Congratulations, you’ve just had a job interview! Now that it’s over, you’re probably wondering what the next steps are. One thing you may want to consider is connecting with your interviewers on LinkedIn.
Connecting with your interviewers on LinkedIn has a few potential benefits:
- It allows you to stay top of mind. After an interview, recruiters and hiring managers may be meeting with many candidates. Connecting on LinkedIn reminds them of you and your conversation.
- It expands your network. Even if you don’t get this particular job, connecting with the interviewers grows your professional network for future opportunities.
- It shows you’re interested. Connecting demonstrates continued interest in the company and role.
However, there are also some risks to consider:
- It could come across as presumptuous. Interviewers may see a connection request as assuming you’re getting the job.
- It could seem invasive if done too soon. Best practice is to wait at least 24 hours after an interview before connecting.
- It may not be well received. Ultimately, it depends on the preferences of your interviewers.
With the pros and cons in mind, here are some best practices around connecting with interviewers on LinkedIn:
1. Wait at least 24 hours after the interview
Don’t connect with interviewers right before or after your interview. Give a buffer period of at least 24 hours. Connecting immediately can feel pushy, like you’re assuming how the interview went.
Waiting a day or more ensures you don’t catch interviewers off guard. At minimum give them time to get back to the office and regroup after your meeting.
2. Personalize your connection request
When sending a LinkedIn connection request, customize the message you send. Refer back to your conversation and add something unique like:
“It was a pleasure speaking with you about the Project Manager role yesterday. Thanks again for taking the time to interview me!”
A message like this reminds the interviewer who you are. It also shows you paid attention during the interview and are interested in moving forward.
3. Only connect with essential interviewers
Be selective about who you connect with on LinkedIn after an interview. As a rule of thumb, focus on people who will influence the hiring decision.
For most roles, this would be your direct interviewers like the hiring manager or team members. There’s less value in connecting with HR coordinators or recruiters at this stage.
Connecting with too many people can seem opportunistic. Keep your requests targeted to key decision makers.
4. Use LinkedIn’s messaging feature sparingly
Outside of the initial connection request, avoid messaging interviewers directly through LinkedIn. Send follow-ups by email instead.
LinkedIn messaging should not be used as a substitute for proper email follow-up. Reserve LinkedIn messages only for quick logistical issues, like rescheduling an interview time.
5. Don’t make repeated connection requests
If an interviewer does not accept your initial LinkedIn request, do not send additional requests. Take the hint and move on.
Repeated requests after interviews come across as desperate and entitled. It will not increase your chances of getting hired.
The exception is if the interviewer specifically says they did not receive your original request. Technical issues do occasionally happen.
6. Use LinkedIn to stay updated, within limits
Once connected on LinkedIn, it’s fine to occasionally review your new connections’ profiles and activity. This can give you valuable insights into their interests and the company’s developments.
However, avoid obvious stalking behavior like viewing profiles daily or reacting to every single update from your interviewers. Keep your activity occasional and organic.
7. Disconnect if it doesn’t work out
If you are rejected for the role, there’s no need to stay connected with all of your interviewers on LinkedIn. Use your discretion on whether to keep them in your extended network.
If you barely interacted with certain people during the interview process, feel free to disconnect and streamline your network.
8. Don’t take it personally if they don’t accept
Try not to read into it if your interviewers decline your connection requests. For some hiring managers, this is standard practice.
Declined requests could be due to company policy or individual preference. Don’t assume a rejected request means anything about your interview performance.
9. Check if you have mutual connections
Before sending a request, research if you have existing mutual connections with an interviewer. This greatly increases the chance your request will be accepted.
Having shared connections makes the request feel less cold. Look for 2nd degree connections that could provide an introduction.
10. Follow up by email also
Connecting on LinkedIn should only supplement traditional email follow-up after interviews. Always send thank you notes by email as well.
Never use LinkedIn as your sole method of post-interview communication. Combining media improves your chances of standing out.
Key Takeaways
Connecting with recruiters and hiring managers on LinkedIn after an interview can be advantageous. It keeps you top of mind and demonstrates your interest level.
However, exercise caution in how you use LinkedIn after interviews. Avoid looking overly eager or entitled to the role. Follow best practices like waiting 24 hours, personalizing your request, and limiting your activity.
Most importantly, traditional email follow-up is still crucial. Use LinkedIn to complement, not replace, thank you emails after interviews.