Handling the Networking Call......From the Receiver’s Perspective

Coaching people in how to make those all important networking calls is an essential part of our service to our clients, but what about those on the receiving end. How do you help job seekers without risking your own productivity and reputation?

Here’s a few simple tips to follow:

1. If you are recieving several calls a week from people seeking help in finding a job, it’s always good policy to help if you can. Often the issue isn’t too many calls; it’s when the calls are from people for whom you cannot vouch. Start by asking callers what they want – whether it’s an introduction, job search advice or resume assistance – and then determine if you can help. A good tip is to give the person a 5 minute time limit to see if they can tell you their story succintly and articulately. You want to be able to determine if they know what they want and see what they bring to the table.

2. If you do plan to refer a caller to someone in your professional network or at your company, take time to sit down with the person first, because your credibility is on the line. Have them come to your office for a 30 minute information interview. If you refer them without doing this and they come across poorly to your network it will reflect badly on you.

3. If the best you are prepared to offer someone is general career advice or information about your industry, you can talk over the phone. Set a time for the call so you can get back to work quickly. The time limit will help you avoid becoming emotionally drained from listening and trying to help people in needs, particularly if you are taking several calls a week.

4. Use your connections sparingly and wisely, tap your most treasured contacts only for very important favours, otherwise you risk using up your own networking capital. If a person’s connection to you is very tenuous, give only general advice. On the other hand a successful referral can be a positive to your own reputation.

5. Always be kind to the job seekers as this is an extraordinarily difficult time to be unemployed. Tell them “I wish I could help but right now I do not see a connection with any opportunity”, then add that they can send their resume and if you see or hear of something that fits their background you will pass it along. At the same time, if you know you will never be able to help the person be upfront and honest to avoid building up false hope. If you can suggest an alternative avenue that you know of for them to pursue i.e. an industry association etc.