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Use connection request templates

A connection note is optional. You may send no note, reuse a short professional template, or personalize one when real context makes it useful. The initial note should introduce you or explain the connection—not contain a resume, full opportunity pitch, long career history, immediate job request, or disrespectfully casual wording.

Choose the shortest template that truthfully fits.

Mutual connections​

Hi [name],

I see that we have some connections in common. I would like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.

Best regards,

[your name]

The mutual-connections statement must be true. It is a brief trust signal, not an endorsement, and needs no additional personalization.

Same industry or role​

Hi [name]. I am also a [truthful role] working in [shared field], and I would be glad to add you to my professional network.

Company interest​

Hi [name]. I have been following [company]'s work on [specific area] and would be glad to connect.

Specific public work​

Hi [name]. Your [specific post, talk, article, or project] helped me understand [real idea]. I would be glad to connect.

Shared project or community​

Hi [name]. We both contributed to or participated in [real project or community], and I would be glad to stay connected here.

You may add one sentence about relevant company work, a specific post or idea, or a genuine shared technology or professional interest. Do not invent familiarity. A reusable professional note is acceptable; untouched claims that are untrue are not.

After acceptance​

An immediate thank-you is optional. No second message is required, and acceptance does not create an obligation to answer.

If you are actively exploring relevant work and want to send an outbound opportunity message, wait roughly 24 to 48 hours so the invitation and pitch do not arrive as one transaction. Do not send repeated messages during that interval. The hidden-job-market guide defines suitable recipients, a concise template, and follow-up boundaries.

Ignored and declined invitations are normal. A 30-to-40-percent acceptance result is a normal operational reference and above 40 percent is strong, not a promise or measure of your worth. Use a sustained lower result to review relevance or wording, not to pressure recipients.