Free LinkedIn Message Templates

Pre-written, customizable LinkedIn message templates for every scenario — connection requests, follow-ups after acceptance, InMail outreach, recommendation requests, and event networking. Copy, paste, personalize, and send with confidence.

Connection Requests

After meeting at an event

Hi [Name], it was great connecting with you at [Event Name] last [day/week]. I really enjoyed your perspective on [topic discussed]. I'd love to stay in touch and follow your work in [industry/field]. Looking forward to learning from your insights!

Mutual connection introduction

Hi [Name], [Mutual Connection] suggested I reach out based on my work in [industry/role]. I've been following your journey at [Company] and am impressed by [specific achievement or project]. Would be great to connect and learn from your experience.

Admiring their content

Hi [Name], I've been following your posts about [topic] and find your insights incredibly valuable — especially your recent piece on [specific post]. As someone also working in [industry/field], I'd love to connect and continue the conversation.

Job seeker reaching out

Hi [Name], I'm currently exploring opportunities in [industry/role] and came across your profile. Your experience at [Company] is exactly the kind of career path I'm working toward. I'd love to connect and learn more about your journey.

Sales / business development

Hi [Name], I came across your profile while researching [Company] and was impressed by your work in [specific area]. I help [target audience] achieve [specific result] and believe there could be a valuable connection here. Would love to connect and explore.

Alumni connection

Hi [Name], I noticed we're both [University] alumni — go [Mascot]! I'm currently working in [industry/role] and always enjoy connecting with fellow [University] grads. Would love to stay in touch and potentially collaborate.

Follow-Up After Acceptance

General thank you

Thanks for connecting, [Name]! I appreciate it. I'm looking forward to following your work at [Company] and learning from your insights on [topic]. If there's ever anything I can help with, please don't hesitate to reach out.

After event follow-up

Thanks for connecting, [Name]! It was great meeting you at [Event Name]. I really enjoyed our conversation about [topic]. Let's stay in touch — I'd love to continue the discussion sometime.

Mutual interest follow-up

Thanks for connecting, [Name]! I'm excited to follow your work in [area of interest]. If you're ever open to it, I'd love to hear more about your experience with [specific topic]. Wishing you continued success at [Company]!

InMail / Direct Messages

Job opportunity inquiry

Hi [Name], I hope this message finds you well. I'm reaching out because I'm a huge admirer of [Company]'s work in [industry/market]. I have [X years] of experience in [field] and would love to explore whether there might be a fit. Would you be open to a brief 15-minute chat next week?

Asking for advice

Hi [Name], I've been following your career at [Company] with great interest, particularly your work on [specific project or achievement]. I'm at a similar stage in my career and would really value your perspective on [specific question or challenge]. Would you be open to a quick 10-minute call?

Collaboration proposal

Hi [Name], I've been following your content on [topic] and think our work could be complementary. I specialize in [your area] and believe a collaboration on [proposed idea] could create real value for both our audiences. Would you be open to exploring this?

Recommendation Requests

Request from a former manager

Hi [Name], I hope you're doing well. I'm currently updating my LinkedIn profile and would be honored if you'd write a brief recommendation highlighting my work on [specific project/role]. I particularly value your perspective on [specific quality]. Happy to write one for you in return!

Request from a peer / teammate

Hi [Name], I really enjoyed working together on [project/team] at [Company]. I'm updating my profile and would appreciate a quick recommendation highlighting our collaboration. Of course, I'd be happy to write one for you as well!

Request from a client

Hi [Name], it was a pleasure working with you on [project]. I'm building out my LinkedIn profile and would be grateful if you'd share a brief recommendation about the experience. Your perspective as a client would be incredibly valuable!

Networking at Events

Before the event

Hi [Name], I saw you're attending [Event Name] next week. I'll be there too and would love to connect beforehand. I'm particularly interested in [topic/session]. Maybe we can grab a coffee or chat during a break?

After a panel / talk

Hi [Name], I really enjoyed your talk at [Event Name] on [topic]. Your insights about [specific point] were particularly eye-opening. I'd love to connect and continue the conversation. Great work!

Virtual event follow-up

Hi [Name], great connecting at [Virtual Event Name]! Even though we couldn't meet in person, I really valued the discussion in the [session/chat]. Looking forward to staying connected!

Tips for Higher Acceptance Rates

  • Always personalize: Add a specific detail about their profile, post, or company before sending. Generic templates get ignored.
  • Keep it under 200 characters: Connection requests cut off at ~300 characters. Get to the point quickly.
  • Mention common ground: Shared connections, groups, alumni networks, or event attendance increases acceptance by 3x.
  • Don't pitch immediately: Build rapport first. Send a thank-you after acceptance, engage with their content, then start a conversation.
  • Follow up within 24 hours: When someone accepts your request, send a brief thank-you message to start the relationship on a positive note.
Abdulghani Sabbagh

Abdulghani Sabbagh

Founder & LinkedIn Optimization Specialist

Abdulghani Sabbagh is the founder of LinkedAI Labs. He's analyzed thousands of LinkedIn profiles and built AI-powered tools that help professionals get found by recruiters, optimize their content, and grow their careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best LinkedIn connection request message?
The best LinkedIn connection request messages are personalized, specific, and brief (under 300 characters). Mention a shared connection, group, or event, reference something specific from their profile or recent post, and state why you want to connect. Personalized messages are accepted 3x more often than blank requests. Avoid generic templates — tailor each message to the person you're reaching out to for the best results.
How long should a LinkedIn connection request be?
LinkedIn connection requests have a 300-character limit for the personalized note. Aim for 100-250 characters — long enough to be personal and specific, short enough to be read quickly. Include: who you are (1 line), why you want to connect (1 line), and a soft call to action or common ground (1 line). Recruiters and busy professionals appreciate brevity.
Should I send a message after someone accepts my connection request?
Yes — following up within 24 hours of acceptance is a best practice that 80% of LinkedIn users skip. Send a brief thank-you message that references why you connected and opens the door for future conversation. Avoid pitching immediately. Build the relationship first by engaging with their content and learning about their work before making any requests.
How do I ask for a LinkedIn recommendation?
When asking for a recommendation, be specific about what you'd like them to highlight (e.g., a particular project, skill, or quality). Make it easy for them by offering a brief reminder of the context and timeline of your work together. Always offer to write one for them in return. Send your request after a positive interaction, not out of the blue.
Is the LinkedIn Message Templates tool really free?
Yes, this collection of message templates is completely free and requires no sign-up or account creation. All templates are static content — no data is sent to any server. Use them as inspiration and customize each message to fit your unique voice and situation.

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