Getting a referral can significantly boost your chances of getting an interview and landing a job. Rather than submitting your resume blindly to a company’s applicant tracking system, a referral puts you in direct contact with someone at the company who can vouch for you. Here’s how to politely and professionally ask for a referral.
Who to Ask for a Referral
The best people to reach out to for a referral are those who have a connection to the company you want to work for. This includes:
- Current employees at the company
- Former colleagues who used to work there
- Friends, family members, or acquaintances who work there
- Your college alumni network
- People you met at networking events
- Connections on LinkedIn who are employees
Avoid asking strangers for referrals. The referral will hold much more weight if it comes from someone who can personally vouch for you and your abilities.
When to Ask for a Referral
Don’t be shy about asking for referrals – many people are happy to help out someone they know. That said, timing is important:
- Ask when you know there is an opening at the company that matches your skills and experience.
- Reach out when you are seriously interested in working there, not just speculatively.
- Give the referrer plenty of time to put in a good word for you before the application deadline.
- Don’t ask people for too many referrals at once or you may wear out your welcome.
How to Ask for a Referral Over Email
Email is often the easiest way to request a referral, especially if you don’t know the person well. Here are some tips for a winning referral email:
- Add a personalized opening: Mention how you know the person and briefly explain why you are reaching out.
- Note the specific role: Include the job title and focus area that you are interested in being referred for.
- Explain why you want to work there: Show you have done research on the company and are excited by their mission, culture, or projects.
- Highlight relevant skills: Quickly summarize 2-3 things that make you a strong candidate for this particular position.
- Attach your resume: So the referrer can easily see your full background and experience.
- Be clear in asking: Include a specific request to submit your resume or recommend you for the role.
- Offer to follow up: Give your contact info and suggest setting up a call to further discuss the referral.
- Express appreciation: Thank them sincerely for their time and consideration.
Here’s an example referral email structure you can use as a template:
Subject: Referral Request – [Job Title] Role at [Company]
Dear [name],
I hope this email finds you well! I saw on LinkedIn that you work as a [position] at [company] and was hoping you could help refer me for the open [job title] position.
As you know from [how you know them], I have [x] years experience as a [relevant position]. I was really excited to see this opening at [company] because [reason you want to work there]. In particular, my background in [key skill/experience] and my passion for [interest relevant to company mission] make me a great fit for this opportunity.
I’ve attached my resume for you to review. If you feel comfortable endorsing me for this role, I would greatly appreciate if you could pass my resume along and put in a good word! Please let me know if you would like to discuss further or if I can provide any other information.
Thanks so much for your consideration,
[Your name]
How to Ask for a Referral In Person
If you already have regular contact with the person, requesting a referral in a conversation can feel more natural than over email. Here are some tips:
- Choose an appropriate setting where you can have a one-on-one chat, not with a big group around.
- Remind them of how you know each other and your relevant skills or experience.
- Mention the specific job opening you are interested in.
- Ask if they could submit your resume or make an introduction to the hiring manager.
- Offer to send over your resume and any additional information they need.
- Thank them for considering your request.
Here is an example script for asking for a referral in person:
[Your name]: Hi Jane! It’s good to see you again. How have you been?
[Jane]: I’ve been well! Just busy as always. How about you?
[Your name]: I’ve been doing great. I actually wanted to talk to you about something. I saw on LinkedIn that you work in marketing at Acme Co, and I would love to get my foot in the door there. I noticed they have an open Associate Marketing Strategist position that looks like a really good fit for me. Given my background in digital marketing and my analytics skills, I think I could thrive in that type of role at Acme Co. Would you be open to referring me for that job? I’d be happy to send over my resume and tell you more about why I’m interested.
What to Include in Your Referral Request
Make sure to equip the referrer with everything they need to advocate for you. This includes:
- Your updated resume.
- A brief explanation of why you’re an excellent fit.
- Details on how you know each other.
- Any helpful connections you have at the company.
- Permission to share your contact info.
In addition, you may want to send:
- A customized cover letter for that position.
- Work samples or portfolio demonstrating your skills.
- LinkedIn profile or other social media links.
- References who can vouch for you.
Make it as easy as possible for the referrer to say great things about you!
Following Up After Asking for a Referral
Don’t leave the referral process halfway – make sure to follow up:
- Thank the referrer if they agree to submit your information.
- Send a friendly reminder if you don’t hear back after 1 week.
- Let them know if you get an interview or job offer!
- Express your gratitude and offer to return the favor in the future.
Following up and showing appreciation ensures your referrer will be happy to help you out again down the line.
Politely Handling Referral Rejections
There are many valid reasons someone may not be comfortable referring you. If your request is rejected, handle it gracefully:
- Thank them for at least considering your request.
- Don’t take it personally or get defensive.
- Ask if they have any other contacts who may be able to help you.
- Stay positive in case you ever want to approach them again.
Rejections happen, so don’t let it discourage you. Just move on to the next person who may be willing to provide a referral.
Key Takeaways
- Leverage your network and look for contacts inside your target companies to refer you.
- Time your referral request strategically when hiring is ramping up.
- Make the referral process effortless by providing everything needed to recommend you.
- Follow up and show appreciation to build ongoing referral relationships.
- Don’t take rejections personally – just look for other people to refer you.
Using referrals can give your job application a huge boost. By being professional and gracious, you’ll encourage contacts to keep referring you in the future.
