In today’s digital age, LinkedIn has become a crucial platform for professionals to connect, network, and find new opportunities. However, with the rise of remote interviews, the question arises: should you add your interviewer on LinkedIn?
While some argue that adding your interviewer on LinkedIn can help you stand out and showcase your interest in the company, others believe it can come across as invasive and unprofessional. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of adding your interviewer on LinkedIn and provide you with some tips to make the best decision for your job search. So, let’s dive in!
Should You Add Interviewer on LinkedIn?
After a job interview, it’s natural to feel like you want to connect with the interviewer on LinkedIn. After all, it’s a professional networking site, and you want to keep the lines of communication open. But is it really a good idea to send that connection request? Let’s take a closer look.
Pros of Adding Interviewer on LinkedIn
There are some potential benefits to connecting with your interviewer on LinkedIn:
- Keeps you top of mind: If you’re actively looking for a job, connecting with the interviewer can remind them of your interest in the position and keep you top of mind if they have any follow-up questions or want to move forward with the hiring process.
- Shows your professionalism: Sending a connection request can show that you’re serious about your career and interested in building professional relationships.
- Expands your network: Connecting with people in your industry can help expand your network and potentially lead to future job opportunities.
While these are all potential benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider before hitting send on that connection request.
Cons of Adding Interviewer on LinkedIn
Here are some reasons why you might want to hold off on connecting with your interviewer on LinkedIn:
- Could be seen as pushy: Some interviewers might see a connection request as pushy or presumptuous, especially if they haven’t made a decision about whether or not to move forward with your application.
- Could make you seem desperate: If you’re actively looking for a job, connecting with the interviewer on LinkedIn could make you seem desperate or overly eager.
- Might not be appropriate: Depending on the company culture and the interviewer’s personal preferences, they might not want to connect with candidates on LinkedIn.
Ultimately, whether or not you should send a connection request depends on the situation and your personal preferences. If you felt like you had a good rapport with the interviewer and you’re confident that they would be open to connecting, it might be worth a shot. But if you’re unsure or if you don’t want to risk seeming pushy, it’s probably best to hold off.
How to Decide Whether or Not to Add Interviewer on LinkedIn
If you’re still on the fence about whether or not to connect with your interviewer on LinkedIn, here are some factors to consider:
Consider the company culture
Some companies have a more relaxed approach to networking and might encourage employees to connect with candidates on LinkedIn. Others might have a more formal approach and prefer to keep a clear separation between candidates and employees. If you’re unsure about the company culture, you could try doing some research online or reaching out to the interviewer directly to ask for their preference.
Think about the interviewer’s personality
Some interviewers are more open to connecting with candidates on LinkedIn, while others might prefer to keep a more formal boundary between work and personal life. If you felt like you had a good rapport with the interviewer during the interview, they might be more receptive to a connection request. But if they seemed more reserved or formal, it might be best to hold off.
Weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks
As we mentioned earlier, there are both potential benefits and drawbacks to connecting with your interviewer on LinkedIn. Before sending a connection request, take some time to consider the potential risks and rewards and decide whether or not it’s worth it for you.
Consider your personal preferences
At the end of the day, whether or not to connect with your interviewer on LinkedIn is a personal decision. If you feel like it’s the right move for you and you’re comfortable with the potential risks, go ahead and send that connection request. But if you’re unsure or if you don’t want to risk seeming pushy, it’s perfectly acceptable to hold off.
Conclusion
Connecting with your interviewer on LinkedIn can be a good way to keep the lines of communication open and show your interest in the position. However, there are also some potential risks to consider, so it’s important to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks before sending a connection request. Ultimately, the decision to connect or not connect is a personal one and depends on the situation and your personal preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool that can help you connect with professionals in your industry. However, it can be tricky to know when and how to connect with people, especially if you have recently interviewed with them. Here are some common questions and answers about adding interviewers on LinkedIn.
1. Is it appropriate to add interviewers on LinkedIn?
In most cases, it is appropriate to add interviewers on LinkedIn. Connecting with them can help you stay top of mind and build a relationship with them. However, it is important to make sure that you are not overwhelming them with messages or requests. Keep your interactions professional and respectful.
If you are unsure if it is appropriate to connect with an interviewer, consider their communication and body language during the interview. If they seemed open and friendly, it may be a good idea to connect. However, if they seemed distant or uninterested, it may be better to hold off on connecting.
2. When is the best time to add interviewers on LinkedIn?
The best time to add interviewers on LinkedIn is within a few days of the interview. This shows that you are proactive and interested in building a relationship with them. However, if you forgot to connect with them right after the interview, it is never too late to send a connection request.
When sending a connection request, be sure to personalize the message and remind the interviewer of your conversation. For example, you could say something like, “It was great speaking with you about [topic] during the interview. I would love to connect with you on LinkedIn and keep in touch.”
3. What should you do if the interviewer doesn’t accept your connection request?
If the interviewer doesn’t accept your connection request, don’t take it personally. They may be busy or may not use LinkedIn frequently. However, if you really wanted to connect with them, you could try sending a follow-up message to ask if they received your request and if they would like to connect.
If the interviewer still doesn’t respond, it may be best to move on and focus on building connections with other professionals in your industry.
4. Should you try to connect with the interviewer before the interview?
In general, it is not necessary to try to connect with the interviewer before the interview. This may come across as pushy or desperate. Instead, focus on preparing for the interview and researching the company and interviewer.
However, if you have a mutual connection or have interacted with the interviewer before, it may be appropriate to send a quick message introducing yourself and expressing your excitement for the interview.
5. What are some tips for networking on LinkedIn?
Here are some tips for networking on LinkedIn:
- Personalize your connection requests and messages
- Join industry groups and participate in discussions
- Share relevant content and engage with other users’ posts
- Attend virtual events and webinars to make new connections
- Be consistent and persistent in your networking efforts
Remember, networking is a long-term game. It takes time and effort to build meaningful relationships with other professionals.
Should you send a LinkedIn request after an interview?
In conclusion, connecting with your interviewer on LinkedIn can be a great way to maintain a professional relationship and keep the lines of communication open. However, it’s important to approach this decision with caution and consideration.
Firstly, make sure that you have a genuine reason for wanting to connect with them. If you’re simply sending a request to boost your connections, it could come across as insincere and potentially damage your chances of being hired.
Secondly, consider the company culture and the interviewer’s personal preferences. Some companies may have strict policies about connecting with job candidates, while others may see it as a positive sign of engagement. Be mindful of their expectations and respect their boundaries.
Overall, adding your interviewer on LinkedIn can be a valuable networking opportunity, but it’s important to approach it with professionalism and respect. By following these guidelines, you can increase your chances of building a positive relationship and potentially even securing a job offer.