150+ LinkedIn Connection Message Templates That Get Accepted

Copy-paste connection request templates for sales, recruiting, networking, and more. Proven to increase acceptance rates by 40%.

Why Your LinkedIn Connection Message Matters

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Acceptance Rate

Personalized messages get accepted 40% more often than generic requests or no message.

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First Impression

Your connection message is often the first direct interaction. Make it count.

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Opens Doors

Well-crafted messages lead to conversations, meetings, and opportunities.

LinkedIn Connection Message Templates by Use Case

Sales Professionals (20 Templates)

1. Common Connection Approach

"Hi [Name], I noticed we're both connected to [Mutual Connection]. I help [industry] companies with [value prop]. Would love to connect and learn more about your work at [Company]."

When to use: When you have a mutual connection. Reference them early to build trust.

2. Compliment Their Content

"Hi [Name], loved your recent post about [topic]. I work with [industry] leaders on [related topic]. Would be great to connect and exchange ideas."

When to use: After engaging with their LinkedIn content. Shows you're genuinely interested.

3. Industry Peer Approach

"Hi [Name], fellow [industry] professional here. I'm building my network of [role] contacts and would love to connect. Always happy to share insights about [specific topic]."

When to use: Peer-to-peer outreach. Non-threatening, focused on mutual benefit.

4. Event Follow-Up

"Hi [Name], we both attended [Event]. I found [Speaker]'s talk about [topic] really insightful. Would love to stay connected and hear your takeaways."

When to use: After conferences, webinars, or virtual events. Shared experience builds rapport.

5. Value-First Approach

"Hi [Name], I recently helped [similar company] achieve [specific result]. Thought you might find value in connecting given [Company]'s focus on [relevant initiative]."

When to use: When you have relevant case studies or success stories. Lead with value.

+ 15 more sales templates available in LeadSpark AI...

Recruiters (15 Templates)

1. Passive Candidate Outreach

"Hi [Name], I'm recruiting for [Role] at [Company]. Your background in [specific skill] caught my attention. Not sure if you're open to opportunities, but would love to connect and share details."

When to use: Reaching out to passive candidates. No pressure, just exploring.

2. Future Opportunities

"Hi [Name], I recruit for [industry] roles and always looking to expand my network of talented [role] professionals. Would love to stay connected for future opportunities that might align with your goals."

When to use: Building a talent pipeline. Long-term relationship focus.

3. Referral Request

"Hi [Name], looking for exceptional [role] talent for [Company]. Even if you're not currently looking, would you be open to connecting? I'd love to hear if you know anyone who might be a great fit."

When to use: Expanding reach through referrals. Makes them feel valued.

+ 12 more recruiting templates...

Founders & Entrepreneurs (15 Templates)

1. Partnership Exploration

"Hi [Name], I'm the founder of [Company], and we're working on [mission]. I see [Their Company] is doing similar work in [area]. Would love to explore potential synergies."

When to use: Reaching out to potential partners. Clear value proposition.

2. Investor Outreach

"Hi [Name], we're raising [stage] for [Company] and noticed your investment in [portfolio company]. Our focus on [industry/problem] might align with your thesis. Would appreciate the opportunity to connect."

When to use: Fundraising outreach. Reference their portfolio to show research.

3. Customer Development

"Hi [Name], we're building [product] to help [target audience] with [problem]. As a [role] at [Company], would love your perspective on [specific challenge]. Would you be open to a brief conversation?"

When to use: Early-stage customer research. Asking for advice, not selling.

+ 12 more founder templates...

Job Seekers (15 Templates)

1. Informational Interview Request

"Hi [Name], I'm exploring roles in [industry/function] and your career path from [previous role] to [current role] is inspiring. Would you be open to a brief conversation? I'd love to learn about your experience at [Company]."

When to use: Career exploration. Shows genuine interest in their journey.

2. Alumni Connection

"Hi [Name], fellow [University] alum here! I'm currently looking for [role] opportunities and noticed you're at [Company]. Would love to connect and learn more about your experience there."

When to use: Leveraging alumni networks. Shared background builds instant rapport.

3. Job Posting Follow-Up

"Hi [Name], I just applied for [Role] at [Company] (Job ID: [number]). With my background in [relevant experience], I believe I could add value to the team. Would love to connect and share more about my qualifications."

When to use: After submitting an application. Stand out from other applicants.

+ 12 more job seeker templates...

LinkedIn Connection Message Best Practices

โœ“ Personalize Every Message

Reference something specific: their content, company, role, mutual connection, or recent achievement. Generic messages get ignored.

โœ“ Keep It Short (Under 300 Characters)

LinkedIn connection notes have a 300-character limit. Get to the point quickly. Save longer pitches for after they accept.

โœ“ Lead With Value or Curiosity

Don't immediately pitch. Offer value, ask thoughtful questions, or express genuine interest in their work.

โœ“ Use Proper Grammar and Spelling

Typos signal carelessness. Proofread before sending. Use tools like Grammarly if needed.

Mistakes to Avoid in LinkedIn Connection Messages

โœ— No Message at All

Sending connection requests without a note reduces acceptance rate by 40%. Always include a message.

โœ— Generic "I'd Like to Add You to My Network"

Default LinkedIn message screams lazy. Shows no effort or genuine interest. Will get ignored.

โœ— Immediate Sales Pitch

"Hi, want to buy my product?" in the first message kills relationships before they start. Build rapport first.

โœ— Obvious Copy-Paste Template

"Hi [FIRST NAME]" with brackets still visible. Or clearly bulk-sent messages. Personalize at minimum.

Skip the Templates: Get AI-Personalized LinkedIn Messages

Templates are a good starting point, but truly personalized messages require research. LeadSpark AI automates this by analyzing LinkedIn profiles and generating custom icebreakers for each prospect.

With Templates:

  • โœ— Manually research each profile (30 min/prospect)
  • โœ— Copy-paste and customize template
  • โœ— Risk sounding generic anyway
  • โœ— Limited to surface-level personalization

With LeadSpark AI:

  • โœ“ AI scrapes profile, posts, and activity
  • โœ“ Generates unique icebreaker (3 min/prospect)
  • โœ“ References specific posts and interests
  • โœ“ Sounds natural, not templated

Template vs AI-Personalized: Real Examples

Prospect: Sarah, VP Marketing at Tech Startup

TEMPLATE APPROACH

"Hi Sarah, I work with marketing leaders on improving their content strategy. Would love to connect and learn more about your work at [Company]."

Generic, could be sent to anyone
LEADSPARK AI

"Hi Sarah, saw your post about launching the AI webinar seriesโ€”love the focus on practical use cases vs hype. I help B2B marketers scale content like that. Would be great to connect."

References specific content, shows genuine interest

Prospect: Mike, Head of Sales at SaaS Company

TEMPLATE APPROACH

"Hi Mike, I help sales leaders improve their outbound strategy. Let's connect and share insights."

Vague value prop, no personalization
LEADSPARK AI

"Hi Mike, congrats on the Series B! Saw you're hiring 10 SDRs. I work with fast-growing sales teams on personalization at scaleโ€”might have insights that help. Let's connect."

References company news, offers timely value

Ready to Automate LinkedIn Personalization?

Stop manually customizing templates. Let AI generate personalized messages for every prospect.