Do you accept LinkedIn requests from job applicants??

Question

In the past few days, I've received a number of LinkedIn requests and messages from people who applied to  the open freelance position at my company. I think it's a little awkward for them to hit me up on LinkedIn, but maybe that's what the latest career advice is? What are your thoughts, ladies? Has this happened to you??

Anonymous · Answer

Ohhh...seems unprofessional IMO, but I'm old school. I still appreciate a good, hand-written thank you note. A LinkedIn request before you know who the person is seems super premature.

Sandra Diaz · Answer

As applicants seek to stand out and connect with a live person vs. the ATS (applicant tracking system), I advise them to message the hiring manager to show how they can contribute to solving the role's most pressing problem. If they provide value, it should not seem unprofessional. If it does, then you may not want to connect with that applicant. I personally respond to each applicant (I have not been inundated), and if they are not a fit for the role I tell them why I will not interview them.

Anonymous · Answer

I personally tend to accept (almost) everyone (including people who have applied for a job I'm hiring for), but I would 100% understand if other people don't do this!

Kaitlyn S. · Answer

I also accept everyone. If they message me, I reply back asking them to please apply through our website and then they're in 'the process' of hiring! I can understand not wanting to, but I also connect with almost everyone because you never know who your next lead could come from!

Robyn Wick · Answer

I don't accept them while the search is active. If a candidate/or former candidate wants to connect with me after the search, I will typically accept.

Georgene Huang · Answer

I personally try to keep my LinkedIn connections 'real', i.e. I don't think its an appropriate forum to connect simply because someone applied for a job or wants to meet you. I don't view that as the default expectation on LinkedIn,  but I am sure that a candidate that really wants a job will do it.

Do you accept LinkedIn requests from job applicants??

You're invited.

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