LinkedIn has become an invaluable tool for networking and making professional connections. With over 722 million users worldwide, LinkedIn is the largest professional networking platform on the internet. As such, it has changed the way we search for jobs, market ourselves, and connect with colleagues and potential employers.
One common question that arises is whether it’s appropriate to connect with a hiring manager on LinkedIn when you’re interested in an open position at their company. There are arguments on both sides of this issue, and the answer depends on your specific situation.
Potential Benefits of Connecting with a Hiring Manager
Here are some potential benefits of sending a LinkedIn connection request to a hiring manager:
- It allows you to establish a direct connection and start building rapport. Having an existing connection on LinkedIn can make it easier to follow up and continue the conversation later.
- It gives the hiring manager immediate access to your full profile. This allows them to learn more about your background, skills, and experiences beyond just your resume.
- It shows initiative and interest in the company/role. Taking the step to connect demonstrates you’re eager to engage with the hiring team.
- The hiring manager may be more responsive over LinkedIn messaging than email. Sometimes LinkedIn messages see higher response rates.
- It gets your name in front of the hiring manager and serves as a reminder of your candidacy.
Overall, a connection request signals that you are interested in maintaining an ongoing professional relationship, not just getting through the immediate hiring process. Done thoughtfully, connecting on LinkedIn can help advance you as a candidate and make a positive impression.
Potential Drawbacks of Connecting
However, there are also some risks and drawbacks associated with sending unsolicited connection requests:
- It can come across as overly aggressive if done too early in the hiring process. The hiring manager may prefer waiting until later stages to connect.
- It could be perceived as unprofessional or desperate depending on the situation.
- The hiring manager may ignore or reject your request, which could hurt your candidacy.
- You appear out of touch if the hiring manager has already filled the position unbeknownst to you.
- It could backfire and leave a negative impression of you being too forward.
Additionally, the hiring manager may already have their preferred method of communication. Connecting on LinkedIn could complicate things or annoy them if they would rather keep things over email.
Best Practices for Connecting
So when is it appropriate to connect with a hiring manager on LinkedIn during your job search? Here are some best practices:
- Wait until after you have formally applied and/or been in direct contact with the hiring manager through another channel like email or phone. Don’t connect right away unprompted.
- Only connect with recruiters and hiring managers who you have actually spoken with. Don’t send random connection requests.
- Personalize the connection request with a brief note reminding them who you are and which role you applied for.
- Follow up your LinkedIn request with an email to ensure they saw it and know to expect your invite. Mention you just sent a connection invitation.
- If they don’t accept right away, be patient. Don’t pester them with multiple invites or messages.
- Use common sense based on situational factors like company culture and where you are in the interview process.
- Focus more heavily on selling yourself through your content and engagements vs. purely making the connection itself.
Here are some templates you can use when sending a LinkedIn invitation to be helpful but not too aggressive:
- “Hi [name], I recently applied for the [position] role at [company] and wanted to send you a connection invite so we can continue our conversation on LinkedIn. I’m excited about the potential opportunity and would love to move forward in the interview process. Let me know if you’d like to schedule a call or virtual meetup sometime soon! I look forward to connecting more.”
- “Hi [name], I thought it would be beneficial for us to connect here on LinkedIn as I progress through hiring for the [position] position at [company]. Please feel free to check out my full profile and let me know if you need any other information from me. I’m passionate about [company’s] mission and believe I would be a great addition to your team. I’d be happy to further discuss over phone, video conference, or LinkedIn messenger at your convenience. Talk soon!”
Should You Message the Hiring Manager?
Beyond just sending a connection invitation, is it appropriate to also message the hiring manager directly through LinkedIn? Here are some tips on messaging hiring managers:
- Keep any messages brief and professional. Do not over message them.
- Refer to previous conversations you’ve had and reiterate your interest in the role.
- Provide new updates about your qualifications or ask thoughtful questions about the position.
- Follow up if you haven’t heard back about an interview request.
- Thank them for accepting your invite and express enthusiasm about connecting.
- Do not use messaging as your first outreach. Connect via another channel like email or phone first when possible.
