LinkedIn message templates: 50+ examples for networking & outreach

You want to network on LinkedIn, but every message feels like starting from scratch. What do you say to a stranger? How do you ask for help without sounding needy? How do you follow up without being annoying?

LinkedIn messaging can feel awkward, but it doesn't have to be.

The secret is having proven templates you can customize quickly. Whether you're networking, job searching, or reaching out for sales, the right message template saves time and gets better responses.

In this guide, you'll find 50+ LinkedIn message templates for every situation — connection requests, networking, job searching, sales outreach, and follow-ups. Copy, personalize, and send.

Why LinkedIn message templates work

LinkedIn is a professional network with over 900 million users. Standing out requires messages that are personal, relevant, and concise. Templates give you a proven structure while still allowing personalization.

Benefits of using LinkedIn message templates:

• Save 10+ hours per week: Stop writing from scratch every time

• Higher response rates: Proven templates get more replies

• Consistent quality: Every message is professional and clear

• Scale your outreach: Connect with more people without burning out

• Reduce anxiety: No more staring at a blank message box

The key: Templates are starting points, not copy-paste messages. Always personalize with specific details about the person you're messaging.

LinkedIn connection request message templates

LinkedIn gives you 300 characters for connection request messages. Make them count.

1. General networking connection request

Hi [Name], I came across your profile and was impressed by your work in [their field/company]. I'd love to connect and learn from your experience. Looking forward to connecting!

2. After meeting someone at an event

Hi [Name], great meeting you at [event name]! I enjoyed our conversation about [topic]. Would love to stay connected and continue the discussion.

3. Mutual connection introduction

Hi [Name], [Mutual connection name] suggested we connect. I'm working on [what you do] and would love to learn from your experience in [their expertise].

4. Same industry connection

Hi [Name], I noticed we're both in [industry]. I'd love to connect and share insights. Always great to network with fellow [industry] professionals!

5. Alumni connection

Hi [Name], fellow [University name] alum here! I saw your profile and would love to connect. Go [mascot name]!

6. Same company connection

Hi [Name], I saw you work at [Company]. I'm in [your department]. Would love to connect with more colleagues on LinkedIn!

7. Admire their content connection

Hi [Name], I've been following your posts on [topic] and find them really valuable. Would love to connect and learn from you!

8. Job seeker to recruiter

Hi [Name], I'm exploring opportunities in [field/role] and saw your work at [Company]. I'd love to connect and learn about potential openings.

9. Sales prospecting connection

Hi [Name], I work with [companies like theirs] to [value proposition]. I think there might be value in connecting — no sales pitch, just sharing insights!

10. Recruiter to potential candidate

Hi [Name], I'm a recruiter at [Company] and came across your impressive background in [their expertise]. I'd love to connect and share some opportunities.

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Networking message templates

Once you're connected, here's how to start meaningful conversations.

11. General networking message

Hi [Name],

Thanks for connecting! I'm always looking to expand my network with professionals in [their industry/role].

I noticed you work at [Company] — I'd love to hear about your experience there and what you're working on these days.

Happy to share what I'm working on as well if you're interested!

Best,
[Your Name]

12. Asking for industry insights

Hi [Name],

I hope you're doing well! I'm currently [what you're working on] and I'd love to get your perspective on [specific topic in their expertise].

Would you be open to a quick 15-minute call sometime in the next couple weeks? I'd really value your insights.

Thanks for considering it!

Best,
[Your Name]

13. Asking for advice

Hi [Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I'm currently navigating [challenge or decision] and noticed your extensive experience in [their expertise].

Would you be willing to share your thoughts? I'd be happy to jump on a quick call at your convenience.

I really appreciate any guidance you can offer!

Best,
[Your Name]

14. Congratulating on a new job

Hi [Name],

Congrats on your new role as [title] at [Company]! That's exciting news.

I'd love to hear more about what you'll be working on. Coffee sometime soon?

Best,
[Your Name]

15. Commenting on their post

Hi [Name],

I saw your recent post about [topic] — really insightful! I especially appreciated your point about [specific detail].

I've been thinking about [related topic] and would love to hear more of your thoughts on it if you have time for a quick chat.

