Having a hiring manager add you on LinkedIn before an interview can be exciting but also nerve-wracking. It likely means they are interested in you as a candidate, but what does it really signify? Here are some things to keep in mind if a hiring manager adds you on LinkedIn prior to an upcoming interview.
It demonstrates interest and initiative on their part
The fact that the hiring manager took the step to seek you out and connect shows they are engaged in your candidacy. Perhaps they were impressed by your resume and profile and want to connect ahead of the interview. It signals they are going the extra mile to get to know you beyond just your application materials. This is a good sign that you have caught their attention.
It allows them to gather more information
Connecting on LinkedIn gives the hiring manager access to view your full profile, which likely contains a lot more detail than your resume. They can see your work history, education, skills, recommendations, connections, interests and more. For some roles, a robust LinkedIn presence can serve as a supplement to a resume in showing your experience and capabilities. The hiring manager may want to vet you further by looking over your full profile.
It opens up the chance for an informal connection
Some hiring managers take the initiative to connect in order to open up channels for communication outside of the formal interview process. Perhaps they want to message you with additional questions or clarify information from your resume. Or they may use it as a chance to have a more casual introductory chat to get to know you and your background. This can work in your favor by giving you an opportunity to connect with the hiring manager in a more comfortable medium.
It’s a test of your response time and interest
In some cases, the hiring manager may use the LinkedIn connection request strategically to gauge your response time and level of interest. If you accept the request and perhaps send them a message in return quickly, it shows you are on top of your notifications and eager regarding the role. However, don’t stress yourself out trying to respond immediately, as that level of availability is not necessarily expected.
It allows the hiring manager to endorse or recommend you
Connecting on LinkedIn also enables the hiring manager to endorse your skills or write a recommendation for you on your profile. If they choose to do this, it is a great sign they see you as a strong candidate deserving of positive attention. However, don’t expect or depend on this, as not all hiring managers will opt to provide endorsements or recommendations.
What to do when a hiring manager adds you
If a hiring manager sends you a LinkedIn invitation before an upcoming interview, here are some tips on how to respond:
- Accept the invite in a timely manner. You want to signal you are interested, engaged and active on LinkedIn.
- Send them a short message thanking them for the invitation and expressing your enthusiasm for the interview and learning more about the role/company.
- Let them know you look forward to connecting in person during the interview.
- Avoid asking extensive questions or requesting details about the role, as that should still be covered in the actual interview.
- Feel free to look over the hiring manager’s profile as well to find common connections, experiences, etc. that can aid in building rapport.
What it could mean if they don’t add you
In some cases, the hiring manager may not take the initiative to add you on LinkedIn before an upcoming interview. There are a few potential reasons for this:
- They did not come across your profile during the initial screening process.
- It is against company policy for them to connect with candidates prior to interviews.
- They do not use LinkedIn actively for hiring purposes.
- They prefer to keep the process formalized through official channels only.
So if you are not added, do not panic or take it necessarily as a bad sign. It does not mean you are out of contention for the role. Proceed with confidence into the interview, and use that as the opportunity to make your best impression.
LinkedIn etiquette for hiring managers
From an etiquette standpoint, here are some things hiring managers should keep in mind when connecting with candidates on LinkedIn:
- Only connect if there is a legitimate interest or if you will be interviewing the candidate.
- Provide a note explaining why you are connecting if you request the invite.
- Focus any communication on topics relevant to the role, interview and hiring process.
- Avoid endorsing or recommending candidates unless you plan to hire them.
- Hold off on connecting if company policy forbids it until interviews are complete.
- Prevent bias by connecting consistently with all promising candidates you will be interviewing.
Key takeaways
- A hiring manager adding you on LinkedIn before an interview demonstrates their interest and provides a chance to gather more information.
- Be sure to accept the invitation in a timely manner and send a polite note in response.
- You can use it as a chance to build rapport, but avoid asking extensive questions about the role.
- Do not panic if you are not added, as policies and practices vary.
- Focus on making the right impression during the actual interview.
Having a hiring manager connect with you prior to an interview can be a positive sign. But remember to focus on showcasing your qualifications and skills during the interview itself, as that will make the biggest impact on your candidacy. With the right preparation and confidence, you can ace the interview whether connected on LinkedIn or not.