Networking with recruiters on LinkedIn after an interview can be beneficial in certain situations. LinkedIn is often used by recruiters to source candidates, so connecting with recruiters you have interviewed with can help keep your candidacy top of mind. However, blindly connecting with every recruiter you speak to may not always be the best approach. Here are some things to consider when deciding whether or not to connect with a recruiter on LinkedIn after an interview:
Pros of Connecting
- Keeps you top of mind – After an interview, adding the recruiter on LinkedIn serves as a reminder that you recently interviewed. This may make them more likely to check on your application status or advocate for your candidacy compared to other applicants they have not connected with.
- Opens up two-way communication – Once connected on LinkedIn, it becomes easier for you and the recruiter to communicate. You can send messages asking for updates or providing additional information that may strengthen your candidacy.
- Expand your network – Connecting with recruiters allows you to grow your LinkedIn network, especially if they accept your invite. A wider network improves your visibility in the job market overall.
- Shows initiative – Requesting to connect demonstrates that you are interested in maintaining contact after the interview process. Recruiters may see this as you taking initiative to pursue the role.
Cons of Connecting
- May seem pushy – Some recruiters prefer no additional contact outside of their formal interview process. Aggressively trying to connect on LinkedIn soon after an interview may come across as too assertive.
- No guarantee of acceptance – There is no guarantee the recruiter will accept your connection request. Unaccepted requests may feel awkward if you are later contacted to interview again at the same company.
- Limited usefulness if rejected – If you do not receive the job after interviewing, being connected to the recruiter on LinkedIn will not change that outcome. Focus your efforts on applying to new roles.
- Harder to control optics – Once connected, the recruiter has access to your entire LinkedIn profile and activity. You need to ensure your profile remains polished and professional.
When is it Appropriate to Connect?
Determining the right time to connect with a recruiter after an interview depends on several factors:
Stage of Hiring Process
- Initial phone screen – Connecting soon after an introductory phone screen may be less beneficial since the process is still early. Better to wait until completing formal interviews.
- After final round interview – It is more reasonable to connect after your final round of interviews, as the recruiter is closer to making a hiring decision. Reaching out shows ongoing interest.
- Received job offer – Congratulatory messages are warranted if you receive and accept an offer. But random connection requests after not getting the job are less impactful.
Type of Recruiter
- Internal recruiters – Those who work directly for the hiring company may prefer you wait until the process completes before connecting.
- External agency recruiters – Third-party recruiters focused on placements may be more open to connecting, as they want to build their network.
- Executive search recruiters – Headhunters tend to be highly selective in who they connect with, as their networks have high value.
Rapport Established
- Strong existing relationship – If you and the recruiter really hit it off, a request to connect makes logical sense to continue the relationship.
- Minimal interaction – Connecting after brief screening calls or transactional interviews may not provide much value without deeper prior discussions.
How to Connect
If you determine connecting with a recruiter is appropriate, here are some best practices to consider:
- Customize connection request – Take the time to write a personal message referencing your recent interview. Generic invitations are less meaningful.
- Provide updates if applicable – Mention any major accomplishments since you last spoke that reinforce your qualifications.
- Express appreciation – Thank the recruiter for the opportunity to interview. Recruiters respond well to gratitude.
- Check LinkedIn settings – Enable notifications and relationship updates to maximize visibility after connecting.
- Don’t overmessage initially – One connection request and brief follow-up is plenty. Don’t bombard the recruiter.
What to Avoid When Connecting
There are some things you should be cautious of when reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn after an interview:
- Aggressive follow-up – Resist the urge to message the recruiter constantly asking for updates after connecting.
- Negativity if rejected – Do not reach out to complain or express anger if you do not get the job.
- Sharing unsuitable content – Any political, controversial, or unprofessional posts could impact their opinion of you.
- Asking for referrals too soon – Wait until establishing a solid recruiter relationship before requesting referrals to other roles.
- Fake flattery – Dishonest praise or obvious compliment fishing will be seen through.
