How to Ask For a Referral For a Job? (How To and Examples)

The last few years have been marked as the most competitive years we have ever witnessed. The constant battle to get top talent has entirely transformed the ways talent acquisition teams work. And, Referral continues to be one of the best ways for hiring high-quality candidates. As per the survey, it is observed that employee referrals are four times more likely to be hired. It delivers almost 30 percent of all hires.

 

Creating and maintaining your network is really crucial when you are seeking new employment opportunities. Maintaining a network is a really crucial part that separates you from other candidates and enhances your chance to land your dream job. In this blog, we will discuss what exactly a job referral is and How to ask for a job referral. This will provide you with an in-depth understanding of how to land in your dream company through referral. So let’s get started.

What is a Job Referral?

It is a structured program that organizations use to extract the best talent by asking their existing employees for recommendations from their network. Currently finding a suitable candidate for in-demand niches has become really difficult and time-consuming. To curb this issue, a job referral program has proved to be the best method to fetch talented individuals.

Benefits of the Job Referral Program:

• It reduces the time spent in the hiring process
• It helps to hire the best talent from the industry
• Reduces the cost of the recruitment process
• Enhances employee retention rate

How to Find Someone to Refer You?

Finding someone for referral is quite a difficult task because you will have to trust the person and rely on them for your professional goals. Always consider the tone of your relationship before considering someone or be aware of the position they are posted on. As it helps you to evaluate how worthful it will be for you to choose them in order to get the job. Also, before choosing a particular person always remember that they might refuse for doing any favors therefore, for that moment always keep a backup so that you can move further accordingly. 

How to Ask For a Job Referral?

Employers prefer referred candidates as their skills and experience are verified. Furthermore, referral also manifests your ability to maintain good professional relationships. Here are some points that you must consider when asking for a referral.

1. Decide Whom to Ask For a Referral

Getting a job is tough but if you have good professional connections then the process can become really smooth for you. You can start by searching for people who are working in the same domain and company that you are interested in. There are different ways of getting job referrals which include:

• Professional Network: If you are someone who is looking for a job switch then connecting with your professional network is probably the best option. You can get in touch with them and find someone from the company you are interested in.
• Social Circle: Get in touch with your seniors, colleagues, professors, etc who are working in the companies that you are interested in. Their referral can make the process really easy for you.
• Using Social Media Platforms: You can use social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with working professionals. Then further you can use your links working in the company you are interested in to ask for referrals.

2. Manifest That You Are The Best Fit For The Role

Ensure that you are able to prove that you are the right choice for a particular role. Attach your resume which is tailored as per the job requirements to enhance your chances for referral consideration. Also, you can attach your portfolio and work samples that make the consideration process easy. 

3. Decide What To Send

Do check out the below-mentioned points:

• Get to the point directly and provide the proper content.
• Try to keep your message informative and precise. Attach your portfolio, link to your websites, LinkedIn ID, etc.
• You can also add links to your open-source contributions if you are applying for a technical profile.

If your message is concise and to the point then your chances of getting referred increase. Furthermore, the referee may also provide some valuable feedback that can be really beneficial for you. Keep the points mentioned above in your mind and create a proper template.

4. Decide The Tone Based On The Relationship

Based on your relationship with the person you can decide to go for an informal, formal, or casual tone while asking for a referral. If you are asking for a referral through some mutual connection just don’t forget to mention their name. You must be formal with everyone who is in a higher authority position even if you know them.

5. Find If The Company Offers a Referral Bonus Program 

A referral bonus program is a way that offers bonuses to employees to recruit candidates from their professional or personal network. With this bonus program, employees are more enthusiastic and motivated to refer someone.

You need to research and find out if the company offers any referral bonus program. If there are any such referral bonus programs then the referee will also get benefits by referring you. If you are the desired candidate then it’s an amazing situation for both of you. You get the job and the referee gets the referral bonus. Further, they will be glad to help you. So always ensure to research this before approaching someone for a referral.

6. Show Your Gratitude

It is really important that you express your appreciation for the time and effort someone has made in the recommendation process. So always send a thank you message after getting a referral.

Referral Requests Examples:

#Example 1: 

Hi,

I hope you are doing well. I would like to tell you that recently I have been applying for jobs and going through some I came across this one. While reading I discovered that the position in which this ad has been displayed, I am fit for that role (Software Developer) in this ABC company. 

I have a specific experience in a tech company of about 5 years and I am attaching a copy of my current resume for your review. So if you like it then help me by referring to the above-mentioned role, also please share any insight you might have into the hiring and selection process.

Thank you so much in advance for your help.

Example 2:

Hi,

I was searching for a job related to software engineering and came across this job role I believe that I am perfect for this role at ABC company as it matches my experience and knowledge exactly. So. I am interested in applying for this position and would highly appreciate if you can recommend me for the same. If possible please share my resume with your manager. Let me know if they show any interest in my profile. 

Regards 

Example 3:

Hello Reena,

One of our common friends, Nikhil, told me that your company is looking for a Technical Content Editor and suggested that I must connect with you as I am looking for a job change. Currently, I am working with XYZ company as a Content Manager with ABC company. I have around 6 years of experience in technical content writing and have been promoted to Tech content lead in my company.

I think I am perfect for the job role open in your company and I would really be grateful if you can recommend my resume to your hiring manager. Also, I am attaching my resume for a better understanding of my skills and knowledge. 

Thank You,
Amit

Conclusion:

So, mentioned above are the points that you need to keep in mind before making a referral request. Till now, you must have got a clear idea of what exactly a job referral is and how to ask someone to refer you for a job. Having a referral will separate you from the rest of the candidates. So follow the steps mentioned in this blog to enhance your chances of getting referred!!