LinkedIn Networking Messages: Templates That Get Replies

Most people know they should network on LinkedIn. Fewer know what to actually write. So they send a blank connection request, or a long message that asks a stranger for a job in the first line. Neither tends to work.

Good networking messages are short, specific and easy to say yes to. Here's a simple structure and templates for the people job seekers message most.

The structure of a good message

Almost every effective message has four parts:

1. Context. Why you're reaching out to this person in particular.
2. Common ground. A shared school, employer, service branch, group or interest, if you have one.
3. A small ask. Something easy, like a quick question or a short call.
4. An easy out. A line that makes it fine to say no.

Keep it short. Connection request notes have a tight character limit, and even direct messages get read on phones. Aim for a few sentences.

Before you send anything

Make sure your profile is ready. People will click your name before they reply. A clear headline and About section tell them who you are in seconds. See our guide to LinkedIn headline formulas if yours needs work.

Before and after

Before

Hi, I'm looking for a job. Can you help me get hired at your company? I've attached my resume.

After

Hi [Name], I saw you lead the analytics team at [Company]. I'm a data analyst with a background in retail operations and I'm exploring teams like yours. Would you be open to a 15-minute call sometime in the next few weeks? Totally understand if now isn't a good time.

The first version asks a stranger for a big favor with no context. The second explains why this person, who you are and makes a small, easy request.

Templates

These templates use placeholders in brackets. Change the wording so it sounds like you.

To a recruiter

Hi [Name], I noticed you recruit for [type of role] at [Company]. I'm a [your title] with experience in [two key skills]. I just applied for the [Job Title] role and wanted to introduce myself. Happy to share anything that would help.

Recruiters are busy, so get to the point. Mention a specific role if you've applied.

To an alum

Hi [Name], I see we both went to [School]. I'm exploring roles in [field] and noticed you've built your career there. Would you be open to a quick chat about how you got started? Any advice would be great.

Shared schools are one of the easiest openers. Ask for advice rather than a job.

To a hiring manager

Hi [Name], I'm interested in the [Job Title] role on your team. I've spent [time] doing [relevant work], most recently [one result in plain terms]. I'd love to learn what matters most for this role. Would a short call make sense?

Show one relevant result and ask about the role. Don't paste your whole resume.

To a fellow veteran

Hi [Name], fellow [branch] veteran here. I'm transitioning into [field] and saw you made a similar move to [Company]. Would you be willing to share how you made the switch? I'd really appreciate it.

Many veterans are glad to help others in transition. Mention your branch and target field.

To a former coworker

Hi [Name], it's been a while since we worked together at [Company]. I hope things are going well at [their company]. I'm looking for my next role in [field] and would love to catch up if you have time.

Warm contacts are often your best source of leads. Reconnect before you ask for anything big.

To someone at a new location

Hi [Name], my family just moved to [City] and I'm getting to know the [field] community here. I saw you're at [Company]. Would you be open to a quick coffee or call? I'd love any tips on the local market.

This works well for military spouses and anyone who just relocated.

After meeting at an event

Hi [Name], great to meet you at [event] on [day]. I enjoyed our talk about [topic]. Let's stay in touch.

Send it within a day or two, while they still remember you.

How to follow up

If you don't hear back, one polite follow-up after about a week is reasonable.

Hi [Name], just bumping this in case it got buried. No worries if you're busy.

If there's still no reply, let it go and move on. People are busy, and silence usually isn't personal.

Once someone does reply and the conversation goes well, you may be in a position to ask for a referral. Our guide on how to get employee referrals covers how to make that ask.

Tips that raise your reply rate

• Personalize the first line. Mention something real, like a post they wrote or a shared group.
• Make the ask small. A quick question is easier to accept than a big favor.
• Don't attach your resume unless they ask for it.
• Be patient. Replies can take days.
• Say thank you. Whether they help or not, a short thanks leaves a good impression.

If you're announcing your search publicly too, our open to work post examples can help you word it.

FAQ

Should I add a note to every connection request?

A short note usually helps, especially with people you don't know. It explains why you want to connect and makes acceptance more likely. Keep it to one or two sentences.

Is it okay to message a hiring manager directly?

Yes, as long as you're polite and brief. Mention the role, one relevant result and a small ask. Avoid repeated messages if they don't reply.

How many networking messages should I send?

Quality matters more than volume. A handful of personalized messages each week tends to work better than dozens of copied ones. Track who you've contacted so you can follow up on time.

What if someone doesn't reply?

Send one polite follow-up after about a week. If there's still no reply, move on. It's rarely personal, and plenty of other people will be glad to talk.

Want help writing messages that sound like you? Use the Sortie LinkedIn tools to draft outreach and polish your profile, then track every conversation in the Sortie tracker.