Also, I have read on some posts that the maximum number of invites is 3000, period! – does that include those you sent from email addresses you upload in CSV format or is it just for those that LinkedIn suggests on “People You May Know”?
Thahks

Many recruiters are open networkers and happily connect with many people, so I’d take a look at their profile. If the recruiter is a member of Top Linked, or a LION (LinkedIn Open Networker) or another open networking group, send him or her an invitation. If not, look over the profile. Is the recruiter connected to 100s or even thousands of people? He or she may be an open networker.

Good luck with your job search.

How should I ask someone to join my network if they are a recruiter and I have recently submitted my resume and cover letter to them? I was told never to use the default and I think that is good advice. Do you have any suggestions?

Irene,

That’s a delicate situation. I know I don’t like confrontation myself and can feel for your dilemma. Here are my thoughts.

Don’t feel like you must accept every invitation. I don’t.

Of course, if the invitation is from someone you know in the real world it can be trickier. First I’d consider how likely are you to run into each other? If it’s not often, feel free to archive.

The second thing to consider is how likely is it they’ll notice you didn’t accept. Are they active on LinkedIn or do they just have a few connections and don’t log in very often? Do they collect a massive list of random names or are they more selective?

Third, consider what harm will they do if you accept? What harm will they do if you decline? I know one woman who has a former colleague who only gets in touch when he’s looking for work. Annoying yes, but when he’s actively job searching he behaves professionally so she stays connected. If someone is likely to spam your connections, say something inappropriate or bad mouth you, don’t accept them.

Forth, how did they invite you? Was the invitation professional or at least personalized to acknowledge your relationship or did they just send the default invite? I’ve started archiving the default invites. If someone can’t be bothered to personalize the invitation, I don’t want to connect.

Fifth, did they send the invitation via LinkedIn because they’d never dare phone you for referrals or connections? If you never had a good working relationship and they know it, they might not ask you in person. Archive them.

Finally, what are your usual criteria for accepting invitations? If you are an open networker who accepts any and all invitations it might be harder to decline than if you have very specific criteria. However, if you have a connection policy (even if it’s only in your head) and they don’t fit, archive away.

How to respond if they ask why you declined is trickier. Whatever your response, it’s probably a good idea to have your answer prepared ahead of time.

You could lie: “What invitation?” However, I think it’s bad Karma to lie so that wouldn’t be my first choice.

If they sent a default invitation try, “I have a policy of archiving anyone who sends a default invitation. Perhaps your invitation fit that bill.” Of course, you run the risk of them sending a new, personalized invitation and you’re back at square one.

If they don’t fit your connection policy, use that. “I use LinkedIn for W. Therefore, I have a policy of only accepting invitations from people who are X, Y and Z.”

Finally, there’s always the direct approach. “I prefer to network with people who give as much as they receive and who are professional and team players. You just don’t fit the bill.”

Hope this helps.

Andrea

I mean, I feel bad rejecting these people so I just leave the invite unmarked. It leaves for an awkward situation incase I see them again. Should I tell them the truth on why not accepting the invite?

Thanks.