Some examples of polite messages to send on LinkedIn after connecting include:
- “Hi [name], thank you for accepting my connection request on LinkedIn. I’m looking forward to discussing the [position] role further. Please let me know if you need any other information for my application in the meantime.”
- “Hi [name], I hope you’ve been well! I wanted to check in and reiterate my strong interest in the [position] position we discussed. I believe my skills in [relevant area] would enable me to thrive in this role. Are there any updates you can share on hiring timeline or next steps?”
When Is It Best to Avoid Connecting?
There are some instances where it may be best to avoid sending a LinkedIn connection request, such as:
- At the very start of the application process before establishing any direct contact.
- If the job posting explicitly says not to contact the hiring manager directly.
- For roles at large companies where impersonal HR screens all candidates.
- If you have already connected on LinkedIn before applying.
- When you do not have the hiring manager’s actual name to send the invite.
As a rule of thumb, focus your LinkedIn outreach on small to medium sized companies where connecting with the right hiring manager can make more of a direct impact. Avoid blind connection requests and always personalize with a note.
How to Handle Rejection Politely
If the hiring manager ignores your LinkedIn request or rejects connecting with you, do not take offense. Respect their decision graciously. Here are some tips on handling rejection politely:
- Do not resent the hiring manager or continue pestering them with more invites or messages.
- Reply courteously if they message you an explanation, thanking them for their consideration.
- Reflect on whether your request came at an inappropriate time or place.
- Follow up politely via email, focusing only on your job candidacy and qualifications.
- You can try sending another connection request later on or after you land the job.
- Use it as a learning experience rather than harboring bitterness.
Having your invitation rejected does not necessarily mean you are out of contention for the role. It simply signifies the hiring manager prefers to connect at a later stage. Maintain a positive, professional attitude and continue showcasing your abilities and fit through other channels.
In Summary
Connecting with a hiring manager on LinkedIn can be appropriate and beneficial in moderation. When done strategically and respectfully, it helps advance your candidacy and enhances your professional relationship. However, random, unsolicited connection invites and messaging often backfire. Apply common sense based on situational factors. Focus more on selling yourself than just making the connection.
Here are some key takeaways on effectively engaging with hiring managers on LinkedIn:
- Wait until after formally applying and establishing direct contact before connecting.
- Personalize connection requests with a polite note.
- Follow up over email to ensure they are expecting your invite.
- Keep any messaging brief, professional, and non-pestering.
- Focus on small to mid size companies where connections count more.
- Handle rejection or non-response gracefully and professionally.
- Let your profile, content and value do most of the selling.
With the right approach, LinkedIn can provide a valuable boost during your job search and help build relationships with potential employers. But utilized poorly, it can actually hurt your chances. Be selective, patient, and personable to maximize your impact.
Examples of When Connecting Helped Land the Job
Here are some real-world examples of when connecting with a hiring manager on LinkedIn helped candidates stand out and land job offers:
Software Engineer
After several rounds of interviews with Acme Corporation for a software engineering position, Jack connected with his potential boss and the VP of engineering on LinkedIn. He included a nice note about how excited he was for the possibility of working with their team. Both managers accepted his invites. A week later, the VP reached out over LinkedIn messenger to let Jack know they were finalizing an offer letter.
Marketing Specialist
Maria applied for a marketing coordinator role at a boutique PR agency. The hiring manager viewed her LinkedIn profile but hadn’t responded to Maria’s email follow-ups. Maria decided to send a connection request with a polite note reminding the manager of her interest in the role. This led to a phone call and on-site interview. Maria ended up receiving and accepting the job offer the following week.
Account Executive
After an initial screening call for an account executive position, Tyler connected on LinkedIn with the sales manager he had spoken to. The manager accepted Tyler’s request. When it came time for reference checks, the manager reached out to several of Tyler’s connections to learn more about his background. Tyler’s references spoke highly of him, ultimately convincing the company to hire him.
Expert Opinions on Connecting with Hiring Managers
Here is advice from recruiting professionals and career experts on whether and how to connect with hiring managers on LinkedIn:
Boost Your Visibility
“Sending a LinkedIn request helps get your name in front of hiring managers and reminds them to view your full profile. But connect strategically – don’t spam invite. Make sure they are involved in the hiring process and personalize your message.”
