How to ask for a referral on LinkedIn reddit?

Asking for a referral on LinkedIn can be an effective way to get your resume in front of the right hiring managers during your job search. However, it’s important to approach referrals tactfully to avoid putting your connections in an awkward position. Here are some tips on when and how to request a referral on LinkedIn.

When to Ask for a Referral

The first step is identifying which of your connections are good candidates to tap for referrals. You don’t necessarily need to limit yourself to people you know very well. More distant connections can also be great referral sources, as long as you’ve had some interaction with them.

Good potential sources for referrals include:

• Former managers and supervisors
• Colleagues from current or previous jobs
• College alumni who work at companies you’re interested in
• Second-degree connections at your target companies that you’ve engaged with on LinkedIn

Avoid reaching out to direct supervisors or colleagues at your current job, as that could signal that you plan to leave. The best time to ask for a referral is after you’ve reconnected with the person, not right out of the blue.

How to Craft an Effective Referral Request

When asking for a referral, your message should demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and aren’t just taking a scattershot approach. Include the following elements:

1. Personalized greeting. Address them by name to show this is not a generic blast.
2. Briefly remind them how you know each other. Context helps jog their memory.
3. Explain why you are reaching out. Say you are in job search mode and are very interested in Company X.
4. Tell them which role you are interested in. Provide the job title and a brief description.
5. Highlight why you would be a great fit. Mention a couple key qualifications that make you an ideal candidate.
6. Politely ask if they can refer you. Say you would greatly appreciate any recommendation they can provide.

Keeping the request concise and focused is key. You want to make this as easy as possible for them.

Tips for an Effective Referral Request

To maximize your chances of getting a positive response, keep these tips in mind:

• Proofread for typos and grammar errors that could undermine your professionalism.
• Avoid urgent-sounding language like “need your help” or “would mean so much.”
• Express enthusiasm for the company and role rather than desperation.
• If they seem hesitant, offer to send them your resume and discuss your experience.
• Accept a “no” gracefully and ask if they can suggest someone else who may be able to help.
• Follow up by thanking them for the referral and keeping them updated on the application status.

Sample Referral Request Messages

Here are a few examples of effective referral requests:

Hi [name], I hope you’ve been well! It was great working with you on [project] back when we were at [company]. I wanted to reach out because I am currently in the market for a new opportunity. I saw that [company] has an opening for a [role] that looks like a great fit. Given my background in [relevant experience], I think I would thrive in that position. If you feel comfortable endorsing me or passing my resume along, I would greatly appreciate your support. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide. Thanks so much!

Dear [name], I came across your profile while researching opportunities at [company] and was excited to see a familiar name! As you may remember, we connected at [context of prior interaction]. I have since gained experience in [highlight relevant skills] and am interested in applying for [role] at [company]. If you would be willing to provide a referral or recommendation, it would mean a great deal. Please let me know if you have any advice for getting my resume in front of the right people, and thanks in advance for your consideration.

Hi [name], I hope all is well! I wanted to reach out because I saw on LinkedIn that you work at [company] and am very interested in the open [role name] position. As a [background experience] I think my skills and experience would make me a competitive applicant. I would greatly appreciate any referral or insight you may be able to provide. Please let me know if it would be helpful for me to forward you my resume or if you have any advice on getting noticed by the hiring team. Thanks again for your time, and looking forward to catching up soon!

Following Up After Requesting a Referral

Don’t consider your work done once you’ve sent the referral request. Follow up is crucial for keeping your candidacy top of mind and showing your enthusiasm.

Some tips for following up appropriately:

• Wait about a week after your initial outreach before following up.
• Keep the follow-up brief – something like “Checking in regarding my [company] referral request. Just wanted to say thanks again!”
• If they agree to refer you, send a thank you note and keep them updated on your application status.
• Don’t badger them if they don’t respond – follow up once or twice at most.
• If the referral doesn’t pan out, stay in touch and consider reaching out about other roles in the future.

LinkedIn Features to Aid Referrals

LinkedIn offers some built-in features to facilitate referrals, which you may want to experiment with:

• Open Candidates. You can signal you are open to new opportunities, which may prompt contacts to refer you.
• Referrals. Under the Jobs tab, you can browse openings you’re interested in and click “Ask for a referral.”
• Skills. Maintaining an up-to-date Skills section can help contacts endorse you for relevant skillsets.

However, a customized outreach often gets better results than purely relying on LinkedIn’s tools. The personal touch makes people more inclined to put their name behind your candidacy.

Mistakes to Avoid When Requesting Referrals

As much as referrals can boost your chances, they also have pitfalls you should be careful to avoid:

• Being too aggressive or demanding in tone
• Asking people you barely know or have no rapport with
• Sending generic, overly formal language instead of personalizing
• Not explaining why you are a great match for the specific role
• Failing to follow up and show gratitude
• Asking about jobs that clearly do not fit your background
• Being unclear or disorganized about the referral steps

Taking the wrong approach can annoy your contacts and lead them to ignore your request or even hurt your candidacy. Make the process easy and appealing for them.

Alternatives If You Don’t Get a Referral

While referrals are great, don’t worry if none of your outreach leads to one. You can still get hired by:

• Applying directly through the company website
• Tapping your alma mater’s alumni network
• Attending industry events and networking
• Engaging hiring managers through social media and content
• Working with external recruiters

Persistence and creativity in your job search strategy can help you achieve your goals even without direct referrals.

Key Takeaways

• Target former colleagues, managers, alumni, and engaged second-degree connections as referral sources.
• Make the referral request personalized, concise, and specific.
• Follow up politely if you don’t hear back after about a week.
• Say thank you and keep them updated if they do refer you.
• Don’t take it personally if someone declines – just move on.
• Leverage LinkedIn’s built-in jobs and referral tools when possible.
• Avoid common mistakes like aggressive tones or irrevelant roles.

With the right approach, seeking referrals on LinkedIn can connect you to new opportunities. But maintain realistic expectations, patience, and persistence.