By Anne Gaertner
LinkedIn is a digital representation of your network. Many students are tempted to press “Connect” and move on. No message, no context. The person becomes just another one of your “connections.” Or are they? A connection is built on a relationship. Without a solid foundation, there’s no relationship. The best way to start a digital relationship is by sending a personalized connection request.
Context Matters
Think about meeting someone at an event. You wouldn’t walk up, hand them your business card, and walk away without saying a word. That would feel confusing and a little weird.
A default LinkedIn request feels the same way.
A short note provides the person on the other side context. Maybe you heard them speak in class. Maybe you enjoyed their article. Maybe you’re interested in their career path. When you add even one sentence, you turn a random click into the start of a relationship.
Show Authentic Intent
Automation is everywhere. That’s why human effort stands out. A personalized note tells someone you intentionally chose them.
Differentiate Yourself
Most people — students and professionals — still send blank or default requests. Personalizing yours takes only a few seconds, but it instantly puts you in a different category. You look prepared, thoughtful, and professional. That matters more than you might think when you’re early in your career.
Build Trust from the Start
Trust starts the moment someone receives your request. When you mention something real — such as a class visit, a mutual connection, a project they worked on — you’re showing respect for their time and experience. You’re demonstrating you took time to learn who they are.
Increase Your Acceptance Rate
I’m one of the people who doesn’t accept requests without a personal message. I’m not trying to be rude. I’m not trying to keep my network small. I want to understand how we can support each other, how we have interacted or what mutual interest we share.
A personalized note fixes that instantly.
Side note: LinkedIn makes it easier to add a note from a computer. It’s possible from your phone but takes a few extra steps. This is where many students cut corners. Develop a
practice to only send requests from your computer. The simple choice can be the difference between a missed connection and a meaningful one.
What to Say in Your Message
If you’re not sure what to write, keep it simple. Try one of these angles:
· What you appreciated: a class talk, presentation, conversation, post.
· What you’re curious about: their career path, their industry, their projects.
· Where you saw them: a campus event, a panel discussion, a community event.
· How you’re connected: a mutual friend or professor.
Bottom line? Say why you’re reaching out. In PR and on LinkedIn, clear communication is always the most effective communication.
