{"id":5792,"date":"2016-04-18T06:52:33","date_gmt":"2016-04-18T10:52:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/?p=5792"},"modified":"2023-07-14T07:44:50","modified_gmt":"2023-07-14T11:44:50","slug":"how-to-customize-linkedin-invitations-to-connect","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/how-to-customize-linkedin-invitations-to-connect\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Customize LinkedIn Invitations to Connect"},"content":{"rendered":"

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When you\u2019re proactively job-hunting, you need to keep a keen eye towards expanding your LinkedIn network to include people who can help you meet your career goals.<\/p>\n

Considering that you may not know many of these people, you need to do your best to compel them to want to connect with you.<\/p>\n

Without a second thought, most people quickly hit the \u201cConnect\u201d button on LinkedIn when they invite people to connect, and send off the invitation.<\/p>\n

You know what happens next, because you probably receive many of these invitations yourself.<\/p>\n

The recipient gets the following current default message:<\/p>\n

\u201cI’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.”<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Such an anemic message offers no real reason to connect with the person.<\/p>\n

Maybe you aren\u2019t aware that you can personalize your invitations to connect.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Imagine how much a thoughtful customized message will differentiate you<\/a>, reinforce your personal brand and position you as someone of interest. The recipient will probably readily accept your invitation.<\/p>\n

Let them know why they should, or may want to, connect with you. Let them know a little about you and your brand. Let them know if you belong to one or more of the same LI Groups or alumni groups . . . or participate in any other activities they do.<\/p>\n

For ideas on how to write branded, personalized invitations, see How to Connect on LinkedIn with People You Don\u2019t Know . . . and Get Action.<\/a><\/p>\n

It takes a little bit more effort to write a short personalized message for each new connection, but that time is well spent.<\/p>\n

How to Personalize LinkedIn Invitations to Connect<\/strong><\/h3>\n

According to LinkedIn Help, in an article updated in January 2016, here’s how to personalize LinkedIn invitations<\/a> to connect from your desktop. [Please note: LinkedIn can, and does, change functionality regularly and without notice, so this may not still work as described here.]:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Move your cursor over the Down arrow, next to the “Connect” button in the top section of someone’s profile (just under their name).<\/li>\n
  • Select \u201cPersonalize invitation\u201d from the dropdown menu.<\/li>\n
  • If the above option doesn’t exist, you can personalize your message by clicking the \u201cConnect\u201d button in the top section of their profile.<\/li>\n
  • A prompt will appear that contains a text box to personalize your invitation message.<\/li>\n
  • Note: This prompt will only appear if you don’t have \u201cPersonalize invitation\u201d in the dropdown menu.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    More About LinkedIn for Executive Job Search<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Get the Most Out of LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n

    Essential Checklist to Optimize LinkedIn For Executive Job Search<\/a><\/p>\n

    If All Else Fails in Executive Job Search, Read the Directions<\/p>\n

    If All Else Fails in Executive Job Search, Read the Directions<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n