you've just received a request from a computer systems specialist, john Doe, who falls smack in the middle of the middle. unfortunately, he's applying for a job at a firm that you know places high demands on its employees and generally hires the best of the best. he's a great person, and you'd love to help; but in your heart you know that if by some change he does get the job, he probably won't last. plus you don't want to get a reputation in the industry for recommending weak candidates.