Q: Someone I barely know asked me to recommend her for a job at my company. Is this appropriate? What are the rules for such requests?

A: It is not appropriate for a lawyer (or any professional) to contact someone she barely knows in an organization and ask for an endorsement for a job. If the requesting professional hasn't worked with their “contact” and/or has not built extensive relationship equity with this person, there is no solid or credible foundation to receive such an endorsement. This type of request also places the person receiving the request in a very awkward position. It's a situation you never want to create for someone you value in your network. Ever.

Strong professional networks are invaluable and essential in today's uber-connected world. In this competitive landscape, people are leveraging every means possible to get a foot in the door and gain a competitive advantage. The stakes are high—so contacting “people you know” in an organization when applying for a new position is common. In fact, this type of networking is at a fever pitch. And more candidates are exercising poorer judgment in these situations.