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Is It OK To Connect With a Potential Employer on LinkedIn? 9 Things To Consider

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Is It OK To Connect With a Potential Employer on LinkedIn? 9 Things To Consider

Is it OK to connect with a potential employer on LinkedIn? Why or why not?

Here are nine things to consider when connecting with a potential employer on LinkedIn:

  • Worst case scenario, you get ignored
  • Create a connection strategy
  • Is your LinkedIn profile up to date?
  • Always add a message 
  • Connecting is one of LinkedIn’s main purpose
  • Consider a thank you note
  • Know who you’re talking to
  • Explain your value and how you’re beneficial
  • Have you spent time cultivating your LinkedIn?

Worst case scenario, you get ignored

The worst-case scenario is the potential employer ignores your connection request. I don’t see a problem with making the connection request. Just know that when you press “Connect” and send the request, there’s a chance the request may be ignored. Try to avoid getting offended if that’s the case, as employers have hundreds of candidates applying to positions who may be doing the same thing. 

Carey Wilbur, Charter Capital

Create a connection strategy

It shows a keen interest in the company’s goals and puts you in a good position to stay in touch with them. It’s a good idea to carefully draft a connection strategy (beyond merely letting them know you’ve applied to an open job). You could engage with their posts, offer new ideas aligned with your career expertise, or like their updates. You can also follow companies on LinkedIn that interest you, which will be apparent to their hiring team if you apply to one of their posted openings on LinkedIn.

Laura Smith-Proulx, An Expert Resume

Is your LinkedIn profile up to date?

Extending a connection request on LinkedIn is like extending the job interview. Just like a candidate should be cognizant of their physical appearance in a job interview, candidates should accurately represent themselves through information on their profile. Before connecting, make sure that your profile contains a “summary” about yourself that reads like an objective statement on a resume. Make sure your headshot is professional, as you’ll be representing the company you’re applying to online. By taking the time to ensure your LinkedIn profile best represents you and your abilities, you’ll be able to continue to make a positive impression on your potential employer. 

Brett Farmiloe, Markitors

Always add a message 

Yes, you should connect with a future employer on LinkedIn! There are, however, a few caveats with that statement such as who you are connecting with, what you are saying, and the position. Only connect with someone who will be looking at your resume such as a recruiter or hiring manager. Additionally, when connecting always add a note. This can be as simple as, “Hi Katia, I have applied to your open recruitment role, and wanted to express my utmost interest and excitement. I would love to connect!”. Additional best practices for outreach includes reserving this only for roles you are truly excited about and that align with your career interests.

Katia Dillon, TechnologyAdvice

Connecting is one of LinkedIn’s main purposes

By all means yes! Remember, one of the main purposes of LinkedIn is to make new business connections. If you have targeted a company for hire and see that a Hiring Manager at that target company is advertising a role that you’re interested in then yes send a request to connect. If you do it in a professional (do not beg) manner then you could earn yourself a close look and possible interview. Certainly, make sure you use LinkedIn to its full potential in the job search!

Ronald Kubitz, Forms+Surfaces

Consider a thank you note

Put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes for a second. She is interviewing not only you but many others, trying to determine who will be the best person for the job and the company. Connecting over LinkedIn before a decision has been made can come off as both pushy and over-confident—like you’re certain that you’ll be the one who’s working closely with the interviewer over all those other candidates. What should you do instead? Write the perfect thank you note. It’s still the best way to follow up and let the interviewer know how much you want the job. If you really want to grow your network on LinkedIn, it’s okay to request a connection with your interviewer, just wait until after a decision has been made.

Mark Christensen, People & Partnerships

Know who you’re talking to

It’s more than OK, that’s definitely a way to stand out from the crowd of resumes. I’m speaking here from the employer’s perspective and I hired many people that showed me the courage to approach me and talk to me. The most important thing is to show interest, know who and why you are speaking to. Personalize your message, show that you understand what the company does and how they can benefit from hiring you.

Tom Winter, Eye One

Explain your value and how you’re beneficial

Don’t connect with a potential employer on LinkedIn unless you have an irresistible offer to help the company. Otherwise, employers might get annoyed with you, which can lessen your chances of getting hired. Before connecting with a potential employer, create a proposal that is beneficial for the company. Doing so establishes your value right off the bat. If you connect with them without any concrete idea, you will be wasting your efforts since employers won’t even waste their limited time conversing with you.

Stephen Light, Nolah Mattress

Have you spent time cultivating your LinkedIn?

