LinkedIn connection request messages: 15 short notes that get accepted

What to write in a LinkedIn connection request note — to recruiters, people you met, potential clients, alumni and strangers — with 15 short examples.

AI Reply Writer Team10 October 2026

You, to Maria: “Great talking after the panel yesterday!” — reply: “Thanks for connecting — I enjoyed it too, Maria.”

In short

A good LinkedIn connection note says who you are, why you are connecting with this person in particular, and nothing else. Keep it to one or two sentences, mention something specific — where you met, their post, a shared group — and do not pitch in the request. Save the ask for the first message after they accept.

Do you need a note at all?

For people who already know you, a request without a note is fine. For everyone else, a note is what separates you from a stranger. LinkedIn limits how long the note can be, and free accounts can only add a limited number of personalised notes each month — so spend them on the people where context matters most.

Every example below is under 200 characters, which keeps it short enough for any account type.

The three-part note

Their name. Always.
The reason. Where you met, what you read, what you have in common.
A light close. "Would be great to connect." No ask yet.

15 connection request examples

People you have met

After an event

Hi Maria, great talking with you after the pricing panel at SaaS Summit yesterday. Would love to stay in touch.

After a meeting or call

Hi James, thanks for the call today about the Q1 campaign. Connecting here so we can stay in touch.

A new colleague

Hi Aisha, I've just joined the design team at Acme — looking forward to working with you!

Someone you met online

Hi Tom, enjoyed your comments in the Product Marketing Slack group. Would be great to connect here too.

People you have not met

Their post

Hi Lina, your post on onboarding emails was the clearest thing I've read on it. I work on retention at a small SaaS — would love to follow your work.

Shared alumni

Hi Omar, fellow Manchester graduate here. I see you moved into product management — I'm hoping to do the same. Would love to connect.

Same industry

Hi Grace, I also run a small bakery business and enjoy your posts about pricing. Would be great to connect.

Mutual connection

Hi Daniel, Sarah Khan suggested I reach out — she said you know more about logistics software than anyone. Would love to connect.

Job search

To a recruiter

Hi Rachel, I'm a senior frontend developer exploring new roles in London. I see you recruit for fintech teams — would be glad to connect.

To someone at a company you are applying to

Hi Ben, I've applied for the data analyst role at Northwind and would love to hear what the team is like. Would you be open to connecting?

To a hiring manager

Hi Ms Lopez, I saw your post about growing the support team. I have five years in customer support and would love to connect.

Business and sales

A potential client

Hi Mark, I noticed Example Co just opened a second store — congratulations. I help retailers with their websites and would be glad to connect.

A potential partner

Hi Chloe, our products seem to serve the same customers from different angles. Would be great to connect and compare notes.

A speaker or author

Hi Dr Ahmed, I really enjoyed your talk on hiring at Web Summit. Would love to follow your work here.

Reconnecting with an old contact

Hi Usman, we worked together at Acme back in 2019 — I've just rejoined LinkedIn and would love to reconnect.

What not to write

A pitch in the request. "Hi, we offer SEO services…" gets ignored or reported.
"I'd like to add you to my professional network." It says nothing about why.
Flattery without detail. "I'm impressed by your profile" — impressed by what?
Asking for a job. Ask about the team or the company; let the conversation lead.

Also avoid tools that send connection requests automatically. LinkedIn's User Agreement prohibits automated activity, and accounts that use them can be restricted — more in the best LinkedIn Chrome extensions.

After they accept

Send a short first message within a day or two, while the request is still fresh: thank them, and ask one specific question or make one small, clear ask.

First message after accepting

Thanks for connecting, Lina! Quick question: did you write the onboarding emails yourself, or with a tool? We're rebuilding ours and I'd value your view.

That message is where AI Reply Writer helps: in LinkedIn's message box, its ✦ AI Reply button reads the conversation or the profile you are viewing and drafts a message you can edit — "thank them for connecting, ask about their onboarding emails". It never sends anything or connects with anyone on its own. The free plan includes 20 replies a month.

Frequently asked questions

What should I write in a LinkedIn connection request?

Their name, the specific reason you are connecting — where you met, their post, a shared connection — and a light close. One or two sentences, with no sales pitch.

Should I send a LinkedIn connection request without a note?

For people who already know you, yes. For people who do not, a short note greatly improves the chance they accept.

How long can a LinkedIn connection note be?

LinkedIn limits the length, and the limit can differ by account type. Keeping notes under 200 characters works everywhere and is easier to read.

How do I connect with a recruiter on LinkedIn?

Say what you do, what you are looking for, and why you chose them — for example, that they recruit for your field or location.

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