If you’ve just had an interview and are wondering whether it’s appropriate to connect with your interviewer on LinkedIn, the short answer is: yes, it usually is and it can work in your favor.
In today’s job market, especially across the UAE and wider Gulf region, building professional relationships is just as important as submitting a strong CV. LinkedIn is one of the easiest and most effective platforms to help you do that.
Here are some good reasons why you should consider sending that connection request.
1. Stay Top of Mind
Interviewers meet many candidates in a short span of time. Connecting on LinkedIn keeps you in their network and helps them remember who you are especially if you regularly engage with their content or post useful updates of your own.
If a decision comes down to two equally qualified candidates, being the one who took the extra step to build a connection could work in your favor.
2. Show Genuine Interest
Sending a polite connection request after an interview shows you are genuinely interested in the company and its people, not just the job title. It also shows that you value professional relationships and are proactive in staying in touch.
A good message to include might be:
“Thank you for the great conversation today. I’d be happy to stay connected here on LinkedIn.”
This short note is professional, respectful, and keeps the door open for future communication.
3. Build Your Professional Network
Even if you don’t get the job, connecting with interviewers can benefit you in the long term. They may move to another company later, refer you for a future role, or simply remember your name when something relevant comes up.
The Gulf job market often works through networks and referrals. The more relationships you build with hiring professionals, the more opportunities can come your way.
4. Learn More About the Company and Its Culture
By connecting with interviewers and other employees from the company, you get a chance to learn more about the company’s culture, work environment, and values.
This can help you prepare for future interviews or even decide if the company is a good fit for you. Observing the kind of content they share can also give you insights into their expectations from employees.
5. Strengthen Your Personal Brand
Being connected with hiring managers, recruiters, and professionals in your industry shows others that you are serious about your career. It helps grow your visibility in your field and encourages others to view your profile, endorse your skills, or engage with your posts.
Even a small LinkedIn network can be powerful if it includes the right people like interviewers, team leads, and HR professionals.
When Not to Connect
There are a few situations where it’s better to wait:
If the interview was with a third-party recruiter working for a client
If you feel the interaction was not positive or well-aligned
If the company has strict hiring policies discouraging post-interview contact
In those cases, it might be more professional to send a thank-you email and let things end there.
Connecting with your interviewer on LinkedIn is more than a nice gesture it’s a smart move that can strengthen your job search and professional network. It shows confidence, professionalism, and long-term thinking. In the Gulf, where many job roles are filled through relationships and referrals, your connections matter. So don’t hesitate to make the most of your interviews, even after they end. A simple LinkedIn request could lead to your next opportunity.
Powered by Froala Editor