How to Network on LinkedIn (Templates for Messages That Get Replies)

The Connect Button Is Useless Without a Message

LinkedIn lets you send connection requests with no message. Most people click Connect and hope for the best. This is lazy and ineffective.

Generic connection requests get ignored. Even if someone accepts, you’ve started the relationship with zero context about why you connected. You’re just another random person in their network.

Effective networking on LinkedIn requires intentional outreach: specific messages to specific people for specific reasons. The five templates below show exactly what to say in different networking scenarios.

The Golden Rule: Give First, Ask Later

The worst networking messages start with asks: “Can you help me find a job?” “Do you have any openings?” “Can you refer me?”

This feels transactional and puts the recipient in an uncomfortable position. They don’t know you. Why would they stick their neck out?

Better approach: offer value or show genuine interest before making requests.

What “Give First” Looks Like

• Share an article they’d find useful
• Comment thoughtfully on their posts before reaching out
• Ask for advice, not jobs (people like being helpful)
• Reference specific work they’ve done
• Offer your expertise if relevant to their needs

Build the relationship first. Opportunities come later.

For comprehensive networking strategies, see our complete career guide with networking tips.

5 LinkedIn Message Templates That Get Replies

Template 1: Standard Connection Request

When to use: Connecting with someone in your industry, alumni, or people at target companies

Hi [Name],

I came across your profile while researching [company/industry/topic]. I’m particularly interested in [specific thing they do/posted about].

I’m a [your role] working in [your area], and I’d love to connect and learn from your experience in [their expertise].

Looking forward to connecting!
[Your Name]

Why it works:

• Shows you actually looked at their profile
• Gives specific reason for connecting
• Keeps it short (under 200 characters)
• No immediate ask

Real example:

Hi Sarah,

I saw your post about scaling customer success teams at Series B startups. I’m a CS manager at an early-stage company facing similar challenges.

Would love to connect and learn from your experience building CS from the ground up.

Best,
Mike

Template 2: Requesting an Informational Interview

When to use: After connecting, when you want to learn about someone’s role, company, or career path

Hi [Name],

Thanks for connecting! I’m really interested in [their field/company/role type], and I noticed you’ve been at [Company] for [time period].

Would you be open to a brief 15-minute call? I’d love to hear about [specific aspect of their work] and learn from your experience.

Happy to work around your schedule. Let me know if this week or next works.

Thanks,
[Your Name]

Why it works:

• Specific time commitment (15 minutes)
• Shows you’ve researched their background
• Focuses on learning, not asking for jobs
• Makes scheduling easy

Real example:

Hi David,

I noticed you transitioned from teaching to UX design 3 years ago. I’m currently making a similar move and would love to hear about your experience.

Would you have 15 minutes for a quick call? I’m particularly curious about how you built your first portfolio and navigated the career change.

I’m flexible this week – happy to work around your schedule.

Thanks,
Jessica

Template 3: Reaching Out to Recruiters

When to use: Contacting recruiters at companies where you want to work

Hi [Name],

I saw that [Company] is hiring for [specific role]. I have [X years] experience in [relevant area] and have been following [Company]’s work in [industry/product area].

I’d love to learn more about the role and the team. Would you be open to a brief conversation?

Happy to share my background – here’s my LinkedIn profile: [link]

Thanks,
[Your Name]

Why it works:

• References specific open role
• Shows company knowledge (not mass outreach)
• Keeps it professional and direct
• Makes it easy to view your profile

Real example:

Hi Maria,

I noticed [Company] is hiring for a Senior Product Manager role. I have 6 years of PM experience in B2B SaaS and have been impressed by [Company]’s approach to solving workflow automation.

I’d love to learn more about the team and role. Are you available for a brief call this week?

My profile: linkedin.com/in/yourprofile

Thanks,
Alex

Template 4: Thank You After a Conversation

When to use: After an informational interview, coffee chat, or phone call

Hi [Name],

Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with me yesterday. Your insights on [specific topic discussed] were incredibly helpful, especially [specific detail they mentioned].

