How to Handle Requests for Favors or Your Time - The Muse

How to Handle Requests for Favors or Your Time - The MuseHow to Handle Requests for Favors or Your Time If you have a good job and have recently spent time with family or old friends, youre probably familiar with the situation You share a big accomplishment or project youve been working on and a relative says, You should talk to insert distant cousin or friend of a friend zu siche about what you do. He needs to work this summer. You can get him an internshipOf course, its good to be helpful, and you dont want to be rude. On the otzu sich hand, youre cringing inside because you also know that networking, while important, can take up lots of your time.I experienced these awkward moments regularly during my days working at MTV and VH1. Despite telling people that I worked on the corporate side and was not involved in production, I was pitched so many new artists and demo tracks that I could have started my own record label. Putting in a good word for an internship or position was anothe r common request that, as a juniorchefin manager at a company of 10,000 people, I never had enough influence to honor.Through trial and error, I learned a few tips for handling the request and keeping my time and energy in check. If youre in a similar boat, consider the followingAsk Questions to Qualify ReadinessSome requests can be handled on the spot before you expend too much effort. Treat your conversation like a screening before a job interview, and focus on SPF skill, potential, fit. (And yes, even in situations when parents are asking favors for their college-aged kids, you can assume that they have some basic knowledge about their childs career pursuits.)SkillWhat to Ask What are your strongest skills?What to Listen For While a resume should spell this out pretty clearly, everyone should be able to speak confidently about what theyre good at when asked. PotentialWhat to Ask What are your career goals?What to Listen For If her goals clearly align with what your company is loo king for, consider what kind of arc she could have within your team in the short and long term. You definitely dont want to bend over backward to help someone who seems unfocused or will jump ship at the sight of the next hot trend (R.I.P. Bitcoin).FitWhat to Ask Its awkward to ask Why would anyone want to sit next to you eight hours a day? but you can get an answer by being perceptive. What to Listen For You know what it takes to fit into your company and team, so read the persons character in your conversation. If you feel shes arrogant or unmotivated now, shes probably not going to change any time soon. SPF will help you know how ready someone is for an opportunity. If you find the person hasnt put much thought into his search, try referring him to resources that will help him learn more, such as your company website or industry blogs. If he or she passes your SPF screen, you can consider helping out- think mentioning your experience to the hiring manager, writing a LinkedIn reco mmendation as an advisor or mentor, or setting up some time to talk more. On that note Understand the Time InvestmentYou should never feel forced into networking or doing a favor for someone (especially for someone you dont know well), so its important for you to set the rules for how you spend time on requests to pick your brain, sit down for informational interviews, or answer questions about your career. Know that you have several options available, includingAnswering Questions by Email One option is to ask the person to send you his or her top three questions over email. This approach is mutually beneficial because you can respond when you have the time and your recipient gets thoughtful answers instead of rushed ones. Just try not to let a week pass without a response unless you give specific, advance notice of how long it will take. Taking a Phone Call Even if someone wants to chat with you, you dont have to meet in person A 15-minute (or less) call is often the most efficient use of your time. Video chats are also good when phone isnt the best option (such as between countries), but do plan extra time for unexpected technical difficulties.Coffee Meetings While sometimes it sounds nice to be treated to an afternoon latte, coffee meetings are time burglars. Think of all the steps involved commuting to and from, ordering, finding seats, and then finally talking. Quick can turn into an hour of lost time before you know it, so be careful with whom you agree to sit down.Onsite Office Visits Especially if you work for a big-name company, people may be clamoring to stop by and see where you work. But these should be reserved for those who will see the most value from it. For example, if you work at a tech startup, hosting your adolescent cousin who is taking her first coding class could help her see web development as a future career option.Put Them to Work, or PuntLets say that your relative or acquaintance has done all his homework and you decide to offer a p hone call. As a next step, ask him to do a follow-up task based on what you discussed and get back to you within 30 days about its results.For example, if you gave suggestions for resume improvements, ask to see it again when they are complete (rather than editing it yourself). If he follows directions and does it well- congrats He has earned your referral or introduction.In he has more work to do, or if you just dont have the time, you can punt the request a future date. Be firm, but fair, with this script Id love to find the best way to be helpful, but Im booked solid. Reach out to me in a few weeks and Ill be happy to connect. If he truly needs your advice, he will be in touch.Your time and reputation are two of your most important assets. Use them wisely