Introductions with Impact

When making an introduction or asking for help from your network, one big challenge is how to tell someone why you are a strong candidate for a given job.  Most often, this valuable piece of information is left out entirely, or communicated vaguely.  When asking for help or making an introduction, you need to communicate why someone should recommend you. They are risking their credibility and you want to alleviate any fears by clearly showing why you are a top candidate.

Here is a recent request I received to make an introduction for a former colleague.

Hi Jon:
I got a lead from Workday, had two phone screens done by the recruiter and the hiring manager from Workday. I saw on Linkedin connections that you know the following people in this company:
[Name Removed], VP HCM Strategy
[Name Removed], VP Development
Here are the details of this position:
Hiring Manager: [Name Removed], Mgr. Application Development
Position: HCM Application Developer
Would it be possible for you to send a note of recommendation to these folks as a reference to be forwarded to the hiring manager Dan.
I haven’t had any personal interview yet..
Thanks Jon for the help,
Former Colleague

 

While the message is nice, it doesn’t provide me with any information about the job, if she is qualified, or what I should say. This person doesn’t realize her request carries risk for me. These contacts are important to my job networking so I will be careful in how I use them.  I don’t want to burn a bridge by recommending someone who is not qualified. When I do make an introduction, I want to make a good recommendation so they understand why I am contacting them.  Preferably, I would want to point out a few strengths that apply to this job.

Unfortunately, this person did not get an introduction. In fact, this person didn’t follow up with me again about this job.  You might think this is atypical, but it happens the majority of the requests I get.

What would have made this introduction stronger? Preptel’s candidate report and a well crafted email. See how this email could have been written.

 

Hi Jon,
I got a lead from Workday, had two phone screens done by the recruiter and the hiring manager from Workday. I saw on Linkedin connections that you know the following people in this company:
[Name Removed], VP HCM Strategy
[Name Removed], VP Development
Here are the details of this position:
Hiring Manager: [Name Removed], Mgr. Application Development
Position: HCM Application Developer
Would it be possible for you to send a note of recommendation to these folks as a reference to be forwarded to the hiring manager Dan. I believe I am a great fit for this job because:
1. Example 1 of specific experience that applies to the job requirements
2. Example 2 of specific experience that applies to the job requirements
3. Example 3 of specific experience that applies to the job requirements
I have attached a detailed analysis for your review. Please forward to your contacts if you feel this would help.
I haven’t had any personal interview yet, but believe I would be a top candidate for this position.
Thanks Jon for the help,
Former Colleague

 

Preptel Candidate Report (abbreviated)

 

With a compelling introduction and Preptel’s Candidate Report, your success rate of engaging your network will increase leading to more interviews.