How to Ask for a Job Referral

How do I get job referrals?

Before we get to those examples, however, let’s start with the basics. Here is the most frequently asked question we get about job referrals: How am I supposed to find people to give me a referral for a job?

Great question!

The answer lies in your network and your past contacts.

When you need a job, you should leave no stone unturned. Contact old friends, acquaintances, colleagues, and even family members. Contact old college schoolmates as well–and if you’re not sure how to reach them, contact your old school. Create a list of possible referral sources, and then send out emails and LinkedIn requests to reconnect. Then, ask someone for the referrals you need. 

Requesting job referrals can be a complex issue

Yes, it would be nice if there were a one-size-fits-all option when asking for a referral. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. The problem is that your options will always be limited by the nature of your relationship with that company contact. That relationship can come in several forms:

• The person who can refer you may be a close friend or family member.

• The referrer could be anyone you went to school with or knew from a previous job.

• The company contact is a stranger, but you have a mutual friend or acquaintance who can act as an intermediary of sorts.

• The company contact is a stranger and you need to approach the referral request directly.

It’s important to know your “why”

It’s important to understand why you’re requesting job referrals, and why you’re contacting this person in particular. After all, plenty of job seekers just send their resumes around and wait for something to happen. Why take that extra step and proactively seek more direct assistance with your search? The answer is surprisingly simple.

When you can obtain a job referral, you automatically give yourself an advantage over your competition. A job referral mentioned in your cover letter will quickly capture a hiring manager’s attention. It provides credibility since that employer is likely to value the opinions of his team members. Of course, you can gain even more attention if your contact at the company speaks to the hiring manager on your behalf…perhaps even before an interview decision has been made.

You see, hiring managers and companies are aware of the data. They understand that referred employees tend to be productive and dependable. Those employees also remain with their employers longer than many other hires. In an age in which employees often jump from job to job, that sort of commitment and loyalty is still highly valued. Given those facts, it can be extremely beneficial to work on requesting job referrals early in your job search process.

5 expert tips for requesting job referrals

When requesting job referrals, always keep these important tips in mind:

1. Expand your idea of your network

Candidates don’t have to rely only on friends and family. Previous co-workers and school alumni can also make valuable referrals. All the people you know have other people they know. If you approach it right, your network can quickly reach exponentially more people. 

2. Tailor your approach based on the connection

Your request for a referral can be made in several ways. With close associates, you can simply ask in person. For acquaintances, however, you should take a more structured approach. Use a letter, email, or LinkedIn message to make your request.

3. Don’t simply ask for a job

Never directly ask for a job. That could put the person on the spot and make the situation uncomfortable. Instead, ask whether they might be able to refer you, or whether they know enough about your work history to feel comfortable referring you for a job. If the person isn’t receptive, you need to adjust your ask to instead request someone’s contact information, a possible introduction, or an informational interview to learn more about their business.

4. Offer proof that you’re a good fit for the job in question

For referrers who are not as familiar with your work, offer to provide them with your resume and any other needed information. For creative professionals, this information might include a portfolio of past projects.

5. Make it super easy for someone to refer you

Always offer to provide the referrer with the referral text. That will make their job easier if they agree to provide the referral! It’s much quicker to edit a message you provide than type something up on the fly. Remember: the easier you make it to do you a favor, the more likely your favor will be granted!