-related outreach, so you can be more direct than with hiring managers. Reference a specific role they posted, mention your relevant experience briefly, and ask if they're open to connecting. Personalization still matters—avoid generic 'I'm looking for opportunities' messages.
What if the hiring manager doesn't accept my connection request?
Don't take it personally. Many people are selective about connections, especially with strangers. Your application will still be reviewed through normal channels. You can try following them instead—that's less intrusive and keeps you visible.
How long should I wait before following up if they don't respond to a message?
Give it a week. Then one polite bump: 'Just wanted to make sure this didn't get buried—no worries if you're busy!' If still nothing, let it go. Not everyone responds, and that's okay.
What should I say in a LinkedIn message to someone I don't know?
When sending a connection message to an unknown person, specificity is everything. Reference something real—a post they wrote, a project they worked on, or a mutual connection. Explain why you want to connect in a way that isn't just 'I want a job.' Keep it under 300 characters.
What about LinkedIn Premium or InMail?
Connection requests often outperform InMails for job seekers. InMails can feel transactional ('this person paid to reach me'). A well-crafted connection request message is free and often more effective.
Researching Job Market & Building AI Tools for Job Seekers since December 2020