You’re looking for a new administrative assistant, paralegal, or attorney. You’ve met someone you’d like to tell about the job. However, you don’t want to get into an awkward conversation where you mention the job and the person has to decide on the spot whether he or she is interested. You aren’t sure whether you’re really interested in this person, and you have no idea whether this person will be interested in your position.

That’s where the stealth question comes in. Ask “Do you know anyone who might be interested in this position?” Then tell the person all about the job. Explain what a great position it is and why someone would want to work for you.

If the person is interested, he or she will tell you, and you’ve avoided that awkward direct conversation. The question is a great way to get the conversation going, and it gives you the opportunity to pitch the job without all the baggage associated with approaching someone directly.

As an added benefit, the stealth hiring question gets the potential employee who really isn’t interested to think about others who might be interested. Referrals from these people you’ve identified as potential employees are usually pretty good referrals. Good people tend to associate themselves with other good people. Go stealth and find some great new employees.