Refer a Friend Networking Is a Two-Way Street

Refer a Friend Networking Is a Two-Way Street I recently received a great question from a reader that I want to share with you. The reader writes, A recruiter recently reached out to me about a particular job they are hiring for. Im not a good fit for it, but I know someone who is. Should I say anything, or should I keep my mouth closed?At first glance, it may seemstrange to turn down an opportunity, only to refer someone else for it. Youmay feel like you shouldnt get involved. You may think itsinappropriate to speak for a friend. Or, it might even feel as though youre saying, Im not really qualified, but I know someone who is smarter than I am. Heres their phone number.Fortunately, recruiters dont take referrals this way. They understand that you arent always looking for a job and that some jobs just dont quite fit with your skills or goals.By referring a potential candidate, you are helping both your friend and the recruiter. That way, when the recr uiter has another position, they very well may think of you again. Theyll know that even if you arent interested, youll help find someone who is.I remember one of the first times this happened to me. I was completing graduate school when I interviewed with a large gaming company that was interested to relocate me to Las Vegas. It was a great job, and the interviews were going very well. Midway through one interview, however, I realized it wasnt for me.I looked at the hiring manager and said, Im sorry, I dont think Im the person for you. But, I know who isI had a friend who was a perfect fit. The company was so interested that they interviewed him for multiple rounds and flew him to Las Vegas. Im not aya how it all turned out, but given the chance, I would definitely do it again.Now, Im not necessarily advocating for this specific approach, but for the general idea. Its best to refer a friend before you have started to interview for the job. But the thing to remember is that networki ng is a two-way street. Its not all about getting something for yourself out of every professional interaction. Its also about giving. In a way, this process is like referring someone to your favorite hair stylist or dentist. Youre sending the recruiter a trusted person you know could do the job well.Depending on the recruiter, another advantage could be a referral bonus. External placement agencies and headhunters often provide small financial incentives to encourage referrals. (Typically, these are only paid out if the person you refer is hired.)Providing a referral can be helpful to yourself, your friend, and the recruiter. It strengthens both your internal and external networks, and can help your own search in the future.So, go ahead, reader Refer a friend.A version of this article originally appeared on The Memphis Daily News.Angela Copeland is a career coach and CEO at her firm,Copeland Coaching.