Linkedin Etiquette?

[lookingforajob]

Okay - really naive question coming. But I've recently got a Linkedin. I've decided it will be useful so that potential employers can see a bit about me see what I look like, and generally I got it because I was sort of told too a recruitment consultant.

So here is a question - when you "link" with someone how well should you know them? Say a recruitment consultant calls me, we speak and then I get sent on an interview is it acceptable to "link" with them? What about if you have an interview with someone, do you then usually "link" with them?

Basically - I'm asking about what's the done thing?

[CaptainSlow]

Yes to the recruiter, maybe not to the interviewer, however, I have done so in the past. Always good to network.

[Freakuk]

I connect to as many recruitment consultants and work colleagues as I can find, you never know when you might be looking for a job or they might have one to fill.

I don't tend to add people who may be interviewing me, I don't really see the point to that, they can see your profile anyway if they need to anytime and social stuff like Facebook I tend to keep as private as possible so it won't affect my interview/job prospects (you'd be surprised how many people don't).

[Targarama]

I never connect to recruiters unless in an 'active' recruit with them. They just use you to see your connections and then contact them with the same role.

[CaptainSlow]

Targarama said:

I never connect to recruiters unless in an 'active' recruit with them. They just use you to see your connections and then contact them with the same role.

You can hide your connections to stop this.

[Targarama]

CaptainSlow said:

Targarama said:

I never connect to recruiters unless in an 'active' recruit with them. They just use you to see your connections and then contact them with the same role.

You can hide your connections to stop this.

I know, but I don't mind my connections seeing my other connections.

[lookingforajob]

Thanks guys - it's really useful for me to get an understanding off this stuff.

Also I made a small mistake - I meant linking after a meeting. That way I assumed if I wasn't successful they might consider me for any future roles. But if it's not the done thing I definitely won't be doing it.

So am I right in saying - basically try and link with anyone who you work with? So when I go on my prince 2 course I should say link with the trainer and anyone else on the course who I get on with, and whom has linkedin?

[Gargamel]

Linked In is a really broad spectrum of users.

I connect with almost everyone, I am totally open about it and I like having a really big network.

But then I am an in house recruiter and linkedin is my job, where I source talent and I spend a lot of time and money on it.

For most private indivuduals, most will be open to connecting to people they have met in person, and those who they feel might help in the future. I honestly can't remember the last time someone turned down my request for connection.

As for connecting with interviewers. Personally I would do this before the meeting, so they can see your profile, find out more detail etc. Not everyone will be comfortable with this, and indeed if you are employed, it may flag to your other connections who you are linking with (unless you have your privacy settings right)

There is no "right" way, some people just accept all connections, some don't - don't worry if they get offended then they probably shouldn't be on social/business media.

[rog007]

There are no rules other than doing what you feel is the proper and polite thing to do; you set your own agenda to exploit the opportunities that exist.