Getting your player ready...
Dear J.T. & Dale: Here’s my situation: An executive I know, let’s call her Kim, got a call from a colleague at another company, let’s call him Bruce, to ask her if she knew anyone right for a position they were having trouble filling. Kim said she would reach out to me, and if I was interested, she would have me call Bruce. We talked and he passed me along to the hiring manager. Two weeks and many interviews later, I received a wonderful new position. Here’s my question: What is an appropriate gift or acknowledgment for the two individuals who aided in my getting the new position? – Arnie
DALE: First, let me applaud you for asking. It amazes me how few people even bother to say “Thank you,” much less send a gift. Doing so will make you stand out.
J.T.: I do a lot of this type of professional matchmaking, and I often receive gifts. I’ve gotten bath salts, food baskets and, my favorite, a gift certificate to a restaurant I love.
DALE: Speaking of which, a friend had a happy client go to the trouble of calling his office and asking his assistant for the name of a restaurant my friend particularly liked for a special meal, then the client sent a gift certificate for that restaurant. That’s the kind of effort that my mother always refers to as “thoughty” … that’s high praise from Mom, right up there with “a good smile.” However, while a gift would be appropriate for your friend Kim, I don’t think I’d send something to your new co-worker Bruce. Stopping by to say “Thank you” and inviting him to lunch would be plenty “thoughty.”
J.T.: Agreed – unlike Kim, making the connection was part of Bruce’s job. As for what you should spend on Kim, I think it should be a token gift. This is one of those “It’s the thought that counts” situations. I’d say something in the $20-$50 range would be appropriate, tied to the magnitude of the job. The gesture alone is going to show your sincere gratitude.
Dear J.T. & Dale: When I go to conferences, I exchange business cards with people with whom I’d like to form some sort of relationship. The ones I’m most concerned with are the recruiters/representatives from various companies I would like to potentially work for. I try to tell my career story and create a lasting impression, but I can’t do that with all of them. What is the best way to follow up with people after meeting them at a conference? Is a LinkedIn invite OK to start with? – Julia
J.T.: The challenge with LinkedIn is that you get only 200 characters in the request, making it difficult to convey a meaningful message.
DALE: Further, while many millions of people have become members of LinkedIn, my impression is that the great majority of those are tuned out to the service – they may have created an account but don’t really use it. So, before relying on LinkedIn for your contacts, I would check to see if they are active users, judging by their number of connections, references and so on. Even so, the business cards you got normally would have an email and phone number, and I wouldn’t be shy about using those instead. What’s the downside?
J.T.: Indeed, if you have their email address, remind them of your having met, and include a cover letter and resume. Further, in your email, if they are active on LinkedIn, tell them you’ll offer to connect with them. Most will accept, and then you can stay in touch every few weeks or so. While they may not respond, it keeps you in front of them, and should they suddenly get a job you’re right for, your LinkedIn profile is always just a click away!
