LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network, with more than 380 million members. There’s a good chance that most of your business contacts have a presence on the site, making it a great place to network — especially when you’re searching for a new job. In most cases, it’s appropriate to send a connection request to anyone you do business with, but when that person is an interviewer, it becomes a gray area.

While some hiring managers might appreciate an invitation to get to know you better, others could perceive a request to connect via LinkedIn as pushy and overconfident. The request can also make some people feel uncomfortable, which is the last thing you want to do to someone who holds your professional fate in their hands.

Connecting with an Interviewer on LinkedIn

Depending on the situation, there are a couple of savvy ways to connect with a hiring manager on LinkedIn during the hiring process. At the end of an interview, if it went well, it is acceptable to come right out and ask if it is alright for you to send a LinkedIn connection request. The seemingly small gesture of asking before doing is an undeniably polite move.

An even safer way to connect is to wait until after you have been informed of the hiring decision. If you were selected, you’ll be simply be connecting with a new colleague. If not, LinkedIn is a great way to stay in touch with the hiring manager should any new opportunities arise. The more valuable contacts you have in your network, the better.

It is always best to play it safe on LinkedIn, as proper etiquette is typically left to personal perception. If you have any doubt whatsoever about sending a connection request, it is probably best to hold off and wait until you are sure it’s a good idea. There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance, so make sure you don’t inadvertently display the latter.

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