Hey Careersy Community!
Happy Sunday! 🥳 Today’s hot topic: LinkedIn connection invites.
Whether you're job hunting, networking, or just trying to expand your professional circle, getting your connection requests accepted can sometimes feel like a roll of the dice. But here's the good news: with a few strategic tweaks, you can significantly increase your acceptance rate! Connecting with top talent is something I do daily, so I’ve had to fine-tune my approach over time. I’ve learned a lot along the way, and today, I want to share those insights with you.
Let’s dive in!
After analyzing countless LinkedIn invites and exploring the latest strategies, I’ve identified key methods to help you craft connection requests that are far more likely to get that coveted "Accept" click.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
1️⃣ Sending Generic, Unpersonalized Invites
The number one mistake? Sending a connection request without any context. LinkedIn's default message, "I'd like to add you to my professional network," is overused and, frankly, forgettable. If you want to stand out, personalize your request! Mention something specific you have in common or a reason for reaching out. It could be a mutual connection, a shared interest, or a recent post they made that caught your eye. This makes your invite feel genuine and not like a mass-produced message.
See example below👇majority of people send a connection request without any thing. A very easy way for you to stand out 🌝
Template Example:
Hi [First Name],
I noticed we both attended [Event Name] recently and share a common interest in [Topic]. I found your thoughts on [mention a specific post or comment they made] particularly insightful. I’d love to connect and stay in touch as we both navigate the [industry or field] space.
Looking forward to connecting!
Best,
[Your Name]
2️⃣ Jumping Straight to the Sales Pitch
Have you ever accepted a connection request only to be immediately bombarded with a sales pitch or a job request? It's one of the quickest ways to be ignored or even blocked. Instead, focus on building a relationship first. Engage with their content—like, comment, share—before you send a connection request. After connecting, continue to engage before mentioning any business propositions, referrals, or job opportunities. This approach builds trust and shows you’re interested in more than just making a sale or using them to land a job.
3️⃣ Failing to Provide Context
Why should someone accept your invite? If you don’t give them a reason, they probably won’t. Always provide context in your connection requests. Are you both in the same industry? Did you attend the same event or follow the same thought leaders? Give a clear, compelling reason why you’re reaching out. For instance, “I enjoyed your recent post on marketing trends and would love to connect and learn more about your approach” is far more effective than a blank request.
Best Practices to Increase Your Acceptance Rate
✅ Personalize Every Request
People appreciate when you take the time to know who they are. Mention a specific detail—like a mutual connection or a recent article they published. This increases the chances they’ll accept and opens the door for meaningful engagement.
Quick Template:
Hi [Name], I noticed we both attended the [Event Name] last month. I enjoyed your perspective on [Topic] and would love to connect to discuss more!
✅ Show Value Right Away
Instead of talking about yourself, focus on what you can offer the person you’re reaching out to. Are you a fan of their work? Did you find their last post insightful? Mention it! This not only flatters them but also gives them a reason to engage with you.
Example:
Hi [Name], I’ve been following your posts on [Topic], and I find your insights incredibly valuable. I’d love to connect and keep learning from you.
✅ Engage Before You Send
Engagement can happen in many forms—liking their posts, commenting on their updates, or even sharing their content with your network. This type of engagement makes your name familiar to them and increases the likelihood that they’ll accept your invite when it comes through.
Note: Try to meet in real life or connect on the spot with them (during a meet up for example). Many people are getting many connection requests and some only accept people they know. Meeting someone at a conference meets the criteria and bypass the filter.
✅ Avoid LinkedIn Jail
Be mindful of LinkedIn's limits on connection requests. Sending too many requests in a short time can land you in LinkedIn jail (yes, that’s a thing!). Keep your outreach steady and consistent—no more than 100 requests per week. This helps maintain organic and natural network growth.
✅ Use Humor and Be Authentic
Sometimes, adding a bit of humor can make your request stand out. People get dozens of generic requests daily—being lighthearted or humorous can make you memorable.
Fun Example:
Hey [Name], I noticed we both love [Common Interest]. Let’s connect and swap some good stories!
✅ Timing is Key
Believe it or not, the timing of your request matters. Research suggests sending connection requests early in the week (Monday to Wednesday) yields better acceptance rates. People are generally more focused and open to networking at the start of the week.
Final Thoughts
Remember, LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, not a place to play the numbers game. The goal is to build meaningful connections that are mutually beneficial. By personalizing your invites, showing genuine interest, and avoiding the hard sell, you can significantly increase your acceptance rate and build a powerful network that supports your career growth.
So go ahead, implement these tips, and watch your LinkedIn network grow with high-quality connections!
Thanks for reading. Happy LinkedIn networking. See you next week 🙋🏻♂️
P.S.: Next week, I’ll share insights on why you might be getting “ghosted” and offer actionable steps to reduce the chances of it happening. Stay tuned!