- first of all be a strong contributor yourself and have a reputation in your team/group/company so people trust your judgement - talk to the hiring manager di

- first of all be a strong contributor yourself and have a reputation in your team/group/company so people trust your judgement - talk to the hiring manager directly, preferably you already have a trusting relationship with and make a sincere and honest recommendation for the person - if you're good, your friend is good, the hiring manager is good, and it's generally a fit, hiring would be quite possible