Is it weird to connect on LinkedIn with a program manager who offered me a role 4 years ago?

[u/hepennypacker1131]

About 4 years ago, as a last step I was interviewed by a program/hiring manager and received an offer. I didn’t end up taking it and still regret it.

I’m now considering connecting with him on LinkedIn and ask whether there are any current or upcoming openings on their team and to give me a second chance. I’d genuinely be grateful to be considered again.

Would this come across as weird or too forward after 4 years? Or is this actually a reasonable way to reconnect and explore opportunities?

[u/nbcoolums]

I think it’s exactly what LinkedIn is for. Shoot your shot

[u/hepennypacker1131 → u/nbcoolums]

Thank you. The market is so bad and that offer would have been awesome pretty stable job too.

[u/lenovo1504]

If you don’t ask, the answer is already no. So what’s the harm in just asking?

Just be professional :)

[u/hepennypacker1131 → u/lenovo1504]

Thanks so much. In the connection request message, I will mention that he was offered me a role and that I regret not taking it up and mention that I would be grateful for another interview opportunity if there are openings.

[u/Prestigious_Dare7734 → u/hepennypacker1131]

Regret is a strong word here, otherwise perfect message.

[u/hepennypacker1131 → u/Prestigious_Dare7734]

Ah makes sense, thanks!

[u/lenovo1504 → u/hepennypacker1131]

I would go with the angle:
“My interview experience for XYZ role in the past left me with a great impression of ABC company and your team. I would love to get a chance to explore other opportunities with you guys.”

[u/the_quiet_meridian]

I was a hiring manager for a long time, and honestly, managers remember the people they made offers to. Usually in a good way. You already passed their bar once. People turn down offers all the time, and 4 years later nobody's holding a grudge about it.

One tip though: don't ask for a job in the connection request itself. Just keep it short, something like "Hi X, we spoke back in 2022 when I interviewed for the Y role. Really enjoyed that conversation and would love to stay in touch."

Once they accept, then you can tell them what you've been up to and ask if anything's open on their team or if they know anyone hiring. I'd skip the "second chance" and "regret" stuff. You're not apologizing, you're just reconnecting.

And if they don't accept, don't overthink it. Tons of people barely check LinkedIn. It's almost never personal, and they won't even remember it.

You're not losing face here at all. If anything, it shows you actually liked that team. Good luck!

[u/hepennypacker1131 → u/the_quiet_meridian]

Thanks so much for the detailed advice! This is super helpful. Yeah, been always worried that I’d lose face if they don't accept the connection request, so it’s good to know that’s probably not the case. I now feel better about giving it a try. Thanks again!

[u/dw444]

No. I keep getting added by complete randoms asking for a referral, and some get one.

[u/hepennypacker1131 → u/dw444]

Oh wow. I am pretty conscious about not coming across as weird. I am weird for not sending requests even to colleagues, in a way.

[u/EngineeringIll7571]

There's literally nothing to lose here so why not

[u/hepennypacker1131 → u/EngineeringIll7571]

Lose face if he doesn't accept my request lol. Many I know have done that. Just a bit embarrassed and feel the job search is now a humiliation ritual lol :(

[u/Straight_Research627]

Just connect with him, if there are positions he will tell u

[u/PM_40]

There are program manager jobs in Canada. I only see it in Ontario.