Connecting with your HR manager on LinkedIn can be a great way to build your professional network and develop your career. However, it’s important to approach the connection request professionally and thoughtfully. Here are some quick tips on how to write to your HR manager on LinkedIn:
- Keep it formal – Use a professional tone like you would in an email rather than a casual message.
- Remind them who you are – Briefly jog their memory by mentioning when and where you worked together.
- Explain why you’re connecting – Share what value you think connecting could bring, like staying in touch or getting career advice.
- Keep it short – A brief 1-2 paragraph message is plenty; you’ll have time to talk more deeply if they accept.
- Proofread carefully – Double check for typos and grammar errors to maintain a polished tone.
- Follow up – If they don’t respond after a week or two, consider sending a polite follow up note.
Structuring your request carefully using these tips can help ensure your HR manager connects with you on LinkedIn.
Elaborate on Your Shared Experience
When reminding your HR manager who you are, provide some more context about when and how you worked together. For example, instead of saying “We worked together at XYZ Company,” you could say “We worked together at XYZ Company from 2018-2020 when I was a Recruiting Coordinator in your HR department.”
Providing this level of detail can help jog their memory and strengthen your outreach by highlighting your shared experience. Be sure to only share details you’re comfortable with them knowing or that are publicly available on your LinkedIn profile. Avoid oversharing protected HR information from your time as colleagues.
Focus on the aspects of your shared work experience that were positive and constructive. For example, mention if you collaborated on a special project or initiative together. This can reinforce the value that could come from reconnecting on LinkedIn.
Explain Why You Want to Connect
Along with reminding them of who you are, explain why you want to connect on LinkedIn. This helps show that you have a specific, professional purpose behind your outreach.
For example, you could say you’re looking to strengthen your professional network as you advance your career. Or you’d like to get their perspective on the industry based on their experience.
Here are some examples of explaining your purpose for connecting:
- “I’m focusing on expanding my professional network this year, and I think reconnecting could be valuable since we had such a positive experience working together.”
- “I really admired your management style and HR expertise while we worked together. I’d love to stay in touch on LinkedIn to get your insights on the industry and possibly get career advice in the future.”
- “As I’m looking to take on more of a leadership role in my career, I’d love to connect on LinkedIn to continue learning from your experience managing a high-performing HR team.”
Keep it focused on professional development and avoid oversharing personal information or making requests. A brief but sincere explanation can help show this is a thoughtful outreach.
Proofread Thoroughly
Before hitting send, carefully proofread your entire LinkedIn message to your former HR manager. Look out for any embarrassing typos or grammar errors that could undermine your professional tone.
Consider asking a friend or colleague to review it as a second set of eyes. Or read it aloud to yourself as a way to slow down and catch any mistakes.
Be sure to double check that you:
- Used proper capitalization and punctuation
- Spelled their name correctly
- Spelled all other words correctly
- Used clear, complete sentences
- Avoided inappropriate abbreviations or slang
Having a polished, typo-free message shows you took the time to get it right. This attention to detail can leave a positive impression on your former HR manager as you ask to connect.
Follow Up if Needed
If you don’t hear back from your HR manager within 1-2 weeks, consider sending a brief, polite follow up message. Here are some tips for an effective follow up:
- Wait at least 7-10 days before following up to allow them time to respond.
- Keep the tone upbeat, polite and professional in your follow up note.
- Briefly restate who you are and why you want to connect.
- Avoid sounding demanding or passive aggressive.
- Let them know you understand if they can’t connect at this time.
- Thank them again for considering your invitation.
For example:
Hi [Name],
I wanted to follow up on my earlier invitation to connect on LinkedIn. I completely understand if you’re too busy to connect right now. But I’d still love the chance to reconnect and stay in touch, as I think we could have some valuable conversations based on our positive experience working together at [Company]. Either way, I hope things are going well and appreciate you considering my invite!
Best,
[Your Name]
This shows you’re eager to connect without being pushy. Give them ample time to respond after your follow up before reaching out again.
Examples of Full LinkedIn Outreach Messages
Here are some complete sample LinkedIn messages to further demonstrate how to thoughtfully and professionally reach out to an HR manager:
Example 1:
Hi [HR Manager Name],
I hope you’ve been doing well! I really enjoyed my time working with you and the rest of the HR team at [Company] between 2017-2019. As the Recruiting Coordinator, I was always impressed by your leadership abilities and expertise in building a strong company culture.
I’m now looking to expand my professional network as I move forward in my career. I’d love to connect with you here on LinkedIn to continue learning from your HR insights and experiences. Please let me know if you’d be open to connecting. I think it could lead to some great conversations, and I’m sure we’ll have lots to catch up on!
Looking forward to hopefully hearing from you soon. Wishing you continued success!
Best,
[Your Name]
Example 2:
Hi [HR Manager Name],
I wanted to reach out since we worked closely together during my time as Office Manager for the HR department at [Company]. I have such fond memories of helping organize the annual holiday party and coordinating schedules for your team. I always admired your exceptional leadership in that role.
As I advance in my own career, I’m hoping to expand my professional network on LinkedIn. I think reconnecting could be very valuable, allowing us to stay in touch and exchange career advice. Please let me know if you’d be open to connecting here. I know I still have a lot to learn from your management expertise and experience.
I hope you’re doing well and appreciate you considering my invitation. Looking forward to hopefully catching up soon!
Best,
[Your Name]
Example 3:
Hi [HR Manager Name],
My name is [Your Name] – we worked together at [Company] in 2015 when I was part of the Recruiting team. I hope all is going well for you!
As I’ve progressed through my HR career, I’ve reflected fondly on the top-notch training I received under your leadership at [Company]. I’d love to connect with you here on LinkedIn to continue learning from your experience and knowledge in the field. Reconnecting could also be helpful for me in expanding my professional network.
Please let me know if you would be open to connecting on LinkedIn. I’m sure we have lots of HR insights to exchange that could benefit us both in our careers. Looking forward to your response!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Questions to Ask When Connected
Once connected on LinkedIn, you’ll have opportunities to communicate with and learn from your former HR manager. Here are some sample questions to ask them:
- What skills or certifications would you recommend I develop at this stage of my HR career?
- What trends in HR should I be aware of to stay competitive in the field?
- How do you recommend building influence as an HR professional?
- What opportunities exist to take on more leadership responsibility in HR roles?
- What part of your HR experience has been most rewarding for you and why?
- If you could start over in an HR career, what would you do differently?
- What advice do you have for setting myself up for success in the long term in HR?
- How can I ensure I maintain a healthy work-life balance in a demanding HR role?
Thoughtful questions like these demonstrate your interest in continuously developing as an HR professional. The insights you gain from their experiences can be invaluable in advancing your own career.
Just be conscious not to bombard them with too many questions at once. Space out your inquiries over time and provide value too by offering your own perspectives. A balance of giving and receiving advice can lead to the most mutually beneficial conversations.
Conclusion
Following these best practices can help you thoughtfully navigate reaching out to an HR manager on LinkedIn. Be sure to remind them who you are, explain your purpose for connecting, and maintain a professional tone. With the right approach, connecting on LinkedIn can lead to an expanded professional network and fruitful career conversations.
