Quick Answer
It’s generally acceptable to send a LinkedIn message to an interviewer before an upcoming interview. A brief, polite note introducing yourself and expressing your enthusiasm for the role shows initiative. However, avoid asking substantive questions about the role or company that should be covered in the actual interview.
In Depth Answer
Messaging an interviewer on LinkedIn prior to an interview can be appropriate if done carefully and tactfully. Here are some tips for reaching out:
Keep it brief
A short 1-2 paragraph message is sufficient. Introduce yourself, mention the role you’re interviewing for, and share your excitement. Avoid lengthy messages.
Thank the interviewer
Express appreciation for the upcoming interview opportunity. This graciousness will leave a good impression.
Introduce yourself
Since you haven’t met in person yet, briefly share relevant background that makes you a strong candidate. List key qualifications and achievements.
Ask logistical questions
It’s fine to confirm interview details like time, place, contact person, or video call links. Don’t ask substantive questions about the role that should be covered in the interview.
Proofread carefully
Double check for typos and grammatical errors so the message is polished. Consider asking someone else to review it too.
Follow up after the interview
Sending a thank you message on LinkedIn is appropriate. Briefly reiterate your interest and appreciation. Don’t ask about next steps.
When to Avoid Contacting the Interviewer on LinkedIn
There are some cases when it’s better to wait until the actual interview to make contact:
– The interview was already scheduled and details confirmed without need for clarification.
– The interviewer is the CEO or someone very senior. Initially connecting via LinkedIn may feel overly forward.
– The job posting or HR specifically asks candidates not to contact the hiring manager directly.
Sample LinkedIn Message to Interviewer
Here is an example of an appropriate pre-interview message:
Dear Ms. Jones,
I’m very excited for our interview next Tuesday at 2pm for the Social Media Manager role at ABC Company. I wanted to connect on LinkedIn to thank you for the opportunity.
As a marketing professional with 5 years of social media experience managing campaigns for global brands, I’m confident my background makes me a strong candidate. If hired, I’m committed to maximizing our social presence and driving brand growth. I look forward to elaborating on my qualifications and discussing how I can contribute to ABC Company’s success. Please let me know if you need anything prior to our interview.
Best regards,
John Smith
This messages briefly introduces the candidate, highlights relevant background, expresses gratitude, and checks if the interviewer needs anything. It sets a positive tone prior to the interview.
What to Include in a LinkedIn Message to an Interviewer
Section | Details to Include |
---|---|
Introduction | Your name and interview details (role, date, time) |
Gratitude | Thank interviewer for opportunity |
Qualifications | Brief background that makes you a strong candidate |
Enthusiasm | Note excitement and interest in the role and company |
Logistics | Confirm interview details if needed |
Closing | Appreciation and contact details |
This table summarizes key elements to include in a pre-interview LinkedIn message.
What to Avoid in a LinkedIn Message to an Interviewer
There are some things you’ll want to steer clear of in a pre-interview note:
– **Asking substantive questions about the role or company** – Save these for the actual interview.
– **Messaging repeatedly** – One note is enough. Don’t risk pestering the interviewer.
– **Using informal language** – Maintain a polite, professional tone. Avoid slang or abbreviations.
– **Getting too personal** – Keep the focus on your qualifications and interest in the job. Don’t overshare personal details.
– **Asking about salary or benefits** – Wait until you’ve cleared the interview process and received an offer before negotiating compensation.
– **Following up too aggressively** – After the interview, a brief thank you is sufficient. Don’t ask about next steps or status. Let the process play out.
The key is to keep your pre-interview note focused, polite, and professional. Show you’re excited but avoid seeming overly aggressive or informal.
Tips for Contacting an Interviewer on LinkedIn
Here are some best practices for messaging an interviewer:
– **Find a shared connection** – Having a mutual connection helps ensure your message gets opened and builds credibility.
– **Craft a customized message** – Avoid copying and pasting the same note for different roles. Personalize each one.
– **Proofread carefully** – Typos or errors will undermine the professionalism you want to convey.
– **Be concise** – Get your key points across but avoid long blocks of text.
– **Follow interview best practices** – Bring multiple copies of your resume, arrive early, dress professionally, etc.
– **Send a thank you** – Reiterate your appreciation and interest after the interview.
– **Follow up only once** – Don’t contact the interviewer repeatedly. Allow time for the process to play out.
Impact on Interviewer’s Perception
How an interviewer perceives a pre-interview LinkedIn message will depend on:
– **Message content** – Note that is brief, polite, focused on qualifications will make a positive impression.
– **Previous relationship** – Interviewer will react differently if you have an existing connection vs are strangers.
– **Interviewer personality** – Some will welcome the initiative, others may see it as pushy. Hard to predict.
– **Hiring urgency** – If they need to fill the role fast, may appreciate the interest. Less critical roles may get a neutral reaction.
– **Stage in process** – Note after applying but before interview scheduling may not be expected. One after interview is scheduled makes sense.
Overall, the interviewer is likely to appreciate a thoughtful pre-interview message as it shows initiative and preparation. But excessive messaging could risk making a negative impression.
Pros of Messaging Before an Interview
Some benefits of connecting with the interviewer on LinkedIn ahead of time:
– **Makes a strong first impression** – Shows you’re interested, motivated, and bold.
– **Allows you to introduce yourself** – Lets interviewer put a face to your resume before meeting.
– **Opens lines of communication** – Starts a dialogue on a positive note.
– **Surfaces any questions** – Interview logistics can be confirmed ahead of time.
– **Strengthens your candidacy** – The extra effort differentiates you from other applicants.
– **Gets your name front of mind** – Reminds the interviewer who you are right before the interview.
When done thoughtfully, messaging before an interview can help position you as a strong candidate worth remembering.
Cons of Messaging Before an Interview
Some potential downsides to consider:
– **Comes across as pushy** – Interviewer may see outreach as aggressive or entitled.
– **Irritates the interviewer** – Contacting them directly could be seen as rude or annoying.
– **Raises awkward questions** – Interview may wonder why you didn’t go through proper application channels.
– **Show lack of boundaries** – Reaching out early may signal you have difficulty following rules.
– **Creates unrealistic expectations** – Interview may expect constant communication from you if hired.
– **Catches interview off guard** – Unexpected message could be off putting before they’ve reviewed your background.
Messaging early must be done carefully to avoid irritating or surprising the interviewer and making a negative impression.
Key Takeaways
– Contacting an interviewer on LinkedIn prior to an interview can demonstrate initiative but should be done carefully.
– Keep the message brief and focused on expressing enthusiasm and highlighting your qualifications.
– Avoid asking substantive questions about the role or company that should wait for the actual interview.
– Thank the interviewer and confirm any interview logistics if needed.
– Do not contact the interview excessively or ask about salary or benefits prematurely.
– A thoughtful pre-interview message can make a positive impression if handled appropriately.
Conclusion
Messaging an interviewer on LinkedIn before an upcoming interview is generally acceptable. When done tactfully, it can show proactive interest and strengthen your candidacy. However, avoid lengthy notes, overly personal details, or aggressive follow up. The key is keeping your outreach focused, professional, and job-related. With the right approach, pre-interview contact can enhance your interaction when interview day arrives.