Should I Connect with My Interviewer on LinkedIn? A Savvy Guide for Job Seekers

The burning question every job seeker ponders: Should I connect with my interviewer on LinkedIn? The short answer is: It depends, but generally, yes, you should connect, but with careful consideration and impeccable timing. It’s not a slam dunk, though. Approach it strategically, and you can significantly boost your professional image. Rush in blindly, and you risk appearing presumptuous or even unprofessional. This guide will navigate the nuances of LinkedIn etiquette and help you make the right call.

Deciding When and How to Connect

Connecting on LinkedIn isn’t just about expanding your network; it’s about making a positive and lasting impression. Here’s how to approach it thoughtfully:

The Timing is Everything

• Post-Interview Window: The ideal time to connect is within 24-48 hours after the interview. This keeps you fresh in their mind while showing initiative and interest.
• Avoid Pre-Interview Connections: Connecting before the interview can seem premature and over-eager. Allow the interview to serve as your initial introduction. Let the encounter become a shared experience before you reach out.
• If You Forget Immediately After: A week or two after is still acceptable if you forgot to send a request immediately after the interview. But don’t wait too long.

Crafting the Perfect Connection Request

• Personalize Your Message: Never, ever send a generic connection request. Take the time to write a personalized note that references something specific from your conversation.
• Reference the Interview: Remind them who you are and the role you interviewed for. Something like, “It was a pleasure speaking with you about the [Job Title] role at [Company Name] yesterday. I enjoyed our discussion about [specific topic discussed].”
• Express Gratitude: Thank them again for their time and reiterate your interest in the position. “Thank you again for your time. I’m very interested in the opportunity and look forward to hearing from you soon.”
• Keep it Concise: Aim for a brief, professional message. Three to four sentences are usually sufficient.
• Proofread, Proofread, Proofread: Ensure your message is free of typos and grammatical errors. This reflects your attention to detail.

Assess the Interview Vibe

• Was it a Positive Interaction? If the interview felt strained or negative, reconsider connecting. You want to reinforce a positive memory, not a negative one.
• Did They Seem Receptive? Pay attention to their body language and verbal cues during the interview. Did they seem open and friendly? If so, a connection request is more likely to be well-received.
• Seniority Matters: If your interviewer was a senior executive, be extra mindful of your approach. A personalized and respectful message is crucial.

When to Reconsider Connecting

• Ghosting Scenario: If you haven’t heard back after a reasonable amount of time (typically a week or two), refrain from connecting or sending follow-up messages on LinkedIn. Repeated attempts can be perceived as pushy.
• Explicit Instructions: If the interviewer explicitly stated they prefer not to connect on LinkedIn, respect their wishes.
• You Didn’t Feel a Connection: Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you don’t click with the interviewer. In such cases, it might be best to skip the connection request.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What if my interviewer doesn’t have a LinkedIn profile?

If you can’t find your interviewer on LinkedIn, don’t worry. It’s possible they aren’t active on the platform or prefer not to use it professionally. Focus on sending a traditional thank-you email instead.

2. Is it okay to connect with multiple interviewers from the same company?

Yes, absolutely. Personalize each request and reference something specific you discussed with each individual. This shows you paid attention and value each interaction.

3. Should I connect with HR representatives or recruiters?

Definitely. Building relationships with HR and recruitment professionals is always a good idea. They can be valuable resources for future job opportunities, even if you don’t get the current role.

4. What should I do if my connection request is ignored?

Don’t take it personally. People are busy, and sometimes connection requests get overlooked. Do not send a follow-up connection request or message. Maintain a professional attitude and move on.

5. Can connecting on LinkedIn actually hurt my chances of getting the job?

Yes, it’s possible, but unlikely if you follow these guidelines. A generic connection request, a poorly written message, or connecting before the interview could create a negative impression.

6. What kind of content should I share or post on LinkedIn after connecting?

Keep your content professional and relevant to your industry. Share articles, insights, or updates that demonstrate your expertise and engagement. Avoid controversial or overly personal posts.

7. Should I endorse my interviewer’s skills after connecting?

Only if you genuinely believe they possess those skills. Endorsements should be authentic and based on your experience or knowledge. Don’t endorse simply to curry favor.

8. What if I’m unsure about something I said during the interview? Can I clarify it in my connection request?

Yes, you can subtly address a point of concern in your connection request. For example, “Our conversation about [topic] got me thinking further, and I wanted to add…” This shows you’re thoughtful and engaged.

9. How do I find my interviewer’s LinkedIn profile?

Start by searching their name and company on LinkedIn. If that doesn’t work, try using the company’s “People” search function to filter by department or job title. You could also look at the company’s website to confirm the interviewer’s full name and title for a more specific LinkedIn search.

10. What if the interviewer is much more senior than me? Does that change the approach?

Yes. Be extra respectful and formal in your message. Emphasize your genuine interest in learning from their experience and contributing to the company. Avoid being overly familiar.

11. What if I had multiple interviews with the same person? Should I still only connect once?

Yes, one connection request is sufficient. You can reference each interview in your personalized message, but avoid sending multiple requests.

12. I don’t use LinkedIn often. Is it still worth connecting with my interviewer?

Yes, creating a professional LinkedIn profile and connecting with your interviewer can still be beneficial, even if you don’t use the platform actively. It demonstrates that you’re tech-savvy and understand the importance of online networking. It also offers an easy way for them to learn more about your experience and background outside of what you stated during the interview.

Connecting on LinkedIn after an interview can be a powerful tool for reinforcing your candidacy and building professional relationships. By following these guidelines and being mindful of timing, tone, and authenticity, you can leverage LinkedIn to your advantage in the job search process.