Can I follow my interviewer on LinkedIn?

Yes, you can follow your interviewer on LinkedIn, and doing so can be a positive step in building and maintaining a professional relationship. However, it's important to approach this thoughtfully to ensure it aligns with professional etiquette and enhances your networking efforts. Here’s a comprehensive guide on whether and how to follow your interviewer on LinkedIn:

1. Understanding the Difference Between "Follow" and "Connect"

• Follow:

  • Purpose: Allows you to see the person’s public updates and posts without establishing a direct connection.
  • When to Use: Ideal if you want to stay updated on their professional activities without initiating a two-way relationship.

• Connect:

  • Purpose: Establishes a two-way professional relationship where both parties can see each other’s updates, share messages, and engage more interactively.
  • When to Use: Suitable if you want to build a closer professional relationship, seek mentorship, or maintain ongoing communication.

2. When to Follow or Connect with Your Interviewer

• After the Interview:
  • Best Practice: It’s generally more appropriate to follow or connect after the interview has concluded. This timing ensures that your primary focus remains on the interview itself without any potential distractions.
• During the Interview Process:
  • Caution: Avoid following or connecting during the active interview process unless explicitly suggested by the interviewer. Prematurely reaching out on LinkedIn might be perceived as overly forward.

3. Benefits of Following or Connecting

• Staying Informed: Following your interviewer allows you to stay updated on their professional insights, articles, and company news, which can be valuable for future interactions.
• Building Relationships: Connecting can help you build a professional network, opening doors for future opportunities, mentorship, and collaborations.
• Demonstrating Interest: It shows your genuine interest in the company and the people you interact with, reinforcing your enthusiasm for the role.

4. How to Follow or Connect Appropriately

a. Following Your Interviewer

1. Navigate to Their Profile:

   • Use the search bar to find your interviewer’s LinkedIn profile.

2. Click "Follow":

   • On their profile page, click the "Follow" button. This action is low-pressure and keeps the interaction one-way.

3. Engage with Their Content:

   • Like, comment, or share their posts to show genuine interest and support for their professional activities.

b. Connecting with Your Interviewer

1. Send a Personalized Connection Request:

   • Add a Note: Always include a personalized message when sending a connection request to make it more meaningful and less generic.
   • Example Message:

     Hi [Interviewer's Name],
     
     Thank you again for taking the time to interview me for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic discussed] and would love to stay connected on LinkedIn.
     
     Best regards,
     [Your Name]
     

2. Be Professional and Respectful:

   • Tone: Keep the message professional and express gratitude for the interview opportunity.
   • Relevance: Mention something specific from the interview to personalize the connection request.

3. Avoid Over-Following:

   • Limit Requests: If you have multiple interviewers, consider prioritizing whom to connect with based on your interaction and the role.

5. Potential Drawbacks and How to Mitigate Them

• Perceived as Pushy: Sending a connection request too soon or without personalization can be seen as pushy.

  • Mitigation: Always personalize your message and wait until after the interview to send the request.

• Privacy Concerns: Some interviewers may prefer to keep their LinkedIn connections limited to people they know well.

  • Mitigation: If they don’t accept your connection request, don’t take it personally. Continue to follow them to stay updated.

6. Alternatives to Following or Connecting

• Thank-You Email: Sending a thank-you email after the interview is a universally accepted practice and can be an alternative or complement to connecting on LinkedIn.

  Example Thank-You Email:

  Subject: Thank You for the [Job Title] Interview
  
  Hi [Interviewer's Name],
  
  I wanted to express my gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I enjoyed our discussion about [specific topic] and am excited about the possibility of contributing to your team.
  
  Please let me know if you need any additional information from my side.
  
  Thank you once again for your time and consideration.
  
  Best regards,
  [Your Name]
  [Your LinkedIn Profile URL]
  [Your Phone Number]
  

• Engage Through Content: Instead of immediately connecting, engage with their content by commenting thoughtfully on their posts or sharing relevant articles. This indirect approach can help build rapport over time.

7. Maintaining the Relationship Post-Interview

• Stay Active on LinkedIn: Continue to engage with their content and share your own relevant updates to keep the connection active.
• Update Them on Your Progress: If you’re still in the hiring process or have accepted another offer, inform them courteously.

Conclusion

Following or connecting with your interviewer on LinkedIn can be a strategic move to build your professional network and demonstrate your ongoing interest in the role and company. By approaching this step thoughtfully—personalizing your messages, respecting professional boundaries, and maintaining engagement—you can enhance your professional relationships and keep doors open for future opportunities.