So, you’ve already created an excellent LinkedIn profile with an appropriate headline and a summary section that attracts recruiters and potential employers?
The next step is to connect on LinkedIn and start networking.
But how do you make requests on LinkedIn without coming across in a bad light?
This article will teach you how to connect on LinkedIn correctly.
First, let’s define what it means to connect on LinkedIn correctly.
The golden rule is: Contribute Before Asking Other People to Contribute.
Back when I was a newcomer on LinkedIn, I ignored this rule.
I was asking for help without offering my skills and knowledge.
And guess what!
Very few people that I reached out to replied to my message requests. Surprised? I’m not.
Fortunately, I learned from experience and adapted my approach.
I learned to incorporate the 11 techniques I will share with you today.
As a result, I started getting positive and helpful responses from the people I contacted.
These techniques added value to my LinkedIn connections.
They helped me to gain sustainable business connections.
Start using these techniques in your LinkedIn message requests. You will see the same results.
Read our other LinkedIn Articles and on how to connect on LinkedIn, or sign up for a CV Jury account below for more expert advice.
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How to Connect on LinkedIn: Unwritten Rules
Want to add value to your LinkedIn connections and build a successful network?
Start with these 11 techniques: How to connect on LinkedIn
- Show appreciation as a colleague
- Complement their work
- Congratulate their career progress
- Ask their opinion
- Ask for their advice
- Make a recommendation
- Make an introduction
- Offer your skills for free
- Offer freebies
- Suggest a conversation, either face-to-face or via video call
- Forward interesting links
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11 LinkedIn Message Request Examples & Tips
Let’s look at each of the techniques listed above in more detail.
Below is an example of how to connect on LinkedIn with a message for you to look at.
I’ve included an explanation and example for each situation mentioned above.
Please use any of these LinkedIn message examples as a template.
But always remember to personalize every message you send.
PRO-TIP
Personalized messages get more responses than impersonal send-to-all style messages.
1. Show Appreciation as a Colleague
Instead, send a message to let your connection know you appreciate their time.
Sending a message takes time and thought; your connections will appreciate this.
You don’t need to write an essay. A brief and friendly message will do the trick.
For example:
Hi (Professional Name),
Thank you for connecting with me.
I appreciate this, and if this is okay with you, I would like to keep in touch.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
(Your Name)
2. Complement Their Work
If your connection has published articles, papers, books, and so on in their professional field, why not appreciate their work?
This tip isn’t just about flattery.
This kind of message can prove that you’ve taken the time to read up on your connection’s expertise.
It goes some way to developing a respectful business relationship.
Your message could be like the LinkedIn message example below:
Hi (Professional Name),
I hope you are well.
On your profile, I noticed that you write on the subject of (subject), and I wanted to congratulate you on your work.
I found your views thought-provoking, and it must have taken a lot of hard work to complete.
Your dedication is inspiring.
Congratulations again, and I expect to read more of your works in the future.
Kind regards,
(Your Name)
3. Congratulate Their Career Progress
Supporting others in their professional journey is another way to build rapport.
Before you send a LinkedIn message request, remember to check their profile.
Check for any recent promotions (within 12 months) or achievements.
Again, proving that you’ve taken the time to read their LinkedIn profile will encourage them to take an interest in yours.
Here’s a LinkedIn message example:
Hi (Professional Name),
I hope you are well.
From your profile, I noticed that you’ve recently (been promoted/published an academic paper/ launched a new business/etc.).
I want to congratulate you on your hard work and success.
I wish you enjoyable years ahead.
Kind regards
(Your Name).
4. Ask Their Opinion
We all love to give our opinions about various issues.
We like it even more when someone asks for our opinion.
So, when deciding how to connect on LinkedIn, consider asking your connections for their thoughts on relevant subjects or issues.
For example:
Hi (Professional Name),
I read your publication on (topic) and was highly impressed with your take on (topic).
Your views on (specific topic) intrigued me, mainly because I want to enter this profession.
I want your opinion on (topic/job position/company).
Will you be available for a brief phone call sometime this week?
Please let me know which day and time work best for you, and I will be available.
Kind regards,
(Your Name)
5. Ask for Their Advice
Like giving an opinion, people love to advise others.
Most especially when they are very knowledgeable in a specific topic.
A LinkedIn request for advice could read like this example:
Hi (Network Contact),
(Mutual friend name) suggested that I message you about your position in (industry).
I’m about to graduate from (University/ College) and have been interviewing for positions.
I would appreciate advice from someone who understands the process.
Would you be interested in a phone call or meeting this week?
I would love to get your insight on (industry).
Please let me know your availability if you are interested.
Many thanks,
(Your name)
6. Make a Recommendation
Perhaps you already have a reliable network on LinkedIn and a successful job.
