Quick Answer
Connecting with a job poster on LinkedIn can be beneficial if done appropriately. It allows you to expand your network, show interest in the role, and gives the poster a chance to learn more about you. However, avoid overly aggressive outreach and only connect if you are a strong match for the role. Check if the poster indicates openness to connections in the post. Customize your message and provide value, don’t just ask about the role.
Should You Connect with the Job Poster?
Connecting with the individual who posted a job you’re interested in on LinkedIn can be a good way to get your foot in the door. However, there are also risks of coming across as unprofessional or even annoying the poster if not done carefully. Here are some things to consider:
Potential Benefits
– Expanding your network. Even if you don’t get the job, connecting provides you access to a new contact.
– Showing initiative. Reaching out directly rather than just applying demonstrates interest and drive.
– Provides a way to learn more about the role, company, or poster’s preferences through conversing.
– Direct contact with the hiring manager skips gatekeepers in the hiring process.
– Once connected, you can keep the poster updated on your progress, new accomplishments and remain on their radar.
Potential Drawbacks
– The poster may be overwhelmed by connect requests and ignore yours.
– They may find unsolicited contact intrusive if you don’t customize your approach.
– If you are not a strong fit for the role, connecting may annoy them or seem like spam.
– You may come across as desperate instead of proactive.
– If you do not add value, the poster may dismiss you as seeking favors instead of building a relationship.
Key Considerations
Before reaching out to connect with a job poster on LinkedIn, consider:
– Does the job posting explicitly encourage candidates to connect or indicate openness to hearing from applicants directly? If not, proceed with caution.
– How strong of a match are you for the specific role and requirements? Only connect if you are well-aligned to what they are looking for.
– Do you have a customized reason for wanting to connect beyond just the role, such as shared connections, complementary backgrounds, or ability to offer unique value?
– Are you prepared to introduce yourself professionally and communicate how you could contribute?
How to Connect with a Job Poster
If done strategically, connecting with a job poster on LinkedIn can be mutually beneficial. Here are some tips for doing so effectively:
Customize Your Message
Generic outreach is easy to ignore. Review the job post and poster’s profile. Highlight specific common ground and interest in their company. Share why you feel you are a great fit for the role.
Provide Value
Offer something helpful: useful information, an introduction to someone in your network, complimentary skills. Make it about more than just the job.
Show Genuine Interest
Demonstrate you researched the company and role. Ask thoughtful questions versus just pitching yourself or requesting an interview.
Use a Professional Tone
Be polite and avoid assumptions about the hiring timeline or forcing a conversation. Keep it casual but businesslike.
Follow Up Strategically
If they connect back, send a friendly message to get the dialogue started. Share relevant updates over time but avoid pestering them.
Focus on Relationship Building
The goal is developing an authentic connection as fellow professionals, not just advancing your application. Offer support and add value where you can.
LinkedIn Connection Request Message Samples
Here are some example messages to consider when reaching out to connect with a job poster:
Common Interests
Hi [Name],
I noticed we share some common interests in [area of overlap like technology, healthcare, project management, etc.]. I really admire the work [Company Name] is doing in [their industry or a recent achievement]. I believe my background in [your skillset] could contribute to projects like [relevant example]. I would enjoy the opportunity to connect and find ways we could potentially work together. Please feel free to reach out if you would be open to connecting.
Best,
[Your Name]
You Liked Their Post
Hi [Name],
I recently liked your post on [topic] and wanted to connect. As someone working in [your industry/role], I found your insights around [key point from post] really interesting. I’m currently exploring opportunities with [companies like theirs] where I could contribute [your relevant skills]. I’d love to connect with other professionals like yourself to gain additional perspective on [topic area]. If you’re open to connecting, please feel free to accept my invite. I look forward to networking and supporting your continued success.
Cheers,
[Your Name]
You Have a Shared Connection
Hello [Name],
My colleague [Mutual Connection Name] suggested I reach out to connect. After seeing the job posting for [role name], I’m very interested in contributing my [relevant hard & soft skills] to your team. In my current role at [Company], I’ve successfully [achievement demonstrating what you can bring]. I would value the opportunity to connect and discuss if there is potential for me to bring value to your organization. Please let me know if you are open to connecting on LinkedIn.
Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]
Following Up After Connecting
Once you’ve connected with a job poster, you’ll want to follow up in a strategic way. Here are some next steps to consider:
Send a Thank You Note
Thank them for accepting your invite and reiterate your interest in opportunities to connect further. Include something specific about why you’d be a great fit.
Share a Relevant Article or Update
Forward helpful content related to the role, company, or poster’s interests. Update them on a new accomplishment that shows you’d thrive in the position.
Offer to Introduce Them to Your Network
If you know someone who could provide value, propose making an introduction. This builds goodwill.