It is appropriate to connect with a potential employer on LinkedIn if you’ve spent time cultivating your LinkedIn content and brand and it gives insight to a potential future employer about your professional experience and approach to the position. It will give them access to your recommendations, digital resume, and your interactions and posts. If you’ve made it decently far into the recruiting process, I think it’s appropriate to connect. Also, even if you don’t receive the position, there’s value in keeping the dialogue going, because you never know what the connection will yield.

Eric Mochnacz, Red Clover

Terkel creates community-driven content featuring expert insights. Sign up at terkel.io to answer questions and get published. 

How To Connect People via Email: 8 Professional Introduction Tips

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How To Connect People via Email: 8 Professional Introduction Tips

You likely have received and made an introduction via email. 

Some introductions are great and can lead to valuable connections. Others? Well, let’s just say that the email introduction was “made,” but didn’t achieve the desired outcome of “connecting” people. 


With that said, there’s an unwritten “right’ and “less effective” way to connect people via email. Because much of that etiquette is unwritten, we decided to write it by seeking advice from professionals about their best introduction tips. 

Here are eight professional introduction tips on how to connect people via email:

  • Keep It Self Explanatory
  • Add a Personal Touch to the Subject Line
  • Include Your Name in the Subject Line
  • Mention Shared Interests
  • Make It Fun
  • Research Their LinkedIn Profile
  • Talk To Both Parties Beforehand
  • Make Sure It’s Not One-Sided

Keep It Self Explanatory

Introducing two contacts over email can feel awkward (not to mention the long replies that come with it if they actually hit it off!) but there are some tips and tricks on how to connect people in your network with professionalism. When it comes to the subject line, there is nothing wrong with keeping it self explanatory with a subject like “Introduction to (Name)!” In the body of the email, thank the person you are reaching out to for agreeing to connect with your contact then end it with a compliment to both the parties and let your contacts take it from there! The simpler, the better. 

Henry Babichenko, Stomadent Dental Lab 

Add a Personal Touch to the Subject Line

When crafting a subject line, I think it is important to make it personable. By adding a personal touch like someone’s name, a reminder of where we initially met, or even an emoji, I am so much more motivated and interested to open the email.

Noah Downs, American Pipeline Solutions

Include Your Name in the Subject Line

I often put my last name as part of the subject line. People get so many generic emails that it helps mine to stand out (it helps that I have an uncommon name). If it’s someone I know, they are more likely to open because it looks like it came from me. If it’s someone I don’t know, it helps establish that it’s not just another piece of junk mail.

Rick DeBruhl, Communication Consultant

Mention Shared Interests

When making a professional introduction via email consider what is going to matter most to each best facilitating a meaningful connection. Focus on precision and impact both in the subject line and body of the email. Outline a clear purpose and tie in any personal and professional alignments. Recently, a friend asked for an introduction to a colleague based on mutual professional interests. I knew both had an interest in running, my friend had just finished her first marathon, and I pointed that out in my message. It was a great way to create a connection for them facilitating a more seamless transition into the ultimate heart of their conversation. Strong email introductions quickly create connections and have an impact.

Nadine Mullings, Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation

Make It Fun

The other day I received the best email introduction ever from Brian Burkhart of Square Planet. What made the intro awesome? First off, the quality of the introduction was to a high-level executive. But at the core, the intro was fun! The email mentioned a couple of shared connections, poked fun at some commonalities, and set the stage for a candid and comfortable conversation to take place. Plus, the intro was also specific – which helped us secure a really valuable partnership. Keep it fun, and the connection will naturally mirror the same level of casualness. 

Brett Farmiloe, Markitors

Research Their LinkedIn Profile

Messaging in general is more effective when it is personalized. One thing I do before reaching out to a candidate is to research their profile on LinkedIn to better understand who they are. Once I have a feeling for their background I will usually put their name in the subject line along with a quick overview of why I am reaching out. So if I am looking to fill a Project Managers position my introduction may look something like; “Hello Dana, your experience from [company] is needed.” By personalizing the subject line as well as the message, my goal is to communicate that I want more than just to pitch something.

Steven Brown, DP Electric Inc

Talk to Both Parties Beforehand

When making a professional introduction via email, make sure you include both names in the subject line if you’re including both people on the same email. Be clear that you’re making an introduction. If there’s a specific reason you’re making the introduction, be explicit about what that is. Define some commonality between the people you’re introducing and show why the two of them connecting would benefit them both. It helps if you’ve spoken to them both privately beforehand asking if they’re open to the introduction before sending the combined email.