Sample Outreach Messages
Here are some examples of polite, professional messages to send when connecting with recruiters on LinkedIn:
Subject: Thanks for Interviewing Me at [Company]
Hi [Recruiter Name],
I wanted to thank you again for taking the time to interview me last week for the [Role] position at [Company]. It was a pleasure learning more about the role and discussing my background and qualifications with you. I’m very interested in joining the team, and wanted to connect here on LinkedIn to keep in touch through the hiring process. Please let me know if I can provide any additional information to strengthen my candidacy. I look forward to hearing from you!
Best,
[Your Name]
Subject: Connecting After [Company] Interview
Dear [Recruiter],
I appreciated having the opportunity to interview for [Company] last week and meet with you and the team. I believe my skills in [key skill] would allow me to thrive in the [Role] position and am enthusiastic about the chance to contribute to [Company’s] mission. I’d love to stay connected here on LinkedIn as the hiring process continues. Please let me know if you need anything else from me. Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Following Up After Connecting
It’s important not to aggressively follow up over and over after connecting with a recruiter on LinkedIn. Here are some tips on appropriate follow up:
- Wait 1-2 weeks before following up – Give the recruiter time to move forward in the hiring process before reaching back out.
- Ask for timeline expectations – It’s reasonable to ask when decisions are expected to be made or next steps in the process.
- Reiterate your interest – Say you are still very interested in the role and excited at the prospect of joining the team.
- Provide new updates – Share anything that meaningfully impacts your candidacy that the recruiter may not know.
- Know when to move on – If you do not get the job, accept the outcome and focus energy elsewhere.
Continued follow up should provide value to the recruiter. Avoid pestering just for the sake of staying top of mind.
Handling a Lack of Response
If a recruiter does not respond to your initial LinkedIn connection request or follow-up messages, here are a few ways to handle it:
- Don’t take it personally – Recruiters can have hundreds of open applicants. Non-response is often not purposefully ignoring you.
- Evaluate your messages – Look back at the language and tone used. Could it have been too aggressive or unprofessional?
- Consider other channels – If you have the recruiter’s email, try contacting them there as they may not check LinkedIn frequently.
- Ask for feedback – You can reply and politely ask if they have any feedback based on your application that could help you improve.
- Move forward – Ultimately you need to accept the lack of response and continue applying to new opportunities.
Lack of response does not necessarily indicate your candidacy is closed. Follow up politely via email or phone if possible. But don’t harass the recruiter if they remain non-responsive.
Maintaining Contact After Accepting a Role
If you successfully connect with a recruiter on LinkedIn and accept a job offer at their company, you now have an opportunity to build an internal advocate. Here are tips for maintaining positive recruiter relationships:
- Congratulate them on placement – Thank recruiters for helping secure your new role.
- Provide career updates – Keep the recruiter informed of your accomplishments and milestones in the new job.
- Ask for internal advice – Long-term recruiters can provide guidance on navigating company culture and advancement.
- Inquire about new openings – Tap into the recruiter to learn about other suitable opportunities later on.
- Offer to collaborate – You may be able to partner on recruitment marketing initiatives that benefit you both.
This gives you a go-to contact for internal mobility or recommending other qualified candidates in your network.
Key Takeaways
Here are the key points to keep in mind when considering connecting with recruiters on LinkedIn:
- Adding recruiters can keep you top of mind during hiring decisions, but may not impact rejections.
- Connect after final interviews, but avoid reaching out immediately after initial screenings.
- Personalize your request and provide meaningful updates relevant to the role.
- Do not aggressively follow up or react negatively if you are rejected.
- Maintaining long-term recruiter relationships can support internal mobility.
Connecting on LinkedIn is usually beneficial if done strategically and with restraint. Avoiding desperation and unprofessionalism is key. With a thoughtful approach, it can strengthen candidacy and build useful career relationships.
Conclusion
LinkedIn is an important tool both for job seekers and recruiters. Connecting with recruiters after an interview can be advantageous, but should be handled delicately. The best approach is to connect near the end of the hiring process through a personalized request, while avoiding aggressive follow-up messages if rejected. If successfully placed, nurturing an ongoing relationship with the recruiter can open up future opportunities. With etiquette and restraint, connecting on LinkedIn can leave a positive impression and cultivate a recruiter network that supports long-term career growth.