In that case, you could help a recent graduate or job seeker connect with potential employers.
Recommending people via LinkedIn messages is another excellent way to add value to your LinkedIn connections.
Connecting via a mutual contact is an excellent option if you want to know how to connect on LinkedIn without knowing the person.
Whether you’re writing a LinkedIn recommendation for your connection or asking a contact to introduce you, your LinkedIn recommendation message could be like this example:
Dr Nicholas Lee was a research colleague at the University of Bristol, UK.
I found him an excellent researcher whose prior experience as a senior university lecturer in Malaysia was clear.
His previous research and publications are outstanding.
He has over ten peer-reviewed journal articles published before his PhD study.
He is an experienced researcher with great promise and a flair for data and analytics.
Dr Lee always works with the highest enthusiasm while delivering on deadlines.
He successfully managed his project.
This is evident from the high praise he received from external examiners.
I recommend him for the research and analytics positions he is passionate about.
7. Make an Introduction
Similarly, you can offer to introduce a new connection to another contact.
Helping your new connection build their network will enrich your business relationship.
And benefit you at the same time.
Here’s an example:
Hi (Name),
I’ve read through your profile and realize I have a London business friend who might interest you.
His name is (name), and you have much in common in your business mission.
If you would like, I would be happy to make the introduction.
Please let me know either way.
Kind regards,
(Your name)
8. Offer Your Skills for Free
Offering your skills for free may sound illogical, particularly if you’re searching for a job.
But many professionals find that helping others for free has benefits.
These include job recommendations, better network connections, and opportunities to showcase skills.
John Nemo, an entrepreneur, and LinkedIn specialist, rewrote a celebrity’s LinkedIn profile.
John reported that rewriting their LinkedIn profile created immeasurable benefits.
It created further connections for him!
If you’re a graphic or web designer, copywriter, editor, or have other online skills, offering your skills will reaffirm your worth.
Here’s an example:
Hi (Name)
I was looking at your company website and wanted to tell you I love the overall design.
It comes across as professional, and your message is very clear.
Yet, I noticed that (issue – i.e., you don’t have any infographics/there is a minor issue with X menu/some small content changes could boost your site’s search engine visibility).
As a (graphic designer/web designer/SEO expert) I could be of help.
I’m available for a chat this week, and if you’re interested, I would be happy to help with your website.
Please let me know either way.
Kind regards,
(Your name)
9. Offer Freebies
What can you offer for free on LinkedIn?
Perhaps an invitation to join your webinar, access to your latest e-book, or graphics your contact can use on their website.
For example, I send symbols.
My connections can use my gift to add color and personality to their LinkedIn profile headline, summary sections, posts, or articles.
Emojis and Unicode symbols are just one example of a gift you can send to make a valuable connection on LinkedIn.
10. Suggest a Conversation
Connecting with people on LinkedIn is to build a professional relationship.
The ultimate goal is to move to the level of a face-to-face meeting.
A video call is an acceptable substitute when a face-to-face meeting is impractical.
For example, when you and your contact live in different cities or your schedules are incompatible.
You need to nurture the relationship whether you have connected online or face-to-face.
Finding ways that you can help people is a great building block.
Show yourself as a genuine asset, and that person will want to maintain you as a contact too.
PRO-TIP
A remote call can occur on any chosen media, such as WhatsApp, Skype, Zoom, or Google Hangouts.
But you should set up a mutual relationship before you suggest a live conversation.
11. Forward Interesting Links (Articles, Posts, or Other Titles)
If you’re unsure what to write to a new contact, sharing links to relevant topics is a convenient place to start.
Look at their LinkedIn profile to learn what kind of articles or posts you should forward to your connections.
The ‘Articles and Activity’ and ‘Interest’ sections should give you a good idea.
You can find these sections by scrolling to the bottom of a LinkedIn profile.
You can then write a LinkedIn message like this example:
Hi (Name),
I was reading your profile and realized that we both are fans of Richard Branson.
Have you seen his 2018 book on (topic)?
It’s an excellent piece that sold 2 million copies within the last four months.
I recommend reading this book if you have not already done so.
Kind regards,
(Your name)
Closing Thoughts
You don’t need to complete every 11 LinkedIn connection tips before asking a contact for help or advice.
Yet, you must understand that the best LinkedIn connections will benefit you and your contacts.
Offering your services, advice, or compliments to a new or existing LinkedIn connection will add value.
It will help build sustainable partnerships.
Did you find this CV Jury article on how to connect on LinkedIn helpful?
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Further Reading: How to connect on LinkedIn
- How to Connect with your University Alumni on LinkedIn
- How to Send a LinkedIn Request That Gets Responses
- How to write a resume like a guru
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