I’m going to [action you’re taking based on their advice]. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes!

Thanks again,
[Your Name]

Why it works:

• Shows you were actually listening (specific callback)
• Demonstrates you’re taking action on their advice
• Keeps door open for future contact
• Reinforces the relationship

Real example:

Hi Tom,

Thank you for the call this morning. Your advice about focusing on data analysis skills before applying to analytics roles really clicked.

I’m enrolling in the SQL course you recommended and will build a portfolio project using the real-world data approach you mentioned.

I’ll reach out once I have something to show. Thanks again for your time!

Best,
Rachel

Template 5: Asking for a Referral

When to use: After building a relationship, when you see a relevant opening at their company

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to reach out because I saw [Company] is hiring for [specific role].

Based on our conversation about [previous topic], I think my experience in [relevant area] would be a strong fit. I’ve [specific relevant accomplishment].

Would you be comfortable providing a referral? I completely understand if the timing isn’t right – no pressure either way.

I’ve attached my resume if that’s helpful. Thanks for considering!

[Your Name]

Why it works:

• References previous conversation (not cold ask)
• Explains why you’re a fit
• Gives them an easy out (“no pressure”)
• Makes it easy to refer (resume attached)

Real example:

Hi Kevin,

Hope you’re doing well! I noticed [Company] just posted a Marketing Manager role.

After our conversation last month about growth marketing, I think this could be a great fit. I’ve run similar campaigns at my current company – we grew email subscribers by 40% in Q3 using the content strategy we discussed.

Would you be open to referring me? Totally understand if not – no worries either way.

Resume attached if helpful. Thanks!

Emma

For more networking and outreach strategies, explore our cover letter and networking guide.

What to Do If They Don’t Reply

People are busy. No response doesn’t mean rejection. It usually means they forgot or got overwhelmed.

When to Follow Up

• After connection request: Wait 1 week, then send one follow-up message
• After informational interview request: Wait 5-7 days, then send one polite reminder
• After initial conversation: Wait 2 weeks before following up

How to Follow Up

Keep it brief and low-pressure:

Hi [Name],

I know you’re busy, so just following up on my message from last week. Would you have any availability for a brief call?

No worries if the timing isn’t right – happy to reconnect down the road.

Thanks,
[Your Name]

The One-Follow-Up Rule

Send one follow-up, then stop. Multiple follow-ups feel pushy. If they don’t respond after one reminder, move on. You can always try again in a few months with a different context.

LinkedIn Networking Tips for Introverts

Networking doesn’t require extroversion. It requires intentionality. These strategies work especially well for people who find networking draining:

Leverage Written Communication

LinkedIn networking happens through messages, not phone calls or events. This plays to introverts’ strengths – you can craft thoughtful messages on your own schedule.

Start Small and Specific

Don’t try to connect with 50 people at once. Pick 3-5 strategic connections per week. Quality over quantity.

Comment Instead of Messaging

Nervous about direct outreach? Start by commenting thoughtfully on people’s posts. This builds familiarity before you message them directly.

Ask Questions, Not Favors

Instead of “Can you help me get a job?” ask “What skills do you think are most important for someone entering this field?”

Questions feel less vulnerable than requests. People like being asked for advice.

FAQ

Networking Is About Building Relationships, Not Collecting Connections

LinkedIn makes it easy to amass thousands of connections. But a large network means nothing if no one remembers who you are or why you connected.

Effective networking requires intentional outreach: specific messages to specific people with clear reasons for connecting. The five templates above give you starting points for different scenarios – connection requests, informational interviews, recruiter outreach, thank-you notes, and referral asks.

The pattern that works: show you’ve done research, explain why you’re reaching out, keep it brief, and focus on building relationships before making asks.

Start with 3-5 strategic connections this week. Use the templates. Personalize them to your situation. Follow up once if you don’t hear back, then move on.

Networking isn’t about being extroverted or pushy. It’s about being intentional and genuine. Do that consistently, and opportunities follow.

For additional career resources and networking strategies, check out our comprehensive career guide.