Whatever type of promotions or events you work on, you will probably be asked sooner or later by someone for a job recommendation. The request may come from an agency or company searching to fill an open position or, from a friend or acquaintance that needs a recommendation for a new job they are pursuing. Wherever the request comes from, never just give or agree to give a recommendation without thinking it through first. Here are some reasons why.

If it's a company you are working for or have a relationship with, I would use the most caution when recommending someone. It might seem like a great way to get your friend in on a job but, it can also be a fast way to lose your reputation with that company. There's an adage you've all probably heard, "you are only as good as your word." Your word is what you are gambling with when you are giving a recommendation. If it goes well with your recommendation and your friend does a great job, it will strengthen your reputation with that company. But, if it's a disaster, even though all you did was throw your friend's name out there, your reputation will be damaged or destroyed with that company (even though you are great at what you do). I've seen it happen; if you value your position and want to ensure your job future with a particular company, recommend wisely or don't recommend at all.

Let's say it's not a company who is asking for a recommendation but, a friend or acquaintance that needs your good word. In this case, your reputation with the hiring company is probably not in much danger here (especially if they are not familiar with you). You will probably be giving your recommendation to the company's HR (Human Resources) department or the account manager for that particular project; either way, your name will probably soon fade from memory. What's to worry about here? The issue is that your friend's potential job is at stake. Most employers only ask for 1-3 recommendations, yours might be the only one they go by. Here are a few tips I would keep in mind when you are giving any recommendation:

-         don't be excessively positive on all questions, be genuine in your answers

-         do not try to get yourself hired during the recommendation (aside from being tacky, it will reflect badly on your friend's choice for a recommendation)

-         it's OK to say you don't know the answer to a question (just make sure to say it's because you did not work with them in that capacity, etc.,)

-         watch for inappropriate questions (there are laws governing exactly what can be asked by potential employers; of course, I don't know exactly what they are), don't answer questions that do not pertain directly to the position at hand

I'll finish up my article by venting on a particular type of person we all will come in contact with sooner or later, the serial recommendee (maybe not the right term or even a real word but, it's the closest I can come up with). This person may be someone you just met or have very little work history with. Regardless of that fact, he or she will ask you for (or even worse, just give you as) a recommendation. NEVER AGREE TO DO IT! 9 times out of 10, this person has such a poor track record that they cannot find a single person they have worked with to give them a recommendation. It may be an awkward moment but, saying no is your safest and most painless course of action. I have been asked numerous times on promotions before; it's never easy to say no. But, after watching this same person eat, slack, smoke, and get drunk in plain sight during an event, it confirms my stance to never give recommendations for people whose character I'm not 100% sure of. If, as has happened from time to time, I get a call from a company out of the blue to ask about someone I barely know, I try to only give yes/no answers and end the call ASAP (saying "I don't know" or "I can't answer that" to every question they ask is pretty effective).

It's a small world and an even smaller business field we are in; make good choices and always consider your reputation!

- CHESS

	05-15-2006 17:50
	GOOD POINTS! I have to agree with 99% of what you say, I've seen firsthand many people get hired from someone's recommendation and a brief phone call (Especially when it's a promotional staff position that needs to be filled in 24 hrs).    It still makes you feel a little good when someone asks you if they can use you as a recommendation (or maybe that's just me...) Report

promomonster

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