Is it inappropriate to recommend two colleagues for the same job?

Question

I was recently contacted by a colleague about an available position in my field. Since the field is relatively small, I have had two other colleagues who are changing positions ask me to recommend them for the job and I'm not sure if I did the right thing.

The email I sent read something like this.

Hi Colleague A,

Thanks for the heads up on this position.

I'd like to introduce you to my colleague, Colleague B (or Colleague C). Here is a description of why they are good for the job

Colleague B (or Colleague C), Here is some description about Colleague A and what she does at the company in question.

Colleague A, I've CCed Colleague B (Or Colleague C) on this e-mail and that should be the best way to get in touch with him about the position at Company X.

Thanks,

Me

I already notified Colleague A that I would be recommending both of them for the position in two separate e-mails. Was it inappropriate of me to recommend both of them even though I think they're both qualified?

Answer 1

You haven't actually recommended either of them; you've written a letter of introduction. There's nothing unusual about making multiple introductions like this.

Colleague A will see two letters from you and might wonder about your intentions, so you could send a separate note only to A saying that you know a couple people who would be good fits and you'll be making introductions. I've done that a few times and it hasn't caused problems; the key is to be clear about what you're doing. You're introducing A to a couple of good candidates; companies always want to have multiple options because even if they like both candidates, both candidates might not end up liking them.

Whether you tell B and C about each other depends on what they think you've promised them. I recommend telling each of them that you'll be happy to make introductions and provide a reference, but you should avoid saying anything that implies exclusivity.