Write a LinkedIn message to [RECIPIENT] for this purpose: [OUTREACH GOAL]. My relevant context is [SENDER CONTEXT], and the only recipient-specific information I can verify is [RECIPIENT SIGNALS]. The offer, question, or next step is [CONCRETE CTA]. Use a first-message approach: earn the right to ask, rather than summarizing my company or sending a generic compliment. Choose one recipient signal that directly connects to the outreach goal; it may be a recent post, role change, company initiative, shared context, or stated priority. Do not imply I know their budget, pain, authority, projects, results, or personal circumstances unless supplied. Do not fabricate mutual connections, meetings, product use, or research. Produce three versions, each 55–90 words:
1. A direct professional version. 2. A warmer peer-to-peer version. 3. A concise version suitable for a connection request if the character limit matters. For each version, label the personalization source and the intended CTA. Use short paragraphs, no more than one question, no attachment mention unless supplied, and no “just checking in,” “pick your brain,” or vague request to connect. The CTA must be low-friction and specific: for example, permission to send a relevant resource, a 15-minute conversation with a stated topic, or a reply to a defined question. Before answering, check that the opening would still make sense to this exact person and flag any phrase dependent on an unsupported assumption. Ask up to three clarifying questions only if a required input is missing.
Fill in
| Placeholder | What to enter | Example |
|---|---|---|
| [RECIPIENT] | Enter the person’s name, role, company, and relationship context if any. | Jordan Lee, VP of Customer Success at Clearpath, a mid-market HR software company; no prior relationship. |
| [OUTREACH GOAL] | Enter the specific purpose, such as a discovery call, recruiting conversation, partnership introduction, or referral request. | Ask for a 15-minute discovery conversation about reducing onboarding handoffs. |
| [SENDER CONTEXT] | Enter your role, organization, relevant credibility, and why you are reaching out. | I am Priya, a customer-operations consultant who has led onboarding redesign projects for B2B software teams. |
| [RECIPIENT SIGNALS] | Enter only verified details from the recipient’s profile, public posts, company news, or prior interaction. | Jordan posted last week about Clearpath expanding its implementation team and the need to preserve a consistent customer experience. |
| [CONCRETE CTA] | Enter the exact action you want the recipient to take and any time or format constraint. | A 15-minute call next week focused on one onboarding handoff; offer to send a one-page diagnostic first. |
How to use
- Paste one verified signal from the profile or a recent public post, not a pile of generic profile details.
- Choose a CTA that can be accepted or declined in one reply.
- Check the message in LinkedIn’s composer because connection notes and InMail have different space constraints.
- Follow up with: “Make version 1 shorter by 25 words while keeping the same verified personalization and CTA.”
Variations
Recruiter outreach
Use when contacting a recruiter about a specific open role.
Write a LinkedIn message to [RECRUITER] about [ROLE]. My directly relevant experience is [RELEVANT EXPERIENCE], and the verified role or company details are [ROLE SIGNALS]. Produce two messages of 70–100 words: one connection request and one follow-up after acceptance. Tie two specific accomplishments to two stated requirements without repeating my resume. Ask for the appropriate next step, not an interview. Do not claim skills, referrals, or familiarity not supplied. Check every achievement against my input; ask up to three questions if required information is missing.
Warm introduction
Use when a shared contact has explicitly agreed to connect you.
Draft a LinkedIn message to [RECIPIENT] after [MUTUAL CONTACT] introduced us regarding [PURPOSE]. Use these confirmed details: [CONTEXT AND PROOF]. Write 80–110 words that acknowledges the introduction, states one relevant reason to talk, and proposes [CTA]. Do not imply the mutual contact endorsed my offer beyond what is stated. Avoid copying the introduction email or asking a broad networking question. Check names, roles, and the requested action; ask up to three questions if necessary.
Follow-up message
Use after a recipient has not replied to a first outreach message.
Write a respectful LinkedIn follow-up to [RECIPIENT] sent [TIME SINCE FIRST MESSAGE] after this original message: [ORIGINAL MESSAGE]. Add one new, verified reason the topic may be relevant: [NEW SIGNAL OR RESOURCE]. Produce one 45–70 word note with an easy opt-out and one precise CTA. Do not guilt the recipient, claim urgency without evidence, or repeat the original message. Check that the new information adds value; ask up to three questions if required inputs are missing.
Tips
- Use a signal that changes the message’s relevance, such as a stated initiative, rather than mentioning a university or broad company fact.
- For sales outreach, lead with the recipient’s operating context before describing your service; the first message is not a product page.
- Do not use more than one proof point about yourself in an initial message unless the recipient asked for background.
- A follow-up should add a new useful detail, resource, or clearer question; sending the same ask again rarely improves reply quality.
FAQ
How long should a LinkedIn first message be?
Aim for enough context to make the ask credible, commonly 55–90 words. Connection requests often need a much shorter note, so create a separate version.
Can AI personalize messages from a LinkedIn profile?
It can work from details you paste, but verify that each detail is current and relevant. Do not let it infer priorities or problems from a job title alone.
Should I ask for a meeting in the first message?
Ask when you can state a narrow, credible reason for the conversation. Otherwise, ask permission to send something relevant or pose a specific question first.