Personal Recommendations: Your Most Valuable Asset
05. Feb, 2010 
5 Comments
Personal employee recommendations are widely considered to be the single best way for employers to find reliable new hires in the vastly oversaturated job market. With so many potentially qualified job seekers looking for work, many managers strongly prefer considering applicants who have been previously recommended by a trusted colleague, or valued employee. Scoring the coveted “personal recommendation” with the hiring manager can not only get you an interview, but can also offer a significant advantage over any competition before you even set foot in the door.
Nick Corcodilos, author of the book, Ask The Headhunter: Reinventing the Interview to Win the Job, is a syndicated columnist recently featured on their online Career resource new jobs from the Seattle Times Company. We found his insightful article entitled: “Don’t squander a valuable personal referral with slow (or no) follow-up” to be a valuable resource, and wanted to share some of his main points with our readers.
The advantage offered to you through a personal recommendation could go far beyond what the most impressive resume or cover letter ever could. Corcodilos suggests that job seekers should not be fearful of asking for personal referrals and recommendations from trusted friends and former colleagues, because when done correctly the entire process should be a positive experience for both;
“The economy drives job hunters — especially if they’re unemployed — to call everyone they know and ask for job leads. It’s an awkward request to make, and job hunters get understandably nervous about asking. It’s wonderful when friends and acquaintances can help out.”
Additionally, “I get great satisfaction when I make introductions that lead to job offers, to business deals” or “new friendships that may blossom into business later.”
Not only is the reputation of the prospective hire enhanced, but it also should increase credibility for the person making the recommendation. Corcodilos explains that not only will the referral benefit from a positive recommendation, but “so do I because the quality of the introductions I make reflect on me and my credibility grows.”
The confidence and trust placed in the recommending party is rewarding, says Corcodilos; if given positive recommendations for trustworthy parties, in the future ”my contact trusts that the next time I make an introduction, it will be another good one.”
Due to the personal nature of this approach, it is especially critical to take it seriously, and thus is vital never to squander or misuse the opportunity when it comes your way.
With good faith comes responsibility, and Corcodilos strongly cautions the person offering the referral the dangers of recommending an unworthy candidate. He explains that doing so could have negative consequences for both parties, expressing that you should “never recommend a job hunter who isn’t worthy” because you will risk damaging your own reputation.
Failing to promptly follow through when being recommended to a hiring manager, especially when given on a favor, can damage more than just your chances of getting the job.
Corcodilos explains the damaging effects;
“When I provide a valuable introduction, the beneficiary had better follow up. Fail to call someone I’ve recommended you to, and I’ll never give you the time of day again. You have wasted the hard-earned favor of someone who trusts and respects me. I don’t refer people thoughtlessly. I have spoken to my contact, referred you and vouched for you. My contact is ready and expecting your call…If you don’t make the call, I look bad. I’ve wasted an asset.”
He concludes by sympathizing with frustrated job hunters, and offers final warning by saying “I know how frantic searching for a job can be. But don’t lose track of the “checks” your friends write to you. Enjoy the good will and use it fully. Treat a personal referral with respect because someone put his reputation on the line for you. Follow up. Call the person who’s expecting your call. Behave like the person that I have vouched you are. But if you squander my assets, don’t ever call me again.”
When used properly a personal referral from a trusted source can be the difference between being taken seriously or dismissed before you even have a chance to show yourself. It can be a phenomenal opportunity for everyone involved, but like any good break, valuable personal employee referrals should never be wasted or abused. The harm that could result from your ignorance might go unnoticed to you at first, but it could possibly negatively impact the personal and professional reputation of the friend taking the chance to recommend you to their colleagues. Ignorance in this area will also damage your own reputation and attach a stigma to your job search.
Be respectful of the people taking chances for you, and you will find yourself much closer to landing your dream job.
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The advantages of a good personal recommendation can start before the scope of the article. Sometimes the person that gives you the recommendation may know of an (unadvertised) opening to point you towards.
Cultivating relationships for networking and personal recommendations is an extremely important skill to go along side one’s technical expertise.
Very good advices and i agree. Recommendations are important, for both sides, person who gives and person who gets.
The employee that gets good personal recommendations is the one who works for the company as if it’s his own, regardless of his position. That’s something that sadly missing today. Thanks, ResumeBear, for reminding all of us how important our effort and output are!
You are judged by the company you keep.
Good personal recommendations carry a lot of weight.