Many, okay - the overwhelming majority of great candidates come to our firm after someone we know recommended us to them. It's a key to our success. More importantly, it's a key to your success. You will have the opportunity to talk with more companies if your friends are putting out your message, "I'm special and should be hired" along with you. Makes sense. When is the last time you recommended a friend for a job or talked them up to someone?

I'm not suggesting you recommend everyone/anyone because you know them. They need to be good at what they do and their character matters. If you don't know enough, don't recommend. Here at our search firm, we know better than anyone what a bad referral can do to one's reputation. We're in the business of making recommendations - it's tough stuff. But, when your referral boosts the chances of someone getting a job and then they get hired, it's a thrill. Try it.

A twist on the adage, "If you want a friend, be a friend": If you want a referral, give a referral.