pf123's picture Submitted by pf123 on
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Career Management

Hello Manager Tools community,

I'm looking for advice on how to connect a friend/colleague in my network with a position to fill with another friend/colleague who is searching for a job.

Does anyone have a structure, perhaps similar to the thank you note cast, to help me write a letter or initiate a phone call to connect these friends? How do you pass along a resume to a colleague that you professionally keep in touch with (per the maintaining your network cast), but don't talk with on a more regular basis?

I've searched the archives and haven't been able to find a relevant post. Please do send the link if there is one.

Thanks for all your help.

P.S. I've found these casts wonderfully useful over the past few months. Thank you Mark and Mike for making them available to everyone.

asteriskrntt1's picture
Submitted by asteriskrntt1 on Tuesday February 17th, 2009 9:20 pm

Hi PF

Good question. I try to hook up my students with people I know all the time. I just ask the senior person if it is ok if I give their contact information to a candidate. If they say yes, I do it in their preferred method. If not, I don't (obviously).

Generally, the call or email goes something like this:

Hi Bill, hope all is well. I know you are looking for a "Insert position here". I think one of my students/colleagues/friends might be what you are looking for. Can I give them your contact info and you can have a quick chat with them. Look forward to hearing from you.

So if they connect and work out, great. If not, you have shown your network that you are looking out for their best interests.

*RNTT

jhbchina's picture
Submitted by jhbchina on Wednesday February 18th, 2009 6:42 am

Dear PF123,

If you are using LinkedIN, you can forward the person's profile to others in your network. You are asked to write a brief introduction as well. If there is a contact in your friends network, you can ask them to make a direct introduction for you as well.

If the receiving colleague is interested, then they can accept the introduction. If they are not interested they just don't have to answer. Nobody loses face that way.

Hope this helps.

JHBChina

HMac's picture
Submitted by HMac on Wednesday February 18th, 2009 7:40 am

The trap I've experienced before is that "connecting" can sometimes be interpreted as "recommending" - you may be seen as vouching for the person and for the accuracy of everything on the resume.

That why I like *RNTT's advice. If you're going to do it, go no further than just "making the connection" - don't recommend them, don't include their resume, just say "this might be a fit." And let nature take it's course.

-Hugh

jhack's picture
Submitted by jhack on Wednesday February 18th, 2009 8:30 am

If you are close to the hiring manager, don't use LinkedIn. Make a phone call, or send a letter.

Let's assume you feel this person is worth referring.

I've done this by phone. You call, and say, "Hey Tracy, I hear you're hiring a [whatever]. A colleague of mine might be the person you're looking for. [Name] worked with me at [company], and you should probably talk to her..."

It's really pretty straightforward. You can cover in the call how closely you worked, and then decide if it should be pursued.

You give each person the other's contact info, and get out of the way.

John

jhbchina's picture
Submitted by jhbchina on Thursday February 19th, 2009 4:30 am

I totally agree with John's comment:

"If you are close to the hiring manager, don't use LinkedIn. Make a phone call, or send a letter."

Use sound judgment to determine the appropriate method.

After all your reputation can be on the line as well.

JHBChina

pf123's picture
Submitted by pf123 on Thursday February 19th, 2009 12:18 pm

This is great advice and I'm so happy you all are on the forums and willing to share your experience. I was indeed concerned about sounding like I was recommending instead of connecting. RNTT, your "connection model" looks like it does strike a nice balance and then allows me to get out of the way and let them do the rest in whatever mode of delivery (email/phone/lunch/LinkedIn) is appropriate.

Thanks for your advice.

thaGUma's picture
Submitted by thaGUma on Friday February 20th, 2009 6:53 pm

In a similar situation I meet up with both people. As I had a good relationship with both, the evening was enjoyable for me and each got a good feel for the other. Acting as a facilitator, giving up your personal time means a lot more that an email or invite on some anonymous server.

Chris