Write a LinkedIn connection request to [PROSPECT NAME], [PROSPECT ROLE AND COMPANY]. My reason for reaching out is [REASON TO CONNECT], and the specific detail I can truthfully reference is [PERSONALIZATION DETAIL]. My context is [MY ROLE AND RELEVANT CREDIBILITY]. The appropriate next step, if any, is [LOW-PRESSURE NEXT STEP]. Create three distinct connection-note options, each 220 characters or fewer, including spaces. LinkedIn may truncate longer notes, so count carefully. Each option must: 1. Open with the prospect’s name or a natural greeting. 2. Refer to one real, specific detail from the inputs, without flattery such as “impressed by your work” or “would love to pick your brain.” 3. State a clear, credible reason to connect in plain language. 4. End with a lightweight action: connect, compare notes, or a short question. Do not ask for a meeting, pitch a product, attach a calendar link, or make a claim the inputs do not support. Make the options vary by approach: shared context, relevant observation, and peer-to-peer exchange. After the notes, add a one-line “Best fit” recommendation explaining which option matches the supplied relationship best. Ask up to 3 clarifying questions only if a required input is missing. Before answering, self-check that every personalized fact appears in my inputs and that every note is 220 characters or fewer including spaces. Flag any input that sounds exaggerated, sensitive, or unsuitable to mention in a first outreach.
Fill in
| Placeholder | What to enter | Example |
|---|---|---|
| [PROSPECT NAME] | Enter the full name of the person you want to connect with. | Aisha Patel |
| [PROSPECT ROLE AND COMPANY] | Enter their current job title and organization. | Director of Customer Success at Northstar HR |
| [REASON TO CONNECT] | Enter the honest reason a connection would be useful or relevant. | We both work on onboarding programs for mid-market SaaS teams |
| [PERSONALIZATION DETAIL] | Enter one public, specific detail such as a post, talk, shared group, or company announcement. | Her recent post about reducing time-to-value in the first 30 days |
| [MY ROLE AND RELEVANT CREDIBILITY] | Enter your role and one relevant fact that establishes context without overselling. | I lead customer education at a 120-person payroll software company and recently rebuilt our new-admin onboarding |
| [LOW-PRESSURE NEXT STEP] | Enter the modest action you want to invite, such as connecting or exchanging a question. | Connect and compare one onboarding metric |
How to use
- Copy the prompt and replace every bracketed field with facts you could comfortably stand behind in public.
- Choose the option that sounds closest to the actual relationship; do not combine phrases until it becomes crowded.
- Confirm the character count in LinkedIn’s note box and remove any detail that could feel invasive.
- Follow up with: “Make option 2 warmer but keep it under 220 characters and do not add a sales pitch.”
Variations
No sales pitch
Use this when you want a peer connection with no immediate commercial ask.
Write three LinkedIn connection notes, each 220 characters or fewer, to [PROSPECT NAME], a [ROLE] at [COMPANY]. We have [SHARED CONTEXT], and I can honestly mention [SPECIFIC DETAIL]. I am [MY ROLE]. The sole goal is to connect as peers, not sell or request a meeting. Make each note concrete, natural, and low-pressure. Do not invent familiarity, mutual contacts, or achievements. Check the character count and flag any detail that may feel overly personal.
Event follow-up
Use this after you both attended the same talk, conference, or webinar.
Draft three LinkedIn connection requests of 220 characters or fewer for [PROSPECT NAME], whom I encountered at [EVENT]. Refer only to [SPECIFIC MOMENT OR TOPIC] and explain why it connects to my work in [MY ROLE OR FIELD]. End by inviting a connection, not a meeting. Avoid “great meeting you” unless we actually spoke. Return the notes plus character counts. Ask up to 3 questions only if a required detail is absent.
Recruiter outreach
Use this to connect with a recruiter about a role without sounding transactional.
Write three LinkedIn connection requests under 220 characters to [RECRUITER NAME] at [COMPANY]. I am exploring [ROLE OR FUNCTION] work and have [ONE RELEVANT QUALIFICATION]. Reference [PUBLIC COMPANY OR ROLE DETAIL] only if it is accurate. Ask to connect and stay informed about relevant openings; do not demand an interview, paste a résumé, or claim a job is open unless confirmed. Check each note for factual support and character count.
Tips
- A connection request is not an email: protect the character limit for the reason to connect, not a mini biography.
- Use one observable detail, such as a post topic or event session, rather than broad praise that could apply to anyone.
- Do not mention personal information, job changes before they are public, or a prospect’s activity that suggests you monitored them closely.
- If the relationship is purely commercial, send the connection request without a pitch and earn the right to make a fuller case after acceptance.
FAQ
How long should a LinkedIn connection request be?
Keep it within LinkedIn’s 220-character personalized-note limit. One specific reason and one modest next step are usually enough.
Should I pitch my product in the connection note?
Usually no. A connection request has one job: make accepting feel relevant and low-risk. Save a product message for later, if it is appropriate.
Can AI personalize LinkedIn outreach from a profile?
It can turn facts you provide into a note, but do not let it invent shared history or infer personal details from a profile.