Jennifer Fulmer, TechnologyAdvice

Make Sure It’s Not One-Sided

Email introductions are easy if you actually know both people and are legit in your reasons for making an introduction. I do these quite often for my friends and business associates and have never found it that hard because I actually know everyone and make introductions that make sense for both parties. I never do an introduction that is one-sided for either party. This makes it very easy for me to use “Email introduction” in the subject line because I want them to know upfront what it is and not have to trick them into reading it. If you are disguising it and hoping they will read it you probably shouldn’t send it.

Ben Walker, Transcription Outsourcing, LLC

Terkel creates community-driven content featuring expert insights. Sign up at terkel.io to answer questions and get published. 

How To Connect With People on LinkedIn: 10 LinkedIn Connection Tips

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How to connect with people on LinkedIn
There’s a gray area between the “right” and “wrong” way to connect on LinkedIn. 


It’s safe to say that leading with a sales-based connection message won’t get you many accepted requests. Especially if your personalized message points out that the person has “areas to improve.”

It’s also a given that a personalized message should be included in connection requests to give them a reason for why they should accept a request. Random connections don’t necessarily lead to impactful relationships. 

How should you connect with people on LinkedIn? We asked business professionals for their best LinkedIn connection tips to help you build your network. 

Here are 10 LinkedIn connection tips:

  • Don’t Pitch
  • Connect Prior to Meeting
  • Reply to Interesting Connection Requests
  • Leverage Student Status and Alumni Community
  • Mention Common Grounds
  • Never Imply a Nonexistent Past Relationship 
  • Address “Why?”
  • Similar Industry
  • Value Alignment

Don’t Pitch Quite Yet

Make it all about them and do not use this first outreach as a sales effort. When you approach a new contact on LinkedIn, reference their background, research, expertise, etc. Let them know your interest in the subject matter and that you would like to connect to keep current on the topics they care about. Introduce yourself in the context of their interests.

Marti Konstant, Workplace Futurist

Connect Prior to Meeting

While it might be considered “creepy” to immediately request someone on Facebook right after you meet them, it is not the same with LinkedIn. The rule I have when connecting with professional contacts I meet or are referred to by others is to add those people right away! As a recruiting and staffing professional, I meet so many people from so many industries. When I meet someone at an event, no matter how many times I remind myself not to forget their name, I always do. I make LinkedIn connections right away so I don’t forget their information or miss out on opportunities with that contact.

Ryan Nouis, TruPath

Reply to Interesting Connection Requests

It seems like too many people request or accept a connection request without an exchange. One rule that seems to go far in developing relationships is to reply with a simple, “Thank you for the connection!” to select inbound requests. By initiating the conversation, you can learn more about the person behind the profile. 

Vicky Franko, Insura 

Endorse Skills

You should endorse them for their skills—people love this! If you are connecting with like-minded professionals, go for the skills in your field. If you are connecting with a recruiter, go for something that they specialize in, so on and so forth. The same goes if you are a sales professional and are prospecting, go with the reason why you’re reaching out. Most times, they’d have had a few highly endorsed skills already, you just have to click the big “+” button. Doing this sends them notifications and increases your chance of getting recognized and getting a reply—regardless of your reasoning for sending that connection request.

Hung Nguyen, Smallpdf

Leverage Student Status and Alumni Community

If you are currently a student, use it to your advantage! The great thing about being a student is that professionals in your industry are more than willing to help out, especially if they are alumni. Start by going to your university or college’s LinkedIn page and navigating to the alumni page. Type in keywords related to your interests or studies and start reaching out to professionals that you’d like to connect with! In my connection request, my one rule is to include my student status and explain why I am passionate about my field. If I am connecting with an alumni, I always include a P.S. and nod to Arizona State (ex: P.S. Forks Up!). 

Thylan Le, Markitors

Mention Common Ground

Make your messages personalized to each connection. If you are connecting with someone new make sure to mention something you have in common or be specific about why you are reaching out. The person is more likely to respond if you personalize the message instead of just sending the connection request without a note.

Dana Felix, HR Analyst

Never Imply a Nonexistent Past Relationship 

The number one rule that I have when asking for a connection in LinkedIn is to never imply a preexisting relationship that does not exist. There is a natural progression that relationships take that must be respected. The most valuable resource a person can give you is access to their network and that should be treated as sacred. If you cannot make that request without a clear value proposition to that person, go back to the drawing board.

Lukas Ruebbelke, Briebug

Why?

What is the “why” for connecting with me? I am more likely to engage with someone that helps me understand what made them select me in the first place. It also makes that first inMail seem less cold.