Best,
[Your Name]

Job search message templates

16. Asking about job openings

Hi [Name],

I hope you're doing well! I'm currently exploring new opportunities in [field/role] and I noticed [Company] is a leader in this space.

I have [X years] of experience in [relevant skills] and I'm particularly interested in [specific area].

Would you happen to know if there are any openings on your team or elsewhere at [Company]? I'd love to learn more.

Thanks so much!

Best,
[Your Name]

17. Asking for an informational interview

Hi [Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I'm exploring career opportunities in [field] and I'm really impressed by your journey from [their past role] to [current role].

Would you be open to a 15-20 minute informational interview? I'd love to learn about your path and get your advice on breaking into [their field/company].

I'm flexible on timing and happy to work around your schedule.

Thank you for considering it!

Best,
[Your Name]

18. Inquiring about a specific job posting

Hi [Name],

I hope you're doing well. I just saw the [Job Title] position posted at [Company] and I'm very interested.

I have [X years] of experience in [relevant skills] and I think I'd be a great fit because [specific reason].

I've already applied through the website, but I wanted to reach out personally as well. Would you be willing to share any insights about the role or the team?

Thanks so much!

Best,
[Your Name]

19. Asking for a referral

Hi [Name],

I hope you're doing well! I'm very interested in the [Job Title] position at [Company] and I've already submitted my application.

Given your experience at [Company], would you be willing to refer me or put in a good word with the hiring team? I'd be happy to share my resume and cover letter with you.

I completely understand if that's not possible. Either way, I appreciate you considering it!

Best,
[Your Name]

20. Following up after applying

Hi [Name],

I applied for the [Job Title] role at [Company] a couple weeks ago and I wanted to follow up.

I'm really excited about this opportunity because [specific reason]. I think my experience with [relevant skill] would be particularly valuable for [specific aspect of the role].

Is there any update on the hiring timeline? I'd love to learn more about next steps.

Thanks for your time!

Best,
[Your Name]

Sales outreach message templates

21. Initial sales prospecting message

Hi [Name],

I noticed [Company] is [recent company news, growth, achievement]. Congrats on that!

I work with [similar companies] to [value proposition]. We've helped companies like [example client] achieve [specific result].

I'm not sure if this is relevant for you, but would you be open to a quick conversation about [topic]?

Best,
[Your Name]

22. Offering value first

Hi [Name],

I came across your profile and noticed you're working on [initiative/goal based on their profile or posts].

I recently wrote a guide on [relevant topic] that has helped [similar companies] achieve [result]. I thought it might be useful for you — no strings attached.

Would you like me to send it over?

Best,
[Your Name]

23. Referencing mutual connection

Hi [Name],

[Mutual connection name] mentioned you might be interested in [topic/solution].

I help [companies like theirs] with [value proposition]. Would you be open to a brief conversation to see if there's a fit?

Happy to share more about what we do or answer any questions.

Best,
[Your Name]

24. Responding to their content

Hi [Name],

I saw your recent post about [topic] and completely agree with your point about [specific detail].

I work with [type of companies] to solve similar challenges around [related topic]. I'd love to share some insights with you — would you be interested in connecting for a quick call?

Best,
[Your Name]

25. Following up on sales message

Hi [Name],

I wanted to follow up on my message from last week about [topic].

I know you're busy, so I wanted to make it easier — here's a one-sentence summary of what we do: [value proposition].

If this sounds interesting, I'd love to schedule a quick 15-minute call. If not, no worries at all!

Best,
[Your Name]

Follow-up message templates

26. Following up after no response (polite)

Hi [Name],

I wanted to follow up on my message from [timeframe]. I know your inbox is probably packed, so I wanted to make sure this didn't get lost.

[Restate your request in one sentence]

Let me know if now isn't the right time and I'll check back later.

Best,
[Your Name]

27. Following up after a connection

Hi [Name],

Thanks again for connecting last week! I wanted to follow up and see if you'd be interested in [specific next step].

[Provide value or context]

Let me know what you think!

Best,
[Your Name]

28. Following up on a previous conversation

Hi [Name],

I wanted to circle back on our conversation from [date] about [topic].

[Update on your end or new information]

Would you still be interested in [next step]? I'm happy to schedule a time to discuss further.

Best,
[Your Name]

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How to personalize LinkedIn message templates

Templates work, but only if you personalize them. Here's how:

1. Use their name

Replace [Name] with their actual first name. This is the bare minimum.

