LinkedIn has changed the way we network for the better.
However, many people fail to customize aspects of their LinkedIn actions in a way that allows them to truly stand out from the millions of members on the site.
Just ask yourself, when is the last time you received a connection invitation that did not simply use the generic template of “I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.”
While this template is clear enough, it lacks a feeling of individuality and zest that is useful in attracting people to accept your invitation. Especially when you are adding someone you may not know well in person, a personalized message can help set you apart from the many other users who may be trying to connect with them on a daily basis. With 300 characters at your disposal, you should be optimizing every important connection invitation you extend.
Not every person you try to connect with will warrant the same kind of invitation message. However, having a base template for different categories of people can provide a great starting point.
To help you on your journey to a more robust and useful professional network on LinkedIn, here are some category based templates that you can use:
Past Co-Workers
Dear [Insert Name Here],
Working with you at [Insert Company Here] was wonderful. Your ability to [Insert Specific Task Here] was always extremely helpful for keeping the workplace up and running. I cannot imagine how we would have gotten along at [Insert Company Here] without your continuous hard work. Please accept my invitation so we can catch up about what is going on over at [Insert Company Here].
Best,
[Insert Name Here]
Network Event Connections
Dear [Insert Name Here],
It was a pleasure meeting you at [Insert Event Here]. I had an excellent and informative time. I found the opportunity to learn about [Insert Task Here} from you very valuable. Please accept my invitation so we can stay connected from now on.
Best,
[Insert Name Here]
People from a Common LinkedIn Group
Dear [Insert Name Here],
I’ve gained a lot from the material you post about [Insert Topic Here], as I also deal with these issues in my field of work. I particularly enjoyed the information I gained from your posts regarding [Insert Post Here] that you shared recently. Please accept my invitation so I can continue to interact with you and the great content that you post.
Best,
[Insert Name Here]
People you want to Collaborate With
Dear [Insert Name Here],
Your work on [Insert Accomplishment/Task/Project Here] was highly impressive. I also work as a [Insert Field Here} and would be interested in hiring you/working with you to help me [Insert Task/Job Here]. Please accept my invitation so I can inform you more about the project. I look forward to possibly working with you.
Best,
[Insert Name Here]
New Co-Workers
Dear [Insert Name Here],
I am looking forward to developing a more thorough work relationship with you at [Insert Company Here]. The [Insert Company Here] team’s ability to find innovative solutions to [Insert Company Specific Tasks/Service Here] has really inspired me to perform to my fullest ability. Please connect with me so that I can benefit from your insight as a veteran member of [Insert Company Here.].
Best,
[Insert Name Here]
Casual Acquaintances
Dear [Insert Name Here],
It was great meeting you through [Insert Mutual Acquaintance Here]. Please connect with me so I can learn more about what you do over at [Insert Company Here]. It seems like fascinating and worthwhile work.
Best,
[Insert Name Here]
People You Have Respect For
Dear [Insert Name Here],
I cannot express how much I respect the work you do in the [Insert Industry Here] industry. Your work has been inspiring to me and I was very impressed with the recent work you did on [Insert Task/Project/Etc. Here]. If you will do me the pleasure of connecting with me I would love to pick your brain at some point about your approach to what you do.
Best,
[Insert Name Here]
Recruiters
Dear [Insert Name Here],
I located your information through [Insert Page/Contact/Etc. Here] and wanted to discuss possibly working with [Insert Company Here} on [Insert Project/Task/Function/Etc. Here] in the future. If you will please connect with me I would love to set up a discussion in the future to discuss whether or not I would make a good fit for a [Insert Position Here] position at [Insert Company Here].
Best,
[Insert Name Here]
Alumnus
Dear [Insert Name Here],
Remember me from [Insert School/Tech Program/Etc. Here}? I was excited to see you landed a gig working on [Insert Task/Job/Career Here} like you always wanted to! Please connect with me so we can catch up and I can learn more about what you are doing at [Insert Company Here].
Best,
[Insert Name Here]