How To Connect With People On LinkedIn And Not Make It Weird

As seen on Forbes.

In the modern professional landscape, LinkedIn is more than just a digital resume. It’s a platform for networking, learning and building meaningful professional relationships. However, many people feel awkward or unsure about how to initiate those connections.

Whether you’re reaching out to a former coworker, a recruiter or someone you’ve never met, there is an art to making LinkedIn networking feel authentic and respectful rather than transactional or uncomfortable. Here are some useful tips on how to connect with others on LinkedIn and get excellent results.

The Importance Of Personal Touch

One of the most common mistakes people make on LinkedIn is sending a connection request without a message. While LinkedIn allows you to do this with one click, it often comes across as cold or impersonal, especially when you reach out to someone you don’t know well. Including a short personalized message adds warmth and context. A simple, two-sentence note explaining who you are and why you would like to connect on the platform can significantly increase the likelihood of your request being accepted.

When crafting your message, keep it professional, friendly and concise. Avoid copy-pasted generic phrases like “I’d like to add you to my professional network.” Instead, tailor your message to each person and situation. This kind of personalized approach demonstrates thoughtfulness and interest, making it far less likely to feel out of place.

Think About Your Relationship

How you approach a LinkedIn connection request depends on your relationship with the person. If you are reconnecting with former colleagues or managers, it’s best to reference your shared experience. For instance, a message that says “I really enjoyed working with you at the company. I’d love to stay in touch and follow your journey,” would be a great starting point to reconnect.

Now for new coworkers or bosses, your message should express enthusiasm about working together. A note such as, “I’m excited to be joining the company and look forward to learning from you,” is professional, polite and shows initiative.

When reaching out to recruiters, it’s important to be respectful of their time. Something akin to “I came across your profile while exploring opportunities. I’d appreciate the chance to connect and learn more,” shows interest without being overly assertive.

For those people you don’t know well or have not yet connected with but have mutual connections, always mention the overlap. A message with, “I noticed we share several mutual connections and a background. I’d love to connect and learn more about your work,” can make the recipient feel at ease.

If you’ve met someone at a networking event, follow up promptly, ideally within 24 to 48 hours. A simple message like, “It was great meeting you at the convention. I enjoyed our conversation and would love to stay in touch,” reminds them who you are and keeps the connection alive.

When connecting with someone who has no mutual connections with you, the key is finding some common ground, like the industry you both are in, a shared interest, or a professional goal. Highlighting the recent LinkedIn post they shared or their work in a specific area shows genuine engagement and helps you stand out. You can connect with them on LinkedIn this way without making yourself sound like a creepy stalker.

Why Your Timing Also Matters

While there’s no universal rule, research and user behavior suggest that certain times and days are better for engagement. Data from SalesBread shows that people tend to receive the highest reply rate on Thursday at 20%, with Tuesday and Wednesday close behind. Monday ranks highest for connection request acceptances.

People are usually more focused and checking LinkedIn during business hours, and this is when response rates tend to climb. Replies peak around 10:00 AM, so reaching out in the early morning from around 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM or in the late afternoon around 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM can help your message land when they’re most likely to see it. On the other hand, sending requests on weekends or late at night may reduce your visibility or make your message less timely, especially if it’s tied to a recent meeting or event.

Avoid These Pitfalls At All Costs

If there are tips to follow when connecting on LinkedIn, there are common pitfalls you should avoid as well. First, never send a connection request without context, especially to people you don’t know personally. It can feel intrusive and will probably be ignored. Second, resist the urge to pitch, sell or ask for favors, such as a job referral, in your first message. This approach can be off-putting and damages trust before it’s even built.

Remember to keep your tone in messages balanced. As mentioned earlier, professional and friendly works best on a platform like LinkedIn, so avoid being overly formal or too casual. Lastly, don’t follow up repeatedly if someone doesn’t respond. Not everyone is active on LinkedIn, and some people prefer to keep their network limited.

Connecting with people on LinkedIn doesn’t have to feel awkward or forced. By leading with authenticity, showing genuine interest, and respecting the other person’s time and boundaries, you can create connections that are meaningful and mutually beneficial.

Think of LinkedIn like a professional networking event. You would never walk up to someone, say nothing, and expect them to be thrilled to talk with you. Instead, politely introduce yourself, find shared ground, and start a real conversation. Following these excellent tips might be the jumpstart you need in building meaningful and successful professional connections.