How to Send a LinkedIn Request to Attract Better Responses

Most people ruin their chances on LinkedIn before they even get started. It is time to change your approach if you are still sending the same default LinkedIn connection message. A generic request with no personalization will not get you anywhere. Today, it is all about sending targeted, thoughtful messages. This way, you can tap into a network of expertise, build genuine partnerships, and gain industry insights that move your career forward.

In a world driven by contacts and networks, it's no secret that LinkedIn is the world's number one professional networking site. With 231 million LinkedIn users in the US alone, with a reach of 200 more countries, why wouldn't this be your go-to site to find leads?

LinkedIn is like your business card, but better. You can access 161 senior-level influencers and 40 million employees in decision-making positions.

Thus, you need to make the most of it by sending a connection request to expand your LinkedIn network with specific industry professionals.

Sending LinkedIn messages opens up a world of possibilities. It allows you access to:

LinkedIn helps you cultivate professional relationships that can help enhance your career prospects. Let's delve into greater detail regarding various components that can help you achieve the desired results.

You may already know what LinkedIn is, but what is a connection request?

A LinkedIn connection request is a feature that allows you to ask to connect with other professionals. When you send LinkedIn connection requests, you express interest in making them a part of your professional network.

It's a great way to contact individuals from companies you may not personally know. Hence, it's your first step in building professional relationships.

When sending a generic request, you also have the option to send a personalized message. This option helps you express the reason you want to connect.

The golden rule to connecting with someone you do not know is to add a message with your connection request. Our team's recent experience working with students of various backgrounds in the UK revealed that getting a good job requires more than a well-written CV.

Whether you're a brilliant software engineer or a strategic partner in a company, networking can take you places.

Personalization assists in kickstarting meaningful conversations and creating a compelling first impression.

Of course, you must also write a compelling LinkedIn summary section and a clear headline for your profile.

The same rule applies to professionals. That includes first-time job seekers, career changers, and anyone returning to work after a break.

Thus, the best way to learn more is to use valuable resources such as CVJury and other relevant articles.

Further Reading: How to get a job quicker after graduation, Part 1. How to write a resume like a pro. Learn to negotiate your salary from an HBS professor of negotiation.

For great tips on building a CV, writing a cover letter, or using your LinkedIn account, subscribe to CVJury. We'll let you know every time we publish more helpful advice.

The first impression is everything.

Put yourself in their shoes. What is the first thing you do if someone sends you a connection? You probably scroll through their LinkedIn profile to understand what value they can offer if you're a social media manager and see a user posting their social media strategy.

It would spark your interest immediately. Moreover, if they post unique insights regarding their projects, you would want to connect to either learn more or collaborate. This is solely because they've captured your attention; now you have a great talking point.

Consider LinkedIn as your personal portfolio. Before diving into LinkedIn outreach, optimize your profile:

It's crucial to understand that LinkedIn is where you need to allow people to take you seriously, especially if you want to land a job or get into business with potential companies.

Hence, your profile will be the first section that LinkedIn users will glance at when making that decision. Your LinkedIn posts need to provide value to increase your LinkedIn connections.

Once you've optimized your profile, ensure you know your target audience.

You can only send about 200 LinkedIn connections weekly before your account is maxed out. Play smarter, not harder.

If too many LinkedIn connection request messages are declined, your account is suspended and put into LinkedIn Jail. This is when your account is suspended for sending too many requests while having too many people decline your request.

If this happens, you'll likely have to wait until 5 PM local time for your account to be released from suspension.

The advice is to ensure you send connection requests to those who want to connect with you. This can also be done through a mutual connection.

Being in the same LinkedIn group may also increase prospects if you're in the same field. Group members can send private messages to each other to expand their LinkedIn outreach.

As explained above, LinkedIn is undoubtedly the best platform for making new professional connections. Whether you're a small business owner or simply seeking professional advice, the platform helps in every way.

However, not every message you send will get a response. And all the LinkedIn connection messages you send won't always get a response, especially if you're sending generic requests.

In this article, we'll help you craft effective LinkedIn requests that are three times more likely to get a response.

Now you know why a customized message is necessary, but how can you immediately establish connections? The answer is to understand what your LinkedIn connection request message must include.

Once your connection request has been accepted, leave a thank-you note before continuing the conversation. Remember to be polite, professional, and praiseful.

Once you've understood the above pointers, it is time to begin connecting! Below are a few customized templates we've compiled to support you. These are segregated into different scenarios or scenes. Hence, when sending a LinkedIn connection message, you can pick the one that fits your needs.

LinkedIn is like a digital meet-and-greet for your future career. Sending a LinkedIn request is like extending a virtual handshake, a first step in building a good rapport or relationship with someone in the professional world. Use the framework below to craft your rapport-building messages (we give an example):

Let's assume you want to connect with another professional for a potential job or advice, but you don't know them personally yet. Sending a LinkedIn connection request can be an excellent way to introduce yourself and start that conversation. Here's the structure of the message to send, plus an example:

We advise you to request an informational interview when seeking advice or insights into a specific industry or career path. However, we all know that contacting a stranger for such a request can be tricky, especially on a professional platform like LinkedIn.

So, we have created helpful messaging structures, as shown in the examples below. Use them to craft a personalized, respectful, and successful LinkedIn request for an informational interview. We suggest following the messaging structure below:

Further Reading: How to get a job quicker after graduation, Part 2. 10 eye-opening phone interview questions.

Use the messaging structure below:

The messaging structure we suggest below is the best way to go:

We can compare a follow-up message on LinkedIn to sending a reminder text to a new friend you made at a party. It's saying, 'Hey, it was nice to meet you; let's stay in touch.' The only difference is that this is in a professional setting to keep your network growing and opportunities flowing.

The following is an excellent structure to emulate:

Here's a sound messaging structure to follow:

Here's a better messaging structure we recommend:

We recommend you follow a potential messaging structure below:

Follow the messaging framework below for better results:

Let's learn what to do and avoid if you want your LinkedIn connection request messages to be welcomed with open arms.

Keep Reading: Communication-related exercises. CVJury offers a range of LinkedIn tools and templates to help you build quality connections and get the job you deserve.

If you've been getting tired of sending LinkedIn connection requests and not getting results, guess what? Keep going. Now you'll see results. If you think you won't get that job offer, you most definitely will. It's all about speaking to people the right way. Knowing what to say and how to say it can get you places.

And at times, you might fail. You might not bag that client or get that job. But that shouldn't stop you from chasing your goal.

Reading this article taught you the things to tick when sending connections. Not only this, but you also know which actions might slow down the process. Understanding both aspects will make you more aware when reaching potential clients.

It's all about not giving up; that's what you must do.

On LinkedIn, you have access to HR directors and leads of every company. Knowing how to make use of them is what we've learned so far.

You can expect more results now that you know how to draft your LinkedIn messages. In today's age, your network is everything for your career. So make the most of it and keep going.

Further Reading: 50 expert LinkedIn influencers to follow no matter your industry. How to write a resume like a guru.