Suggest a Quick Chat
If the role is still open, propose a 15-30 minute phone or video call to discuss fit. Note you know they are busy, so you appreciate their insights.
Inquire about Next Steps
If you applied, ask if they need any additional information to move forward. Share you are excited about the potential opportunity.
Periodically Engage
Occasionally engage with their content and share relevant updates without overdoing it. Maintain professional rapport.
What to Avoid When Connecting
There are some key pitfalls to avoid when reaching out to connect with a job poster:
Being too Aggressive
Don’t insist on an interview or assume connecting means they will hire you. Avoid an overly salesy or entitled tone.
Asking if the Role is Still Open
This can signal you didn’t thoroughly read their post. Check if they indicated it’s still available.
Focusing Only on Yourself
Self-promotion without showing interest in them or offering value can seem self-centered.
Spamming Every Poster
Only target roles where you are a strong match to avoid coming across as desperate.
Being Impersonal
Customize messages using details from their profile instead of just blasting generic invites.
Not Following Up
Don’t just connect and wait. Proactively follow up to move the relationship forward.
Being Too Casual
Avoid over-familiarity early on or assuming a connection. Maintain professionalism.
Tips for Customizing Your Approach
Personalizing your outreach to a job poster can significantly improve your chances of getting a positive response:
Research the Poster
Review their profile, positions, content shares, groups, and interests to enable personalized messaging.
Speak Their Language
Align to their communication style based on their profile and the language used in the job post. Mirror tone and word choices.
Note Common Ground
Call out shared connections, groups, colleges, locations, experiences, interests, skills, or employers to establish rapport.
Compliment Recent Achievements
Congratulate their promotions, new roles, certifications, content shares, etc. and tie to your capabilities.
Reference Current Events
Mention industry conferences you both attended, work anniversaries, new projects or clients for their firm, etc.
Suggest Potential Synergy
Identify ways you could directly support their goals or fill gaps based on their background and business needs.
Highlight Shared Values
Note complementary work styles, priorities, passions, volunteering, or associations to show cultural fit.
When Is It Best to Reach Out?
Timing your outreach strategically can improve your chances of connecting:
Soon After They Post
Getting in early when they are actively hiring builds awareness of you as an interested candidate.
After You Apply
Wait until you submit an application, then request to connect and reference shared interests or qualifications.
When You Share a Connection
If a new shared connection is established, reach out mentioning your expanded common network.
After Profile Updates
If you or they change roles, share new content, or add skills, use this as a reason to connect.
During the Workday
Connecting midweek during normal business hours may be better than evenings or weekends.
Around an Upcoming Event
Leverage a shared conference, trade show, or industry meeting you both plan to attend.
When Following Up
Connect again if you applied but haven’t heard back after 2-3 weeks, tactfully inquiring about status.
Signs They May Not Want to Connect
Pay attention for cues that despite the public job posting, the poster may not be open to inbound connection requests:
No Contact Info
If they don’t list an email or ways to contact them directly, they likely want applicants through formal channels only.
Basic Profile
An incomplete profile with limited details or connections may signal someone disengaged from networking.
Job Listing Says “No Calls or Emails”
Some posts explicitly request no direct contact outside of the application process. Follow their wishes.
forwarding to HR
If auto-generated or copy-paste responses forward you to formal HR channels, take the hint.
Ignoring Connection Requests
If your invite expires without a response, it’s often best not to retry or pursue other channels.
HR Listed as Poster
When HR creates the post, they likely want screening and communication handled through proper applicant tracking channels.
Connecting Etiquette
When reaching out to connect with job posters, be sure to follow proper etiquette:
Use a Professional Profile Photo
Ensure your photo presents you in business formal attire against a neutral background. Avoid casual pictures.
Be Concise
Get to the point within 2-3 sentences. Avoid lengthy notes or pitches.
Proofread Carefully
Double check for typos, grammar issues, and inaccurate details that undermine professionalism.
Personalize Each Request
Avoid copy-pasting generic messages. Tailor specifics to each recipient.
Use Proper Titles
Address them appropriately as Mr./Ms. [Last Name] unless they indicate otherwise.
Show Gratitude
Express thanks for their time and consideration, both in your initial note and follow ups.
Respect Their Time
Keep your asks concise. Offer value before asking for favors like an informational interview.
Stay Patient
Understand if you don’t get an immediate response and avoid following up repeatedly in a short time span.
Take Rejection Gracefully
If they decline connecting or further conversations, politely accept their decision and move on.
Key Takeaways
Connecting with job posters on LinkedIn can help expand your network and opportunities, but should be done carefully and professionally. Keep these tips in mind:
– Only connect when you are a strong match for the role.
– Customize your request to show genuine shared interests and value.
– Follow up respectfully but avoid pestering if they engage.
– Focus on relationship building over self-promotion.
– Make it about helping not just advancing your application.
– Follow proper etiquette and accept decisions gracefully.
