[FAQ]

So I just had a really good final interview for a job I’m excited about. The hiring manager was great and we had a good rapport. I sent a thank you email already, but now I’m wondering if I should also send a connection request on LinkedIn.

Part of me thinks it shows I’m keen and proactive, but another part worries it might seem too pushy or desperate while they’re still making a decision. What’s the general etiquette here? Is it a good move, or should I wait until I hear back about the job?

Thanks!

[Jeff Bullas]

This is a common point of uncertainty in the job-seeking process.

Short Answer: It’s a good idea, provided you do it correctly. The quality of your connection request message is far more important than the timing.

A better way to see this action is not as a simple button click, but as the delivery of a critical piece of micro-content.

The most harmful practice, and the one to avoid at all costs, is sending a generic request with no personalised message. First, you must treat the note you include with your request as a distinct content format. This piece of text must be crafted with care; it should be brief, polite, and reference a specific point from your conversation to show you were paying attention. Second, the timing should follow traditional etiquette. The best practice is to send your formal thank-you email first, then follow up with the LinkedIn request within the same 24-hour window. Third, you need to see this as part of your professional brand. Just like any other content you might post, whether it’s a long-form text article or a short video, this small message reflects on you. When executed with a well-written note, it’s a low-risk move that reinforces the positive impression you made during the interview.

[Author]

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