Which LinkedIn Connection Requests Get Ignored and Why?

Last updated December 12, 2024

By Kendra Lee

We’ve all been there—you send a LinkedIn connection request and eagerly wait for a response that never comes. It’s a situation that leaves you questioning what went wrong. Recently, a client reached out with this very dilemma, and it struck a chord because it’s something we’ve all experienced.

When your LinkedIn connection requests go unanswered, it can feel personal, but in typically it’s not about you or your approach. Find out what is really going on, why people don’t accept your requests, and which strategies savvy LinkedIn users leverage to easily connect with their peers on the platform.

What Is a LinkedIn Connection?

A LinkedIn connection is a professional relationship formed on the platform, allowing you to engage with each other’s content and communicate directly. It’s an opportunity to expand your network and open doors to new opportunities. Understanding this can help you approach connection requests with a strategic mindset.

Why Do LinkedIn Connection Requests Get Ignored?

People are busier today than ever before and connection invitations often build up in their LinkedIn inbox. I’ve seen as much as 45 days (about one and a half months) go by between making an initial connection request and first hearing back from a contact. Sometimes, you never get a response. This frequently happens because the user isn’t regularly logging into LinkedIn. It’s common for people to setup new LinkedIn profiles whenever they change jobs or companies, and they forget to monitor the inboxes of their older profiles. Connecting with those folks can, at times, be frustrating and fruitless.

How Can You Improve Your LinkedIn Connection Requests?

To increase your chances of having your LinkedIn connection requests accepted, answer these 3 questions:

1. Are you personalizing your connection requests?

People appreciate personalized messages. By mentioning how you know them or why you want to connect, you show that you’ve taken the time to craft a thoughtful request which significantly increases your chances of acceptance.

2. Are your intentions clear?

Clear, concise intentions help the recipient understand the value of connecting with you. If your message is vague or seems like a mass send-out, it might be dismissed as spam.

3. Does your profile look professional?

A complete and professional LinkedIn profile, including a photo and detailed information, builds trust. Profiles that lack these elements may appear suspicious or less credible, making people hesitant to connect.

By addressing these common issues and implementing effective strategies, you can significantly increase the acceptance rate of your LinkedIn connection requests.

2 Swipe and Deploy Message Templates to Make Your Connection Request Stand Out

While you can’t control how busy someone is or how often they check LinkedIn, you can take steps to make your connection requests more noticeable and appealing:

Make it personal and mention a mutual connection

Instead of just clicking “Connect” and “Send invitation,” take a moment to write a brief personal note. This simple act brings your otherwise static invitation to life and can significantly increase your chances of getting a response.

Sample Message: “Hi [Name], I noticed we share a common connection with [Mutual Connection]. I’ve heard great things about your work in [Field] and would love to connect.”

Pro Tip! Always, mention mutual acquaintances because a shared connection can make your invitation feel more trustworthy and relevant.

Highlight what’s in it for them

While many people will accept any invitation they receive, senior managers and executives tend to be more selective. Provide a clear What’s in it for them? proposition in your request. Explain why connecting with you would be beneficial to them. Highlight mutual benefits or specific professional reasons for connecting.

Sample Message: “Hi [Name], I’m exploring new marketing strategies and noticed your extensive experience in this area. I believe connecting could be mutually beneficial as we share similar goals in [Specific Industry].”

What To Do if You Still Don’t Get a Response?

If the strategies above don’t help you break through, it’s probably an indication that the person isn’t seeing what they stand to gain from connecting with you. If that’s the case, don’t hesitate to reach out one more time with a new invitation that has a stronger value statement.

Follow-Up Sample Message: “Hi [Name], I wanted to follow up on my connection request. I believe we could benefit from sharing insights on [Specific Topic/Industry]. Looking forward to connecting!”

Ready To Enhance Your LinkedIn Networking?

If you’re looking to refine your LinkedIn connection strategies and improve your professional networking skills, let’s connect! Contact us today and start building meaningful connections that drive your career forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do LinkedIn connection requests often get ignored?

Answer: LinkedIn requests often get ignored because people are busy or inactive on the platform. Some users may also lack social networking savvy.

2. How can you improve the success rate of your LinkedIn connection requests?

Answer: Personalize your requests and clearly state your intentions. Ensure your LinkedIn profile is complete and professional.

3. What should you do if you don’t get a response to your LinkedIn connection request?

Answer: Send a follow-up invitation with a stronger value statement. Highlight the benefits of connecting to make your request more compelling.

4. How can you personalize a LinkedIn connection request effectively?

Answer: Mention how you know the person or refer to a recent post they made. KLA Group offers tips and strategies through their resources.

5. What are some best practices for writing a follow-up message on LinkedIn?

Answer: Include a stronger value proposition and keep it brief. For personalized guidance, consider a Coffee with Kendra session from KLA Group.