Steven Brown, DP Electric Inc

Similar Industry

If a person is in a similar industry, I will typically approve the connection. You never know when you may be able to network with someone, or collaborate on a project. Many accept all invitations just to boost their connections. However, if you\’ve been on LinkedIn for a week, you should easily be able to spot a sales or marketing pitch, disguised as a connection invite.

Andrea Loubier, Mailbird

Value Alignment

While it’s not a hard and fast rule, I do try to assess based on a person’s profile if there is a value alignment either by perusing their activity or reviewing what they highlight in their profile. If it does not seem like a values match, typically, I will decline a connection request. I also suggest trying to follow someone first before connecting. It may be that the connection at first glance seems favorable, but over time, questionable. Following the person first provides an appropriate distance so you can assess further before fully engaging this person in your professional circle, particularly if you have only met online.

Nadine Mullings, Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation

Terkel creates community-driven content featuring expert insights. Sign up at terkel.io to answer questions and get published. 

10 Ways To Disconnect From Work After Hours

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Disconnecting from work and finding a way to relax after the work day ends has never been tougher. Pings from smartphones and lingering thoughts from the work day always seem to interrupt an evening. 

Plus, working from home always blurs the line between “work” and “home.” But, there has to be a way to disconnect and relax from a long work day, right? 

To help answer this question, we sought tips from 10 seasoned professionals about the best ways to unwind from a long work day. Here’s what they had to offer.

Self-Spa Day

Treat yourself to a self-spa day of your own creation. Grab a few face and hair masks, some candles or essential oils and anything else that would create your own perfect at-home spa. Listen to music or read a book as you relax and unwind. 

Vanessa Molica, The Lash Professional

Camping

Getting out and camping! That is the best way to disconnect from the world and physically get away from working. Putting your cell phone away and enjoying the moment in your RV or tent will allow you to unwind and focus on the more simple things in life. 

Randall Smalley, Cruise America

Rejuvenate Through Nature

Find a quiet place to disconnect and be with nature. With all the chaos and uncertainty these days, as well as added stressors from a workday, the conscious connection with the natural world can be a deeply nourishing way to unwind and rejuvenate. Whether that’s spending some time in your backyard, on a walk or on a vacation somewhere, spend time in nature! 

Gwen North, Lake Rabun Hotel

Laying Down

It may seem simple, but lay down. Choose a bed or comfortable seat, lay back and close your eyes. If only for a few minutes, the tension will release from your body and your heart rate will steady. It’s a nice refresher before returning to home life from the work day.

Kenna Hamm, Texas Adoption Center

Exercise

Whenever I have had a stressful day at work, my favorite thing to do is workout! Even if it is just for 30 minutes, I feel like the dopamine rush really turns my whole day around. I know this may be difficult with gyms closed during COVID-19, but there are so many other ways to exercise. Try following workout videos on Youtube or going to the park for a run! Get moving and feel the stress from the work day wash away. 

Nikitha Lokareddy, Markitors

A Physical Book and Analog Music

With work involving so many screens at any time, I don’t think there’s anything better than a good physical book and analog music combo. If you can, silence phones, turn off the computer, and just listen to some instrumental music while reading. There’s nothing better to help me wind down after a busy day.

João Pedreda, Webdiner

Progress in an Instrument

My best tip to disconnect, relax, and rebound all at the same time is to start learning an instrument. It presents a challenge yet it can be so rewarding when you get things right. Once you get started, it can be very addictive for all the right reasons. With lots of new learning apps like Yousician, Fender, and more, it has never been more accessible.

Liam Quinn, Reach interactive

Yoga During the Day

I don’t wait till the end of the day, I find since working from home I work longer, crazier hours. Taking breaks and doing a 30 minute online yoga class or taking a long walk (not in Arizona summer though!) help reboot and center me to be more productive and more relaxed when the evening comes.

Melissa Blatt, indipop

Transition Your Thoughts Before You Decompress

To borrow a line for Gordan Ramsay: SHUT IT DOWN!

Close your laptop, turn off your phone, and turn off the light in the office. Don’t just take a bath and sit quietly, though. Your mind has been in business mode for too long and, left to its own devices, your mind will continue to think about it. You need to cleanse your mind’s palate. Grab a book and read a chapter. Watch an episode of your favorite show. Ask a loved one about their day. Do something to take your mind out of the office before you try to sit quietly and decompress.

