Fast track your job search by asking for a job referral. Being referred by a current employee is a great way to stand out when applying for a job. Asking for a job referral may seem like asking for a favor, but many times the employee can get a bonus if you get the job. Below are tips for how to ask someone to refer you for a job and how to ask for a job referral email sample.
Why Should You Ask For An Employee Referral
Employee referrals make up between 30-50% of hiring in the US. If you want to fast track your job search ask a current employee to refer you. This will increase your odds of getting that first interview. It’ll help separate you from the hundreds of other candidates where it is so easy to get lost. After that, you’ll also have the opportunity to ask them questions about the interview process, culture of the company and more. This will help you determine if the company will be a good fit and help prepare for interviews.
Don’t feel bad about asking someone in your network for the referral. Most people are happy to help. In fact, many people even get employee referral bonuses if they refer a candidate that gets hired. Employee referral programs are a benefit both for job seekers and current employees. Job seekers improve their odds of getting the job and employees have an opportunity to make additional money as well as help out their network.
How to Ask Someone to Refer You For A Job
How to ask someone for a job referral depends on how well you know the person. If you know them well, you’re likely in luck. They’re able to speak to how qualified you are as a candidate and can speak to you as a person. But, understand that not everyone feels comfortable referring someone to a job. Always give someone an out, stating that you completely understand if they don’t feel comfortable doing so.
When you ask for a job referral, the more specific you are the better. Tell your referral the exact job you want and include a link to that job posting. That way, if the employee needs more information to refer you, like a job ID, they can get it from that posting. If you don’t know what job to apply to ask to meet with that person first. Have a discussion about what types of roles you’re interested in. Ask questions to help narrow down what departments to research more. Lastly, share that you’ll look at current job openings and ask if they will refer you if you find one you want to apply to.
When you ask someone for a referral for a job, don’t ask someone to do your work for you. Vaguely asking someone to keep their ears open if they hear of anything is unlikely to result in an opportunity. Especially in large companies, unless an opening opens up on their team it’s unlikely they’ll hear of most job openings.
See Also: Want to Fast Track Your Career? Get a Sponsor
Process of Getting Referred To A Job
First, find a job you’re interested in at that company. In order for someone to refer you to a job, they need to know what job you’re interested in applying to. If you’re not sure what company you’re interested in talk to a few friends about the companies they work for. Read recent articles on the top places to work like the Top Places to Work in 2020 from Glassdoor.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of prospect companies, search on sites like LinkedIn and Indeed to find open jobs. Then, search that company on LinkedIn to identify who you are connected to, or who is a mutual connection, that currently works there.
Reach out to them asking for the referral and share the job you’re interested in applying to. Make sure to have your resume handy and send it to your connection. Most companies have an internal site they have to submit the resume to, or they have to email your resume directly to the recruiter or hiring manager. They may have some feedback on tailoring your resume to the company, so make sure to have some time to edit based on their feedback just in case.
If it’s a portal, once your connection submits your resume you will likely receive an automated email. At this point, you will likely have to fill out additional information and confirm you are applying for the role. If your connection forwards your resume onto someone, you may just hear the next steps from your connection.
Don’t forget, being referred by an employee doesn’t guarantee you the job. But, it does make it much more likely your resume gets seen and that you get a first interview. From there, it’s up to you to excel in the interviews.
See Also: 10 Tips to Get a Job at a Tech Company
How to Ask For a Job Referral Email Sample
Not sure how to ask for a job referral via email? The formality depends on how well you know someone but here is a referral email sample that you can start with:
Hi [Name],
How are you doing? [Add something personal to connect with them, perhaps asking about their kids, or mentioning a sports team you both enjoy]
Recently, I’ve been thinking about my next career move. I started browsing job openings on LinkedIn and saw this opportunity for [job title at company] that I found really interesting. By chance, do you still work there? If you have some time, could I ask you a few questions about what it’s like to work for this company? If it sounds like a good fit, I’d really appreciate if you could refer me to the role through your company portal. I completely understand if you prefer to not send a referral for the role.
I hope you and your family are well.
Best,
[Name]
See Also: Career Advice for Young Professionals
How to Ask for a Job Referral Summary
Don’t submit your resume directly through the application portal. Stand out by having a current employee refer you and increase your chances of getting the job! Many companies leverage their employees networks to recruit. Getting referred to a job will increase your chance of getting an interview. And, if you get the job the employee that referred you may even get a bonus. But, to be successful do your homework. Know what companies you’re interested in applying. Find people in your network that work at those companies. Figure out which jobs you want to specifically apply to and ask your connection to refer you to that job.
Have you ever asked for someone to refer you to a job?
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