When is it okay to connect on LinkedIn?

Question

I was a top candidate for a job until the company decided to freeze hiring due to COVID. I am still waiting to see if they will open the position back up. I had some really great interviews with hiring team members and I am trying to grow my connections within the industry. When is it okay to connect with these individuals on LinkedIn? Should I wait until I get a firm pass on the position? Or is okay to connect during this time?

Laura McCann · Answer

I encourage people to connect with me at any time during the hiring process.  You never know when a connection will work out!

Elyse Shermer · Answer

Similar situation happened to me. 1st-I did interview right before this pandemic hit. I did reach out directly to who I interviewed with just to ask about how they are and organization, I assumed the position was being placed on hold. I did get a response confirming my assumption but am taking the bigger picture. At this time I am interested in growing my network as no one knows when and what will be open for business. 2nd- aside from this particular situation I have been focused on growing my network in a different industry. So I have been reaching out to some business leaders asking if they are OK at this time amd if they have time to briefly speak for informational interview purposes only. It's like walking a tight rope now but I am getting responses from a few.

Gwenevere Crary · Answer

If you have been through multiple rounds and have met the people directly, I personally don't see any harm asking to connect, especially if you were told you were a top candidate.  Recommend adding a little message about your experience and why your connecting.

What I find hard to accept (as the recruiter/HR person) is when someone tries to connect with me before or right after they apply or even after the initial phone interview without knowing they are being invited back for the next stage.  I tend not to accept those requests because I don't want to give false hope to someone that they are a good candidate and/or moving forward because I accepted their request.

It can be tricky.  So if you do it, do not take it personally if they person does not accept/respond.  They may just feel like it might give you false hope that they are opening the opportunity up and you are getting it.

Ruth A. Ford, PHR · Answer

I think this is the perfect time to connect - especially since it sounds like your interviews went well. Good luck! :-)

Victoria Cianci · Answer

My opinion is I would try to connect with the HR representaive if that is who you met with first at least she can keep you updated

Keila Alvarado · Answer

Hi! I have the same situation going on as I am waiting for decisions for companies after past interviews but as COVID-19 went on the rise there have been hiring freezes. So what I did you could do: Email the recruiters/hiring managers to kindly ask about how they are doing (ideally starting first as a human during the crisis) then show secondary inquiry about the status of the job filling. After I did that I received responses that jobs are still pending. I advise not to rely on the job offer though and to continue search elsewhere just in case, as I am practicing what I preach. Wishing you good luck!

When is it okay to connect on LinkedIn?

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