People ask me to make introductions all the time.

I'm connected to a lot of people. And we all know that an "in" with a company, especially one with a job you're excited about, could give you that elusive advantage, or at least get your resume seen by a human.

I love making intros—it feels awesome to bring people together, and even better when they lead to interviews or jobs!

Yup, I've made connections that have resulted in jobs.

Those connections were easy to make because I had worked with both the candidates and someone on the hiring team, but that isn't always the reality. What then? What if it's a looser connection?

You still ask. Obviously. We all know introductions can be a game changer.

But don't just go charging in. Prepare.

Here are some suggestions to make it easier for someone to say yes to your introduction request:

Ask thoughtfully I get it, you're desperate. And if you've already applied (you should ALWAYS apply first and then ask for introductions), the clock is ticking. Don't lead with your request, especially if it's been a while since you spoke to the person you're asking. If necessary, remind them where you know them from and tell them what you've been doing. Be upbeat.

Write the introduction yourself You're asking someone to do you a favor. Don't burden them with the extra work of describing you. Make it easy for them to help by providing exactly what you want them to say. Showcase whatever it is that makes you a great candidate, and include how you know the person making the introduction. The referer can copy and paste without struggling to wordsmith your story. Win-win.

Respond quickly Once the intro is made, reach out to your new connection immediately. Seriously, right away. You're the one pursuing the relationship, so make your move. It demonstrates how seriously you take the introduction and how responsible you are at following through. Don't expect the other person to contact you first; they won't. They're busy. If you don't intend to make contact, please don't ask for a connection.

Avoid being too aggressive Remember, the connector has put their reputation on the line for you, so be polite and considerate when interacting with your new contact. Don't demand a meeting (unfortunately, yes, I've seen this). Be genuine, express interest, and tell them why you're a good fit for that particular company.

Close the loop You know how you hate being ghosted? Guess what? People who make introductions hate it too. Report back with the outcome, whether it was fantastic or not. We want to know what happened. Don't leave us hanging.

Be zen Resist getting angry if someone declines your request for an intro. There may be a backstory or awkward situation that makes them hesitant. Don't hold it against them.

Good luck and get connecting!!

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