In today’s digital age, LinkedIn has become an essential tool for job seekers and recruiters alike. With millions of professionals using the platform, it’s no surprise that connecting with your interviewer on LinkedIn has become a topic of discussion. However, the question remains: should you connect with your interviewer on LinkedIn?
On one hand, connecting on LinkedIn can be a great way to build a professional relationship and stay connected after the interview. On the other hand, it could potentially be seen as invasive or pushy. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of connecting with your interviewer on LinkedIn and help you decide what’s best for you.
Should You Connect With Your Interviewer on LinkedIn?
Connecting with your interviewer on LinkedIn after a job interview can be a tricky decision. On one hand, it can help you stay top of mind and potentially lead to further networking opportunities. On the other hand, it can come across as too forward or even desperate. So, should you connect with your interviewer on LinkedIn? Let’s explore the pros and cons.
Pros of Connecting with Your Interviewer on LinkedIn
Connecting with your interviewer on LinkedIn can have several benefits, including:
- Staying top of mind: By connecting on LinkedIn, you’ll have a way to stay on your interviewer’s radar. This can help you be more memorable and potentially increase your chances of being hired.
- Networking opportunities: Your interviewer may be connected to other professionals in your industry that could be valuable connections for you. By connecting with them on LinkedIn, you’ll have an easier time expanding your network.
- Showing interest: By taking the initiative to connect with your interviewer, you’re showing that you’re interested in the company and the position. This can help you stand out from other candidates.
However, there are also some cons to consider.
Cons of Connecting with Your Interviewer on LinkedIn
Before connecting with your interviewer on LinkedIn, consider these potential drawbacks:
- Coming across as too forward: Depending on your industry and the company culture, connecting with your interviewer on LinkedIn may be seen as too forward or even presumptuous.
- Privacy concerns: If your interviewer doesn’t want to connect with you on LinkedIn, it could make them uncomfortable or even feel like their privacy has been invaded.
- Unprofessionalism: If you have a less-than-professional LinkedIn profile, connecting with your interviewer could backfire and hurt your chances of being hired.
How to Decide Whether to Connect with Your Interviewer on LinkedIn
Ultimately, whether or not to connect with your interviewer on LinkedIn depends on the situation and your personal preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
- Company culture: If you’re applying for a job at a hip, modern startup, connecting with your interviewer on LinkedIn may be seen as normal and even expected. On the other hand, if you’re applying for a more traditional corporate job, it may be less appropriate.
- Interviewer’s LinkedIn activity: If your interviewer is active on LinkedIn and frequently posts or engages with content, connecting with them may be a good way to start a conversation and build a relationship.
- Your LinkedIn profile: Before connecting with your interviewer, make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and professional. If you have any concerns about your profile, it may be better to hold off on connecting.
In Conclusion
Connecting with your interviewer on LinkedIn can be a great way to stay top of mind and potentially build your network. However, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks and make an informed decision based on the situation and your personal preferences. If you do decide to connect with your interviewer, make sure your LinkedIn profile is professional and up-to-date, and consider sending a personalized message along with your connection request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to connect with your interviewer on LinkedIn?
Yes, it is generally acceptable to connect with your interviewer on LinkedIn. In fact, it can be a great way to continue the conversation and build a professional relationship after the interview. However, it’s important to approach the situation with caution and be mindful of your actions.
Make sure to personalize your invitation and avoid coming across as pushy or aggressive. You don’t want to give the impression that you are only connecting with them for the sake of getting the job. Additionally, if you don’t feel comfortable connecting with your interviewer, it’s perfectly acceptable to refrain from doing so.
When is it appropriate to connect with your interviewer on LinkedIn?
The best time to connect with your interviewer on LinkedIn is after the interview has taken place. This allows you to continue the conversation and keep yourself top of mind with the hiring manager. However, it’s important to make sure that you’ve had a positive interaction with them before sending a connection request.
If you haven’t had a chance to interview yet, it’s best to wait until after the interview to send a connection request. Approaching the situation too early can come off as insincere and might hurt your chances of getting the job.
What are some benefits of connecting with your interviewer on LinkedIn?
Connecting with your interviewer on LinkedIn can have a number of benefits. First and foremost, it allows you to continue the conversation and build a professional relationship with the hiring manager. This can help you stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of getting the job.
In addition, connecting with your interviewer on LinkedIn can help you stay up-to-date on job openings and industry news. You never know when a new opportunity might arise, and having a strong connection with the hiring manager can give you an edge over other candidates.
What are some potential drawbacks of connecting with your interviewer on LinkedIn?
While there are many benefits to connecting with your interviewer on LinkedIn, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. For one, if you come across as pushy or insincere, it could hurt your chances of getting the job.
In addition, if you connect with your interviewer and then don’t follow up or engage with them, it could make you look unprofessional. Finally, if you are currently employed and your boss sees that you’ve connected with a hiring manager, it could lead to some awkward conversations in the office.
Should you connect with your interviewer on LinkedIn if you didn’t get the job?
Yes, it is generally okay to connect with your interviewer on LinkedIn even if you didn’t get the job. In fact, it can be a great way to build your professional network and potentially open up new job opportunities in the future.
However, it’s important to approach the situation with caution and be mindful of your actions. Make sure to personalize your invitation and avoid coming across as bitter or resentful. You never know when a new opportunity might arise, and having a strong connection with the hiring manager can be beneficial in the long run.
In conclusion, connecting with your interviewer on LinkedIn can be a tricky decision. On one hand, it can show your interest in the company and your determination to stay connected. On the other hand, it can come off as presumptuous and unprofessional.
Ultimately, the decision to connect with your interviewer on LinkedIn should be based on your own personal judgement. If you feel that it would be beneficial for your future career and connections, then go ahead and send that connection request. However, if you are unsure or feel uncomfortable, it may be best to hold off and maintain a professional distance.
Remember, the most important thing is to leave a lasting positive impression on your interviewer, regardless of whether or not you connect on LinkedIn. Focus on your interview performance and follow-up strategies to ensure that you stand out as a strong candidate for the job.