Phil Strazzulla, SelectSoftware Reviews

Keep Regular Business Hours

I think it’s really important to try to keep regular business hours. A lot of small business owners have a tendency to work far into the evening or night. It’s as if we have all of our waking hours to get work done. Unfortunately, this makes us less productive. So, I think if we keep to an end time, we then should physically remove ourselves from our workspace. I prefer going for a walk or working in the garden.

Diane Helbig, Helbig Enterprises

Terkel creates community-driven content featuring expert insights. Sign up at terkel.io to answer questions and get published.

9 Reasons To Connect With a Hiring Manager on LinkedIn

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LinkedIn Thought Leaders

You’re applying for a job, or maybe you just completed an interview. Now, you’re wondering whether to take that next step and send a connection request to the hiring manager on LinkedIn.

Should you press that “Connect” button? If so, at what point in the interview process does connecting with a hiring manager become appropriate?

To help provide some insights, we asked nine hiring managers what they thought about candidates connecting with them on LinkedIn. Here’s the reasons why connecting with a hiring manager on LinkedIn may be a good idea.

It Increases the Odds of Getting an Interview

In my experience, taking the time to connect with a hiring manager significantly increases the odds of getting an interview. Introducing yourself, explaining why you have an interest in their company, and asking how to learn more shows a great deal of proactivity and professionalism. The key is to make very small requests, like a 15 minute phone call, offering to buy them coffee, etc. The point is to learn more about the company, and not to try and brown nose your way into a job.

Zack McCarty, Qwick

It Gives you an Opportunity to Stand Out

In most instances, connecting with a hiring manager on LinkedIn may give you an opportunity to stand out among other candidates. The best way to manage this connection without overstepping boundaries is simply to introduce yourself. Think of a message to the hiring manager as a preview to your cover letter and resume. Give them a reason to keep an eye out for your name.

Megan Chiamos, 365 Cannabis

It Shows You’re Willing to Go Beyond

Connecting with a hiring manager on Linkedin shows that you are willing to go beyond the normal bounds of the hiring process. Requesting a connection shows that you took the time to research them and are highly interested in their company and them as a professional. Connecting with them right after you apply it’s a great way to elevate your application status and make your name stand out. 

Ryan Nouis, TruPath 

Use Linkedin to Research Similarities

I’ve always been told that it is interview etiquette not to connect prior to getting the job offer but I would suggest, however, that you review the LinkedIn profile of each person you will interview with, and you can see if there are any common connections (same college attended, similar sports interests, hobbies, etc) to discuss during the interview. In lieu of connecting on LinkedIn with the hiring manager, I would strongly recommend writing (not emailing) a thank-you letter to all the people that interviewed you immediately after the interview.

Craig Rosen, InterviewFocus

Consider Connecting if You Don’t Get the Job

Once a decision has been made, and you are hired at the company, connect away! Something to consider if you don’t get the job, you can still add that person on LinkedIn to ask what you could’ve done better and ask them to reach out if there’s an opportunity that comes around in the future. 

Michael Staton, Lyon Shield Security

View Their Profile, But Don’t Connect

Although I would not connect with a hiring manager right after an interview, you should consider reviewing their LinkedIn profile before and after the interview. This way, a hiring manager will get notified that you viewed their profile on LinkedIn. This shows that you dedicated time to review their profile and show interest in their company, but respect the interview process to resist from connecting with the hiring manager too early on.

Thylan Le, Markitors

Ask for a 15 Minute Call

If there is interest in a particular role or a particular company, why not connect? I would recommend asking for a 15 minute call to learn more about what the hiring manager loves about working for the company, and to talk about how you may be able to bring value to the position that you are interested in. Following this up with a LinkedIn connection will make you a memorable candidate. 

Deborah Bubis, Recruiter and Sourcer

Do It for the Long Run and Future Opportunities

I am a fan of the long game. Some of the best hires we’ve had have come from a conversation that spans several months. If there is a company you like and would consider working for, connect with your possible future hiring manager. Now focus on content. What are you generating on your LinkedIn page? This is a great way of communicating what you are about. LinkedIn is powerful as it is a one-stop shop in which to establish your professional brand.

Steven Brown, DP Electric Inc

Connect as Part of Your Wider Application Strategy

You can connect, but don’t be pushy on LinkedIn. Connect as part of your wider application strategy. This will make it easier for them to look you up on LinkedIn after reading your CV. Indicated to the hiring manager that you are targeting their company personally.

Justin Barlow, Nigel Wright

Terkel creates community-driven content featuring expert insights. Sign up at terkel.io to answer questions and get published.