A job referral can be the great way to get your resume a close look from the hiring manager when you’re applying for a job. When you are referred for a position, and you highlight this in your cover letter, you have got a built-in suggestion for the job in the first paragraph.
It is even better when the individual referring you for a job can take a couple of minutes to personally mention you to the hiring manager.
Chris Forman, CEO, StartWire, claims “Referrals are the #1 source of hires in corporate America.
And for great reason. Research indicates that ‘referral’ hires not merely stay longer in their jobs but perform better over the long term. Anytime you can get your application tagged as ‘job referral’, your possibilities of getting to an interview sky rocket. And getting this designation is simpler than you think… often times a phone call or email to HR or the hiring manager is all it takes.”
How can you get a referral for a job? What is the great way to inquire someone to refer you for a job at their company? Begin by checking for connections at the company on LinkedIn. Search by company name, then click on the company you are interested in. You will see a list of contacts in your network that may be able to assist.
If you are a college graduate, check with your career office to see if they can put you in touch with alumni who work at the company you are fascinated in.
The best type of job referral is an employee referral. Although, clients, vendors, and other people who are connected with the company may be able to assist, as well.
Tips to Ask for a Job Referral
What is the best way to inquire for a job referral? You can inquire for a job referral by sending an old-fashioned letter, an email message, or a message on a networking site like LinkedIn or Facebook.
It is better to ask in writing, whichever way you select, instead of over the phone. That way the potential referrer has time to think over if and how they can refer you for a job. It’s also easier to decline in writing than during a phone conversation.
What not to say when you ask: When you inquire someone to refer you, don’t ask “Could you write a reference letter for me?” or “Can you refer me?” Just about anyone can write a letter or say they’ll refer you.
What to say when you ask: The issue can be what they are going say. Instead, ask “Do you feel you know my work well enough to refer me for a job at your company?” or “Do you feel you could give me a job referral?” That way, your referrer has an out if they aren’t comfortable giving a job referral for you and you can be assured that those who say “yes” will be enthusiastic about your performance and will write a positive letter or give you a strong endorsement.
Specifically when you do not know the person you are asking very well, or if they aren’t familiar with your current work history, offer to give an updated copy of your resume and information on your skills and experiences so the reference provider has current information to work with.
Employer Job Referral Programs
Do not be shy about asking. The person who refers you might be capable to earn some extra cash, if you are hired. Several employers have employee referral programs that give bonuses for referring candidates for employment. If you are a strong candidate, it’s a win-win-win situation. You get the job, the employer gets a top-notch new employee, and the employee who referred you gets a bonus.
Referral Letter Examples
Not sure how to ask for a job referral? Review instances of referral letters for suggestions on asking for a referral, using referrals in your cover letters, and saying thank you for a job referral.
Where to Find People to Refer You
There are also other websites you can use, in addition to LinkedIn, to simply find your connections at companies:
StartWire assists you tap your professional connections.
You can use the site to inquire your Facebook friends or LinkedIn connections to assist you with the job. When you search for jobs, you can see the connections you’ve at companies, and then send them a message to see if they can assist.