Should I Send a LinkedIn Connection Request to My Interviewer?
TL;DR: Yes, but wait until after the interview and add a short personal note referencing your conversation. A blank request or one sent before you've even spoken feels presumptuous; a personalized one after a good conversation is a normal, welcome networking move.
Why it matters
A thoughtful connection request keeps you visible in the interviewer's feed through the rest of the hiring process and beyond, without adding pressure the way a direct message might.
When to send it
- After the interview, not before. Sending a request before you've met makes it feel transactional and slightly odd.
- Same day or next day, while the conversation is still fresh for both of you.
- Skip it if the interview went badly and you're not genuinely interested in staying connected regardless of outcome.
What to write in the note
Keep it to 2 sentences: thank them for the conversation, and mention one specific detail you discussed. "Thanks for the great conversation about your team's approach to X today — really appreciated the insight, hope to stay in touch."
Comparison: connection request vs thank-you email
| Channel | Purpose | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Thank-you email | Reiterate interest, add missed points | Within 24 hours |
| LinkedIn connection | Long-term relationship building | Same day to a few days after |
| Both | Most thorough approach | Email first, LinkedIn same day or next |
Step-by-step
- Send your thank-you email first — that's the higher-priority, more expected step.
- Find the interviewer's LinkedIn profile (you likely already have their name from the invite or calendar hold).
- Send a connection request with a short, specific note — never send a blank request to someone you just met.
- Don't message them again immediately after connecting — let the connection sit unless you have a genuine reason to follow up.
FAQ
Will connecting on LinkedIn seem like I'm trying too hard? Not if it's after the interview with a genuine, specific note — recruiters and hiring managers connect with candidates constantly. What if they don't accept the request? It's not a signal about your candidacy — people often clear notification backlogs slowly or have strict connection policies. Should I connect with everyone on the panel, or just the hiring manager? The hiring manager and recruiter are the safest choices; connecting with every panelist can feel like overreach.
By Pinal Dave Last updated: 2026-08-03