The Hidden Pitfalls Of Unforced Errors In Networking With Executive Search
Two weekends ago, most of us watched the Super Bowl. (FYI – I did not; I have not watched a full football game in decades – but I did watch the commercials – by recording the game and fast-forwarding to them.) From what I heard, however, there were multiple forced and unforced errors.
Each day, I read (on-line) from multiple news sources – locally from the Star Tribune, and nationally from CNN and FOX. (And yes – I read more than just those three news sources.) There was an interesting article on FOX about the recent interview drama relating to 60 Minutes and it referred to the issue as an ‘unforced error’.
Sports – I am NOT a sports watcher at all – my above comment about not watching the Super Bowl is very true. (I have a pass to get into every Minnesota Twins game and rarely stay beyond the first inning . . . . . and there is a fun story as to why I am even there – ask by e-mail or InMail.) I do read news reports on our Minnesota sports teams and the topic of unforced errors is commonly referenced.
Well – candidates do this as well – those we reach out to and those that reach out to us. Let’s identify some of these common and interesting ‘unforced’ errors – with the message being to NOT do these things.
LinkedIn Invitations
There is no right or wrong way to utilize LinkedIn. Some people are LIONs (LinkedIn Open Networkers), accepting everyone. I am not one of those people. I link to people that I know well. I do get invitations daily – and many of the invitations are from people I do not know or have spoken with once and only briefly.
The error – an invitation without a note (i.e. – no context) from someone I do not know well is not the impression you want to leave. (I do not accept these invitations.)
First Impressions
I have written about this topic multiple times in other blog entries. Lately, we have had a couple of odd things happen relating to a first impression:
- Titles: while I have a sense of humor, seeing a LinkedIn profile with a job title of ‘Trophy Husband’ is not the professional first impression you want to make.
- Interviews: showing up in clothing you would wear to the Minnesota State Fair (think about that visual) is a way to leave a lasting impression, but not necessarily a good one.
- E-mails: think context! The subject line title, Introduction, looks like SPAM (I think so – and so does my e-mail software). If you were referred by someone, use their name prominently. But wait . . . . .
E-mails
In addition to my above comment, pre-think what you want the recipient to see.
- How many resume versions should you attach? The real question – do you expect the recipient of the e-mail to read three LONG documents (a full resume, an executive summary resume and a marketing document/resume) you have written for different purposes? Pick one based on the reason for sending the e-mail! (Being decisive is an important executive skill.)
- What else do I need? I just received an e-mail from a candidate I do NOT know. He shared assessment results – from three different assessment instruments. He then gave me a link to his calendar so we could schedule time together. (A bit presumptuous – not a skill I commonly look for.)
The rare meeting
When I do meet with someone, I usually, at some point, ask if the person knows my background. The obvious unforced error is answering with a ‘no’ or ‘not much’ – and then they want me to tell them. I prepare for each meeting – please do the same. Your interest in a networking meeting should be far greater than mine and it should show in your preparation.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression
I have written blogs on this very topic and title. And last month, I wrote about how I judge people for a living. Unforced errors can indeed be the basis for my initial judgement(s).
Let’s work to reduce the unforced errors that are part of your campaign. The goal – being noticed in a positive and professional manner.