My answers to your career questions continue. Keep sending your career questions my way!
I went into full fledged job hunting mode last summer, which resulted in 3 interviews – but sadly none of them turned into offers. Now, a number of names from these companies are showing up as “people you may know” on LinkedIn. The interviews all went well, and I felt like I clicked with these people at the time, but the job offer just wasn’t in the cards for me. So does it make sense to keep connected with them via LinkedIn? -Eileen
Eileen,
This is a GREAT question and one I receive often. Since LinkedIn is a professional network, I think it is appropriate to connect with anyone that you would exchange business cards with in person. Think of LinkedIn as your professional “Rolodex” but better because this Rolodex sends out regular updates (and won’t get lost in your old purse!).
Make LinkedIn connections a habit. Request a LinkedIn connection within 48 hours of leaving a great interview or exchanging business cards.
Even though it’s been a while since Eileen interviewed with the people who are coming up in her “people you may know” suggestions, she should still request to connect with them. But, DO NOT USE THE GENERIC LINKEDIN REQUEST EMAIL. Make sure you write a short, personal note such as: “Hi Sarah, We met last summer when I interviewed for the ABC position at your firm. I’d love to connect with you here on LinkedIn.” A personal note is much more likely to jog your connection’s memory and consider you than more than just another random connection.
Companies frequently get openings that they are be passively looking to fill. Don’t be surprised if the person you interviewed with a long time ago sends you an email saying they now have an opening that they think you’d be a great fit for. In fact, this happened to me last week. And I hadn’t talked to their firm in 2 years!
Connecting with a previous interviewer allows them to check out your profile, pay attention to your professional updates, and keep you top of mind when new positions open. If you don’t send out a (personalized) LinkedIn request, you won’t even have the chance of being considered.
Good luck!
Get the inside scoop on opportunities, communities, products and events we think you'll love. Sign up by entering your email:
If anyone can relate to where you're at in your career, it's Nicole Crimaldi: Nicole spent 5 years in corporate America, switched career paths, worked at a start-up, survived a layoff and is now self-employed. Nicole believes that career satisfaction is a huge part of overall happiness. Therefore, she started Ms. Career Girl to help other women get off the treadmill and onto a more fulfilling path.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
This is such a great post and something I’ve thought about as well. When I was in “interview mode” last year I connected with everyone I interview with. The majority of them accepted the request, but I noticed many people have profiles that just lay stagnant and you need to remember that it’s common for people to not receive a request because of an old email address or they’ve unsubscribed from email updates, so don’t get discouraged if people don’t respond! But I think you’re right, definitely connect with everyone you can. Every month I go through my email contacts and link with people I regularly communicate with. Works like a charm.
Great point! Before I got the iPhone app I never checked my LinkedIn requests. Definitely don’t get discouraged if these people don’t accept your request immediately.
Nicole
Great advice. You never know when an opportunity can open up. Keep those bridges open.
Definitely a topic that needed some explanation. In my experiences, college career centers are well versed with the rules of traditional business etiquette but are behind in explaining how to interact with other professionals in an increasingly digital landscape.
I think the comparison to business cards is perfect – you don’t want to be the person requesting people you’ve only heard of but you also shouldn’t be shy about connecting if you’ve met the person.
Going to send out some requests to recruiters later this week…keep up the informative and helpful posts!
I agree that most college career centers are behind the times as far as online business ettiquette. The online career world is so new that there is no “right” way to do things, so if in doubt use your best judgement.
Happy Birthday by the way!!
Nicole