Job Searches, Small Law Firms

Back In The Race: Why Sending Blind Introductions Can Strain Professional Relationships

If you are one of those people who give blind introductions, please stop.

By
on

Last weekend, I went to Networking Social Mixer 45,385, where I met Young, Up and Coming Professional 88,291. After some small talk, I told Ms. 88,291 I was looking for a job at a reputable law firm. She said that she knew a senior partner from the highly respected Biglaw firm Dewey, Cheatem and Howrey and offered to set up an introduction.

The next day, I got this email from Ms. 88,291 addressed to me and the senior partner:

Hi. I want to introduce you to Shannon. She is interested in an attorney position at DCH. I’ll let the two of you take it from here. I hope you can find something for Shannon. Thanks.

After reading this, I cringed. When I looked up the senior partner, I noticed that he practices in a specialty that I loathe and does not handle hiring of new associates.

Ms. 88,291 committed a serious professional sin: the unsolicited introduction or “blind intro.”

A blind intro is when one person is introduced to another by a mutual friend or business contact without that person’s permission. Blind intros are usually made with good intentions because the person making the introduction thinks he is creating a win-win relationship. But in most cases, and especially in the job search context, one person wants something the other person might not be able to provide, usually getting nothing in return for his help.

Most job seekers are not familiar with the blind intro. They are taught to take the initiative and take advantage of every introduction to make their case. Because under the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon rule, the random person you talk to might know someone who is seeking a new associate. And let’s face it, sometimes blind intros are the only way people will get noticed and possibly get their big break.

Sponsored

Many people dislike getting blind intros for the same reasons they hate getting cold calls from telemarketers selling JD degrees from unaccredited law schools: The person is asked to do something he can’t or doesn’t want to do. What makes this worse is that it implicitly creates an obligation for that person to help or risk looking rude, heartless, evil, and curmudgeonly.

Now I am sure there are times when blind intros work, and it depends on the person who receives it. On rare occasions, one party needs to hire someone as soon as possible and the other party just happens to meet all of the requirements. Or perhaps the two people share some common interests and because of that, they want to help each other out. Others like to pay it forward and help those in need. But in most cases, after the introductory email, one party emails a digital cover letter and a résumé. The other party looks at it and says they will get back to you and that’s the last you hear from him.

So how do you handle a blind intro to someone who might be able to help you find a job? Your objective is to make your elevator pitch while making sure that you do not alienate any existing relationships. So be courteous and professional regardless of the status of the person you’re being introduced to. Second, be mindful that the person you’re being introduced to may be blindsided by the intro and may be too busy to respond immediately. So before or after you make your elevator pitch, ask for a follow-up meeting or conversation at their convenience. Finally, give the other party a polite “out” option in case they can’t or don’t want to help you. Let him know he has no obligation to do anything. A lot of times, people will want to do something to help and that’s better than nothing.

So here’s my response to Ms. 88,291’s blind intro:

Dear Senior Partner:

It is a pleasure to connect with you. Ms. 88,291 told me a lot of good things about you and Dewey, Cheatem and Howrey. As I was researching the firm, I am impressed with the partners’ steadfast commitment to loyalty, integrity and transparency. After reading the firm’s recent profits report, I am confident that your firm will stay strong for many years to come.

If you have some time, I would appreciate a phone call or a meeting at your convenience to discuss any job opportunities at DCH. I understand you are very busy so please do not feel obligated to do anything. Thank you.

Sponsored

The senior partner got back to me quickly thanking me for my response. He said he would see what he can do and get back to me. Will he come through like a few people have done? Or will he ignore me or give the same platitudes I have heard numerous times: work hard, network, and persevere.

If you are one of those people who give blind intros, in the future, I suggest getting both parties’ permission before making the introduction. It requires a little more work on your part but it can avoid the potentially awkward situation I described above. First, you’ll provide some context that will make the introduction more productive. Second, it will give one party an option to get out if he is not interested. Finally, you won’t have to connect two people who will not be a good fit.

Shannon Achimalbe was a former solo practitioner for five years before deciding to sell out and get back on the corporate ladder. Shannon can be reached by email at sachimalbe@excite.com and via Twitter: @ShanonAchimalbe.

Topics

, , , , , , ,