2. Reference something specific

Mention their company, a recent post, a mutual connection, or something from their profile. This shows you actually looked at their profile.

3. Explain why you're reaching out

Be clear about your intent. Are you networking? Looking for a job? Selling something? People appreciate transparency.

4. Keep it short

LinkedIn messages should be under 150 words. Get to the point quickly.

5. End with a clear call to action

"Would you be open to a call?" is better than "Let me know your thoughts."

How Quickfix AI helps

Even with templates, personalizing LinkedIn messages takes time. You have to research their profile, find the right template, customize it, and check the tone.

Instead of:

• ❌ Searching through templates to find the right one

• ❌ Reading their profile to find personalization details

• ❌ Manually customizing names, companies, and specifics

• ❌ Rewriting to get the tone right

With Quickfix AI:

• ✅ AI reads their LinkedIn profile automatically

• ✅ Generates a personalized message based on your goal

• ✅ Matches professional tone and style

• ✅ Ready to send in one click

Quickfix AI works directly in LinkedIn. No copying, pasting, or switching tabs. Just click once and send your personalized message. Learn more about AI reply generators.

Try Quickfix AI Free

Common LinkedIn messaging mistakes to avoid

1. Generic connection requests

"I'd like to add you to my network" is boring and impersonal. Always add a custom note.

2. Selling immediately

Don't pitch in your first message. Build rapport first, then offer value.

3. Making it all about you

Instead of "I'm looking for..." say "I noticed you're working on... and I thought..."

4. Being too formal

LinkedIn is professional, but it's not a business letter. Write like you talk.

5. Not personalizing

If you can't find one specific detail about their profile to mention, don't send the message.

6. Asking for too much too soon

Don't ask for a 60-minute call in your first message. Start with 15 minutes.

7. No clear next step

Every message should end with a specific ask or next step.

Pro tips for LinkedIn messaging

• Check if they're active: Look at their recent activity. If they haven't posted in 6 months, they might not check messages.

• Send messages on Tuesday-Thursday: Response rates are highest mid-week.

• Keep it conversational: Write like you're talking to a colleague, not writing a cover letter.

• Use their language: If they say "data-driven," use that phrase instead of "analytical."

• Follow up once, maximum twice: More than that and you're being pushy.

• Engage with their content first: Like or comment on a few posts before messaging. It warms them up.

• Be patient: People are busy. Give them at least a week before following up.

FAQs

How long should LinkedIn messages be?

Keep LinkedIn messages under 150 words. Connection requests are limited to 300 characters, so keep those even shorter — around 50-75 words.

Should I personalize every LinkedIn message?

Yes. Generic messages get ignored. Always include at least one specific detail about their profile, company, or content.

How do I write a good LinkedIn connection request?

Mention how you found them, why you want to connect, and keep it under 300 characters. Example: "Hi [Name], I came across your profile and was impressed by your work in [field]. Would love to connect and learn from your experience!"

Can I use AI to write LinkedIn messages?

Yes. AI tools like Quickfix AI can generate personalized LinkedIn messages based on profile information and your goals. This saves time while maintaining quality and personalization. Check out our guide to the best AI writing assistants.

How often should I follow up on LinkedIn?

Wait at least 5-7 days before following up once. If they don't respond after two messages, move on. Don't be pushy.

What's the best time to send LinkedIn messages?

Tuesday through Thursday, between 9am-11am or 1pm-3pm (in their timezone). Avoid Mondays (too busy) and Fridays (winding down).

Should I send LinkedIn InMail or regular messages?

If you're connected, use regular messages. InMail is for reaching people you're not connected to (requires Premium). Connection requests are free and often work just as well.

How do I respond to LinkedIn messages faster?

Use templates for common scenarios, or use an AI tool like Quickfix AI that generates contextual responses automatically.

Conclusion

LinkedIn messaging doesn't have to be awkward or time-consuming. With the right templates, you can network, job search, and prospect effectively — all while saving hours every week.

Remember: templates are starting points. Always personalize with specific details, keep messages concise, and end with a clear call to action.

And if you want to save even more time? Let AI handle it. Quickfix AI reads LinkedIn profiles and generates personalized messages automatically — no templates needed.