A connection request on LinkedIn is a message asking someone to link their profile to yours

When you send a connection request, you're asking another LinkedIn user to add you to their network. The person receives a notification, can see your profile, and then decides whether to accept, decline, or ignore the request. If they accept, you can both see each other's full profiles, message each other directly, and appear in each other's network lists.

LinkedIn doesn't require you to know someone personally to send a request, but the person is more likely to accept if they recognize your name, work in your industry, or see a reason to connect. A request with no message attached has a lower acceptance rate than one that explains why you want to connect.

Key Takeaways

  • You can find someone on LinkedIn by searching their name, company, or job title in the search bar at the top of the page.
  • The "Connect" button appears on someone's profile; clicking it opens a box where you can add a personal message before sending the request.
  • A message explaining why you want to connect increases the chance the person will accept your request.
  • Once someone accepts your request, you can message them directly and see more details about their work history and skills.

Finding someone on LinkedIn to connect with

Use the search bar at the very top of LinkedIn to find the person you want to connect with. Type their name, the company they work for, or their job title. LinkedIn will show you a list of profiles that match what you typed.

If you're searching for a common name like "John Smith," you'll see many results. Look for details that match the person you're looking for — their current job title, company, location, or a photo you recognize. Click on their name to open their full profile.

You can also find people through your existing connections. On your own profile, click "Connections" to see everyone you're already linked to. From there, you can view their connections and send requests to people they know.

Sending a connection request with a message

Once you've found the person's profile, look for the blue "Connect" button. It's usually near the top of their profile, next to their name and headline. Click it.

A small window will pop up. LinkedIn gives you the option to add a message before sending the request. This message box says "Add a note" and has space for up to 300 characters. Write a brief sentence or two explaining why you want to connect — mention a shared interest, a company you both worked at, or a reason you think connecting would be useful.

If you don't add a message, LinkedIn will send a standard connection request that just says you want to connect. People are more likely to accept requests that include a personal message, especially if they don't recognize your name.

What happens after you send a request

The person receives a notification that you've sent a connection request. They can see your profile photo, headline, and the message you included. They have three choices: accept the request, decline it, or do nothing.

If they accept, you'll both see a notification that you're now connected. You can then message each other directly through LinkedIn's messaging feature. You'll also see each other's full profiles, including work history, skills, and recommendations.

If they decline or ignore the request, you won't be able to send another request to that person for one year. LinkedIn prevents you from repeatedly requesting the same person.

When to include a message and what to write

Always include a message if you don't already know the person or if you haven't spoken to them recently. A message takes 30 seconds to write and makes a real difference in whether someone accepts.

Keep the message short and specific. Instead of "I'd like to connect with you," try something like "I saw you work in UX design at Acme Corp — I'm also in UX and would like to follow your work" or "We both attended the marketing conference in March and I found your talk really helpful." If you have a mutual connection, mention their name: "Sarah Chen suggested I reach out to you."

Avoid generic messages or anything that sounds like a sales pitch. People on LinkedIn get many requests, and they're more likely to accept ones that show you've actually looked at their profile.

Connecting with people you already know

If you already know someone — a former coworker, classmate, or colleague — you can still send a connection request. Many people use LinkedIn to stay in touch with people they've worked with in the past. Your message can be simple: "Hi Sarah, I saw you're at Acme Corp now. Would love to stay connected."

For people you know well, you might skip the formal message and just click Connect. They'll recognize your name and likely accept. But a quick message is never wrong, even with people you know.

What you can and can't do after connecting

Once someone accepts your request, you can send them direct messages through LinkedIn's messaging feature. You can also see their full profile, including their complete work history, education, skills, and any recommendations they've received.

You cannot see their email address, phone number, or other contact information just from being connected. If you want to reach them outside LinkedIn, you have to ask them directly or find that information another way.

Connecting also means they can see your activity on LinkedIn — when you update your profile, endorse someone's skills, or like a post. If you want to keep your activity private, you can change your settings, but this is not the default.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between connecting and following someone on LinkedIn?

Connecting sends a request that the person must accept. Following lets you see someone's posts without them accepting anything — you can follow anyone without asking permission. You can follow someone without being connected, and you can be connected without following them.

Can I send a connection request to someone I've never met?

Yes, but include a message explaining why you want to connect. People are more likely to accept requests from strangers if you mention a shared industry, mutual connection, or specific reason you want to network. Without a message, the request is easy to ignore.

What if someone declines my connection request?

You cannot send another request to that person for one year. If you want to connect later, you'll have to wait. You can still follow them or engage with their posts without being connected.

Can I message someone on LinkedIn before we're connected?

Not directly. You have to send a connection request first. Once they accept, you can message them. Some LinkedIn accounts have a paid feature that lets you message anyone, but the standard free account requires a connection first.

How long does it take for someone to respond to a connection request?

There's no set time. Some people check LinkedIn daily and respond within hours. Others check it once a month or less. If someone hasn't responded after two weeks, they probably won't. Don't send a follow-up request — just move on.