After the interview

Question

I had a job interview yesterday and I think it went very well (yay!). I told my friend about it and she told me I should add my four interviewers on LinkedIn. What are your general thoughts on this? I've been uncomfortable in the past when I've been on the other side and a candidate I really didn't like added me, but I'm wondering if I am reflecting too heavily on my own experience. I already sent thank you emails, btw!

Ali K · Answer

I'm interested to see responses to this, as I'm in a similar situation. I had a second round interview last week for a job that I think I would be really happy at, and the owner (who was my second round interviewer) requested me on LinkedIn, and I accepted. Now I'm wondering, should I in turn request the two interviewers I met with in round 1? I think I should - so I would like to see other's opinions.

My own two cents - if you had a good interview, and enjoyed meeting the interviewer, go for it! Even if you don't get the position, connections are everything.  They may circle back to you for a different position that is better suited to you down the road.

Ruzana Glaeser · Answer

Agree on previous responses to hold off on connecting with them on LinkedIn. I always find it a bit presumptuous when people whom I am interviewing for a job connect with me after the interview without any follow up question, etc.

Glad to hear you sent thank you notes. I would stop at that for now.
Even if you don't get selected for the job, you can still connect to people after you find out, if you had a good conversation and found a connection. I have interviewed one time for a position and didn't get selected, and when I reached out to the hiring manager on LinkedIn because I enjoyed our conversation and her expertise and wanted to stay connected, she told me she was happy to hear from me, and they ended up promoting an internal candidate, but otherwise I would have been their next preference.

Anonymous · Answer

Personally, I'd hold off.

jsellars · Answer

As a hiring manager, when someone adds me on LinkedIn, I'm always concerned that my answer somehow is a reflection of whether or not I think they'd be a good fit for the job. Even if I don't think the person is a good fit, I could still genuinely like them. Then, if I do hire them, I'm not sure I want to be connected to my employees on any social media platform, even LinkedIn. It's such a dilemma! I'd lean toward waiting for a second interview. A second interview definitely indicates interest, if not for the current job, maybe another position in the future.

Alyson Garrido, Career Coach · Answer

In this instance, it really seems like you're uncomfortable adding them based on your perception when you're in their shoes. I'm a big fan of trusting your instincts and putting yourself in the position of the people with whom you are interacting.

I think that applies in a wider context, too. If you leave an interview and feel like you really connected, why not send a personal note to connect? On the other hand if your inclination is to hold off, that's okay, too.

Linkedin and networking in general is based on relationships, which will be different every time.

Maggie B · Answer

I'd hold off, unless one of the interviewers was the company recruiter.  Definitely add them.

Anonymous · Answer

I would wait. I have actually connected with hiring managers for jobs I didn't get on LinkedIn, though, after sending them a note thanking them for their time // saying I'd love to be kept in mind for possible future opportunities // etc. Even if a specific role wasn't for you, there's still something to be said for that relationship-building opportunity. But I hope you do get this one!!

Anonymous · Answer

My organization prohibits hiring managers from having any contact with interviewees outside of the official HR communicator.  I have to ignore all requests or be in violation.  Once our decision is made and someone is onboarded I am free to connect.

After the interview

You're invited.

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