12 connection request templates, organised by context

"Hi {{first_name}} — good speaking with you at {{event}} about {{specific_topic}}. I’d like to stay connected and continue comparing notes on it." Use only when the meeting and topic are real. Naming the specific discussion helps the recipient identify you without turning the invitation into a second pitch.

"Hi {{first_name}} — {{mutual_contact}} introduced us around {{shared_context}}. Happy to connect here before we continue the conversation." Confirm that the contact actually made the introduction and is comfortable being named. Do not imply a referral merely because LinkedIn displays a mutual connection.

"Hi {{first_name}} — I appreciated our exchange on {{post_or_topic}}, especially your point about {{specific_point}}. Open to staying connected?" Refer to a contribution you genuinely read or participated in. A like without discussion usually does not support language implying a meaningful exchange.

"Hi {{first_name}} — we were both at {{session}}. Your question about {{topic}} was useful; I’m working on the same problem and would be glad to stay connected." Only mention a question or contribution that was public to attendees and accurately attributed.

"Hi {{first_name}} — we’re both part of {{community}} and work around {{shared_field}}. I’d be glad to connect with another practitioner in the space." A broad industry is not automatically a shared community. Name the actual association, programme, group, or recurring event.

"Hi {{first_name}} — fellow {{school_or_company}} alum here. I saw your work in {{current_field}} and would be glad to connect with someone who made a similar move." Keep the link accurate and professional. Shared attendance years apart is context, not proof of familiarity.

"Hi {{first_name}} — {{referrer}} suggested we connect regarding {{specific_business_topic}}. Happy to connect here and follow whichever next step is easiest for you." Confirm the referral and the permitted topic before sending; do not expose confidential customer context in the note.

"Hi {{first_name}} — thanks for the exchange about {{topic}} by email. I’m sending a connection request so we can stay in touch here as well." An email send without a reply is not an exchange. Use this only after the recipient has participated or explicitly invited the connection.

"Hi {{first_name}} — our teams overlap around {{specific_customer_or_workflow}}. I’d like to connect and see whether a practical partnership conversation makes sense." Name a credible complement rather than writing a generic request to explore synergies. If no relationship exists yet, consider InMail instead.

"Hi {{first_name}} — I used your {{article_tool_framework}} while working on {{relevant_task}}. The part about {{specific_point}} helped; I’d be glad to stay connected." Use a concrete, truthful outcome. Avoid praise generated from a title or summary you did not actually read.

"Hi {{first_name}} — congratulations on the move to {{company}}. I valued working with you around {{shared_context}} and would be glad to stay connected in your new role." This is for a real prior relationship. A stranger’s job-change notification does not create familiarity or consent to a pitch.

Do not manufacture one. LinkedIn’s invitation guidance recommends sending invitations to people you know and trust and suggests InMail or Groups for networking with members you do not know. Use an honest InMail, seek an introduction, contribute to a relevant discussion, or leave the person alone rather than inserting a cold pitch into a connection request.