Have you ever received a LinkedIn connection request from someone you don’t know? Some days, I log on and have 5+ new requests waiting for me saying the same exact thing (if they say anything at all): “I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn”. Isn't that boring?

How do people know who you are and why you are connecting with them? When you send someone a connection request, it is always helpful to add a personalized note—whether you know the person you are connecting with or not. Here are some message examples that can help you build compelling messages to include with your LinkedIn connection request on your own:

A fellow WGU student/alumnus

Hello Susan,

I see that you also studied Healthcare Management at WGU. I enrolled in the bachelor’s degree while working at Intermountain Healthcare and plan to pursue the MBA as well. I would love to connect to learn more about what you do with HCA.

Best,
Joseph

A current colleague

Hello Roger,

Although we haven’t had the chance to work together yet, I’ve heard great things about your ability to make marketing plans seamlessly come to life. Hopefully we will get the chance to collaborate soon! Until then, I’d like to stay connected on LinkedIn to keep in touch.

Best,
Kate

A former colleague

Hello Rose,

It’s great to find you on LinkedIn! It was such a pleasure working with you at Microsoft from 2017-2019. Your automation skills were second to none—nobody could write a Macro like you! I’m reaching out to stay up to date on your latest endeavors with BaseCamp.

Best,
Steven

A non-professional acquaintance (friend of a friend)

Hello Dan,

It’s been a while since we’ve caught up at one of Ben’s parties! I hope everything is well with you and your family. Let’s connect on LinkedIn since we can’t catch up in person these days.

Best,
Bryan 

Someone in a LinkedIn group with you

Hello Ruby,

I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts in the Association for Talent Development group. In particular, the video you shared a few weeks ago about developing an agile talent management strategy was really eye opening. I’d love to keep in touch and learn more about your work.

Best,
Christi

Using the building blocks of these posts, try to customize with your own information. You can also learn more about how to further leverage LinkedIn for your career success on the Career & Professional Development website.

There are currently over 175,000 WGU students and alumni alone on LinkedIn, so reach out to someone and build your professional network today!