When I first started my executive recruiting business, I had zero experience acquiring clients; my background was purely internal HR and recruiting. So, when a colleague from a top consulting firm asked if I’d speak with one of their partners about assisting with recruiting, I was both excited and nervous.
The week before the meeting, I overprepared: a PowerPoint, a list of anticipated questions, and even a meticulously planned outfit. I had every detail planned, right down to drafting a thank-you note.
The day of the meeting, I walked through the familiar high-end corporate setting, surrounded by consultants who looked like they’d stepped out of GQ and Vogue. I was seated in a corner office, where the partner soon arrived, instantly commanding the room with his presence.
He dove right in—discussing his growth goals, the ideal candidate profiles, the recruiting challenges, and the process for rapidly expanding his team. He outlined how his team fit into the broader business, the interplay with other functions, and the firm’s compensation structure. He wrapped up by asking for my standard contract, eager to start the following week.
I barely said ten words during the meeting. I’d learned through colleagues that when you think you’ve won a deal, just shut-up. I left the meeting confident I’d secured the client but puzzled by how. Was the firm desperate? Had the partner done his homework on me? Was it all about my appearance and background?
Then I remembered: my colleague who made the introduction had done the heavy lifting. He’d vouched for me, explaining my past roles, how I’d helped him with solid recruiting advice, and my relentless work ethic. He had already established “social proof.”
Social proof in marketing relies on others’ experiences to build trust and credibility. Testimonials, reviews, and references are powerful because people trust their peers more than brand promotions. This concept is highly relevant in recruiting.
Here are a few strategies to build credibility and showcase your skills in a job search:
- Leverage Recommendations and Endorsements: Seek out recommendations from former colleagues or supervisors.
- Showcase Case Studies and Success Stories: Create a portfolio that includes case studies detailing your challenges, approach, and results.
- Ask References for Help: Speak with references to gather ideas on potential opportunities or job search advice.
- Highlight Testimonials: Display them prominently on LinkedIn and in cover letters.
- Showcase User-Generated Content: Highlight positive feedback on a personal website or blog.
Supercharge your job search by finding colleagues who can refer and highly support you. This approach often yields better results than relying on external recruiters, LinkedIn, or job boards.
Here are some tips to start:
- Identify trusted individuals who can help you.
- Ask if they’re open to a 30-minute conversation to discuss your goals.
- Share your resume before the call, and during the conversation, mention specific companies and roles you’re targeting.
- If they don’t have company recommendations, ask if the individual is open to help with a reference or testimonial (you can offer to write a draft for them)
- Regularly update them on your progress, even with a simple monthly check-in email.
This can be humbling, as asking for help and self-promoting isn’t easy. It also opens the door to potential disappointment if trusted advisors don’t respond. Don’t dwell on these setbacks; invest in those who do help.
Hire Thought…There’s a world of difference between sincerely asking for help and merely shaking down your network for leads. By genuinely seeking assistance, you’re not just asking for referrals—you’re inviting others to invest in your success. And when you combine this with building strong social proof through testimonials and a compelling portfolio, you’re not just hoping for traction—you’re creating it. Remember, the effort you put in, paired with the goodwill of those you connect with, could be the very catalyst that transforms your job search into an incredible opportunity.