– Sarah Johnston, Professional Resume Writer
Be Patient
“Connecting too soon can look desperate – wait until after you have interviewed or had multiple touchpoints before requesting to connect. And don’t take it personally if they ignore your request, especially if it’s a large company with many applicants.”
– Mark Richardson, Recruiting Manager at XYZ Company
It’s a Numbers Game
“Don’t rely solely on LinkedIn outreach – you need a multi-pronged approach. But it can be a piece of the puzzle, especially for smaller companies. I’d suggest connecting with as many relevant staffers as possible to increase your chances.”
– Alicia Smith, LinkedIn Profile Consultant
Relevance is Key
“I only accept connection requests from applicants I’ve actually spoken with and see as legitimate contenders for our roles. Mass invite blasts don’t make a good impression. Neither does connecting prematurely before we’ve had a chance to evaluate you.”
– Heather Wong, HR Director at ABC Company
A Thoughtful Approach Goes a Long Way
“A personalized LinkedIn request with context about how you are progressing in our hiring process makes applicants stand out to me. But don’t view the connection itself as the goal – focus on selling yourself as a candidate.”
– Jonathan Lee, Hiring Manager at 123 Tech
Data on How LinkedIn Impacts Hiring Outcomes
Research studies and surveys reveal how networking on LinkedIn affects candidates’ chances of getting hired:
LinkedIn’s 2022 Global Hiring Survey
- 61% of talent professionals use LinkedIn to evaluate and assess candidates.
- 59% message back and forth with candidates over LinkedIn Messaging.
- 52% said a strong LinkedIn presence influences their hiring decisions.
- Only 7% said unsolicited LinkedIn connection requests influence their decisions.
iCIMS 2022 Recruiting Report
- 73% of recruiters check candidates’ LinkedIn profiles during the hiring process.
- 68% of recruiters said a customized LinkedIn request helps candidates stand out.
- 44% of talent pros are more likely to respond to LinkedIn messages than email.
MRINetwork 2021 Recruiting Trends Study
- 87% of recruiters check LinkedIn profiles when evaluating candidates.
- 75% connect or message back and forth with candidates over LinkedIn.
- 64% said an incomplete LinkedIn profile reflects poorly on applicants.
The data demonstrates how vital it is for candidates to maintain a strong, active LinkedIn presence and strategically connect with key hiring contacts when appropriate.
Study | Key Findings on LinkedIn’s Impact on Hiring |
---|---|
LinkedIn 2022 Global Hiring Survey | – 61% use to evaluate candidates – 52% said strong profile influences decisions |
iCIMS 2022 Recruiting Report | – 73% check LinkedIn profiles – 68% said custom invites help stand out |
MRINetwork 2021 Study | – 87% check LinkedIn profiles – 75% message candidates |
Tips from Hiring Managers
Beyond the data, here are tips directly from hiring managers on how to best leverage LinkedIn when job searching:
- “Don’t randomly connect with me unless we’ve spoken. Take time to personalize your request and remind me where we left off in the hiring process.”
- “Give me time to evaluate you initially before sending an invite. Connecting prematurely looks impatient rather than enthusiastic.”
- “Keep your messaging brief and focused on your job candidacy. Don’t over message me or get too casual.”
- “Have a complete, detailed profile so I can learn about your background when vetting you as an applicant.”
- “Engage regularly on LinkedIn to stay on my radar – like and comment on posts, share content, etc. But do so authentically.”
Following this tangible guidance directly from people making hiring decisions can help maximize your chances of success.
Conclusion
Strategically connecting with recruiters and hiring managers on LinkedIn can enhance your candidacy once you’ve formally applied and are progressing through the interview process. However, random, premature invitations often do more harm than good. Maintain your professionalism at all times.
The key is using LinkedIn as one component of a broader search strategy. Focus on showcasing your abilities and making meaningful connections vs. simply expanding your network. With the right approach, LinkedIn can help provide that extra edge to land your next role.