In Canada, LinkedIn is widely used as a networking tool by both job seekers and employers. As a newcomer, you may have heard or read that Canada has a hidden job market – made up of open positions that are not advertised publicly. It is said that as much as 65-85 per cent of the jobs are not posted online. One way to get access to these “hidden” opportunities is to connect with people from your industry, and LinkedIn is an excellent tool to get started.
In this article, we’ll share some tips and advice to help you craft compelling LinkedIn connection request messages. We will also provide some sample templates that you can edit to suit your own situation and build a meaningful professional network online.
Are you still in the process of setting up or refining your LinkedIn profile?
Check out Top 10 tips to optimize your LinkedIn profile for job search in Canada for advice and recommendations.
What is a connection request message on LinkedIn?
Building your network on LinkedIn begins with sending out connection requests to other professionals. On any profile, when you click on “Connect” to add them to your network, you’ll see a message as follows:
What should you write in a LinkedIn connection request?
While it is very easy (and tempting) to send the connection request without customizing it, adding a note will greatly increase the likelihood of your request being accepted. Personalization can help you start meaningful conversations and create memorable first impressions.
When you decide to send your connection request without a note, your recipient sees something along the lines of “I’d like to join your network.” This doesn’t provide any context as to who you are or why you want to connect and may negatively impact how many connections you are able to make.
Personalization can help you start meaningful conversations and create memorable first impressions. Notes added to connection requests have a 300-character limit, so keep your message brief and to the point. Get creative and carefully choose what you want to say. Give them a reason to connect with you.
Tips to customize LinkedIn connection request messages
Here are a few tips to help you customize the introduction note effectively:
Tip: Only connect with people whom you know or want to know. Sending generic requests to random people on LinkedIn can backfire. If enough people who receive your connection request indicate that they don’t know you, then you could be banned.
Introduce yourself
Always include a quick introduction (no more than a line or two) about who you are and what you do.
Mention how you found them
It’s worthwhile to mention how you came across their profile. Whether you met them at a networking event or if you were simply searching for specific industry professionals, mentioning how you found them is a good way to capture their interest.
Connect on common ground
Look at their LinkedIn profile to see if there are any shared interests, groups, academic institutions, mutual connections or employers, and use that as an ice-breaker in your connection message.
Tips:
- You can check their social channels or LinkedIn posts to learn more about them. Establish a warm connection by liking, retweeting, or commenting on their posts. To add authenticity, use that as a talking point in your connection request.
- If you have mutual connections, you can ask one of them to make an introduction.
Be clear about your intention to connect
Whether you’re seeking professional advice or feedback on your resume, wanting to learn more about their work, or discover employment opportunities at their company, outlining your intentions in the connection request will help set expectations.
Tips:
- Being a newcomer in Canada, you can talk about your situation in your message, demonstrate the willingness to learn and ask them for a coffee chat or informational interview.
- Do not ask for a job in your connection message.
Next steps
Once your connection request is accepted, be sure to keep the conversation alive by sending a quick thank you note. And if you haven’t done so already, ask them for a coffee chat! The more people you meet and talk to, the faster you’ll learn about local culture and industry best practices.
Lastly, as your craft your message, remember the five P’s – Your request should be:
- Polite
- Pertinent
- Personalized
- Professional
- Praiseful
LinkedIn connection request message templates
Here are a few templates that you can use to start connecting and building your network on LinkedIn.
For someone you met at a networking event, seminar, or conference
| Hi [first name],
It was great meeting you yesterday at [event]. I’d love to connect and learn more about [company name] and stay up to date with what your company is doing. Talk soon! |
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| Hi [first name],
It was great to meet you at [event] last week. Your role sounds very interesting, and I’d really like to stay up-to-date on your career in the future! Thanks a lot, |
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| Dear [first name],
It was great speaking to you at the [event] in [city] last week. I really enjoyed our conversation on your interests in [related topic] and how you got into [profession]. I’d definitely like to stay up-to-date on your career. Thank you, |
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For someone whose work you admire
| Dear [first name],
I’m new to Canada and interested in [subject]. I’ve been following your work, and your career path really impressed me. I loved your recent [mention popular work]. If you ever have 30 minutes, I’d love to learn how you started working in the field. Thanks, |
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| Hi [first name],
I’ve been following the work you’ve been doing for [company name] in the last few months, and I’m very impressed with the results achieved in such a short time! I would love to chat more and learn how you got the opportunity to work on such a project. Best, |
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| Hi [first name]!
I came across a LinkedIn article you wrote on [topic]. I really resonated with your thoughts on [mention key takeaway from article]. I’m new to Canada and interested in [subject]. I’d love to keep in touch and learn more about your work. [Your first name] |
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For someone in the same LinkedIn group
| Hi [first name]!
I noticed you went to [university or college] – I graduated from there myself [x] years ago! I’d love to connect with you and see how we might be able to support each other professionally. To your success, |
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| Dear [first name],
I’m also in the [group name], and I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts. The piece you shared about [topic or subject] was pretty thought-provoking. I’d love to keep in touch and learn more about your work. Best, |
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| Hi [first name],
I came across your profile in the [group name] Group on LinkedIn. Your post recently about [topic or subject] really resonated with me, so I thought I’d connect with you to keep in touch and maybe bounce ideas off each other at some point in the future! All the best! |
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For a recruiter
| Dear [first name],
I found your profile on [mention source]. I’m [your role], new to Canada, with [x] years of experience and currently seeking new opportunities. I’d love to chat about whether my background might be a fit for any of your openings. Best, |
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| Hi [first name],
I’ve just seen that you work with [company]. As a [your industry] professional, I’ve been working for several years. If you get a chance, I’d love to chat and see if you have any suitable opportunities for someone with my background. Thanks in advance, |
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| Hi [first name],
I read from your profile that you recruit for [industry name] roles in [city]. I’m currently a [your role], new to Canada, and wanted to connect with you in case you think my profile might be a good fit for current or future roles you seek to fill. Thanks! |
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For second degree connections
| Hi [first name],
I noticed we’re both connected to [mutual connection name and title]. [Mutual connection name], and I collaborated on a project and he/she spoke highly of you. I’d love to add you to my professional network so we can support each other. Looking forward to connecting, |
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| Hi [first name]!
One of our mutual connections, [mutual connection name], shared an article you wrote on [topic]. I really like the insights you shared and wanted to reach out and connect. I’ve actually worked with companies in this area and would love to chat over coffee sometime. [Your first name] |
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| Hey [first name],
I’m glad [mutual connection name] introduced us. Next time we run into each other, you’ll have to tell me more about what you do for [company] – I’ve always been interested in the [industry name] industry. Cheers, |
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Networking sites like LinkedIn offer immense opportunities to connect with a large population of professionals. Whether you’re within or outside Canada, it’s never too early to start building your network online. Being engaged and responsive will help you adapt faster and transition smoothly to the Canadian job market!
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Start your career in Canada with confidence! |
