Be Transparent

Our networks are our intellectual property. They are valuable. They drive our growth, opportunities, reputations, and open the door to new ideas.

Yet, there is a trend across LinkedIn and with hiring recruiters that I find misplaced. Asking to be connected to a contact yet not providing disclosure of company seeking help.

All too often, I get a call or message requesting I connect one of my trusted contacts to them for a opportunity or position. When asked about which company it is and what the compensation and opportunity look like so I can find the right person, I get a scripted "Sorry, I cannot disclose that until we are further along in the process."

Really? You just called me to ask for help.

This is a really poor model of recruiting by design.

A few thoughts:

1) If you are a company that uses this methodology, stop. It is outdated and a model that reflects poorly on the company.

2) High level executives and their contacts will never trust to release them to someone who is not willing to disclose the opportunity or company. It feels shady. We are all in the relationship game and blind dates are not our thing.

3) If you receive a contact, and the opportunity is not a fit, it looks bad on us, not you. As mentioned prior, our contact lists are our most valuable IP, so we spend a significant amount of time making certain our contacts are respected.

4) All of us are willing to connect great people to great opportunities. We are all in the growth game so there is no need to hide behind an NDA.

Be transparent.

Be open.

Lay out the opportunity and we can and most likely will connect you to great people.