Should you ask Linkedin connection to be a referral?

Having a strong professional network is invaluable for advancing your career. One way to leverage your connections is by asking people in your network to refer you for job opportunities. But should you ask your LinkedIn connections for referrals? There are pros and cons to consider.

The potential benefits of asking for a referral

Here are some potential advantages of asking your LinkedIn connections for referrals:

• Increased visibility – A referral from someone already at a company gets your resume noticed. Rather than going into the general application pile, you’ll stand out.
• Provides a foot in the door – Referrals essentially give you an introduction and endorsement from someone the hiring manager trusts. This can help get an initial interview.
• Conveys interest and initiative – Asking for a referral shows you are interested enough in the role to leverage your network. It demonstrates resourcefulness.
• Saves time – Getting referred can bypass initial screening stages of the recruiting process. This streamlines things from your end.
• Improves chances – Referred candidates are much more likely to get interviews and job offers compared to the average applicant. The odds are in your favor.

In summary, referrals tap into the power of connections to speed up the hiring process and boost your visibility as an applicant. Utilizing referrals is an effective way to enhance your candidacy during a job search.

Potential drawbacks of asking for referrals

However, there are also some risks or considerations when asking your network for referrals:

• Puts pressure on your connection – Some people may feel uneasy or imposed upon if you ask for a referral. Not everyone will be comfortable recommending or referring someone.
• Risks damaging the relationship – If the person refers you and it doesn’t work out, it could negatively impact your connection to that person going forward.
• Creates obligations – The referrer is putting their reputation on the line for you, so you may feel obligated to return the favor down the line.
• Still requires backing up your candidacy – A referral gets your foot in the door but you’ll still need to prove you deserve the job during the interview process.
• Referrer needs to know your work – To feel comfortable referring you, your connection has to be familiar with your skills, experience, and work ethic.

Asking connections for referrals requires tact and discretion. You need to be selective about when to request referrals to avoid straining your network or appearing overly opportunistic.

Who to target for referrals

Not all of your connections are equally well-suited to provide a referral. Here are some things to look for when deciding who to approach:

• Someone familiar with your work – Prior managers or colleagues who have directly observed your abilities are ideal.
• Strong connections – Target people you know well and have helped in the past. Don’t expect referrals from connections you barely know.
• Well-networked – Influential people at the target company carry more weight when making a referral.
• Relevant expertise – Connections in your industry or field are most qualified to assess your fit.
• Enthusiastic supporters – Gauge if they seem genuinely interested to avoid pressuring reluctant contacts.

Evaluate your network and identify contacts who meet several of these criteria to select the best people to approach for a referral.

How to ask for a referral

When requesting a referral, how you phrase and frame it matters. Here are some best practices:

• Make it a conversation – Don’t just send a generic LinkedIn message. Discuss it on a call or meeting first.
• Show gratitude – Express upfront how much you value their time and appreciation if they can make a referral.
• Provide context – Share details on the role, why you are interested, and why it’s a good fit based on your background.
• Give an easy out – Make it clear there is no obligation or hard feelings if they aren’t able to refer you for any reason.
• Offer to return the favor – Indicate your willingness to help them in any way down the road.
• Follow up politely – If they commit to referring you, follow up to thank them and provide any needed info.

Following up shows courtesy and gives the referrer visibility into the process after making the referral.

When to avoid asking for a referral

While referrals can provide a leg up in many scenarios, there are situations where you are better off applying directly without a referral:

• Applying to a large, public job board posting – Referrals carry less weight when there is an open call for generic applications.
• If you lack connections at the company – Don’t force a weak referral from someone who barely knows people there.
• For short-term contracts or freelance work – The casual nature of these gigs reduces the need for a referral.
• When you know the hiring manager – If you have a prior relationship with the person hiring, a referral from someone else is unnecessary.
• At small startups – With few employees, most people will be involved in evaluating you anyway.

Being judicious about when to use referrals prevents overusing your professional network and focuses your efforts where referrals can have the greatest impact.

Weighing the tradeoffs

Here is a summary of the key potential upsides and downsides to weigh when deciding whether to ask your LinkedIn connections for a referral:

Overall, referrals are likely worth pursuing when you have strong relationships with well-connected people at your target companies. But avoid overusing referrals or pressuring reluctant connections. Evaluate each situation based on your specific network and context.

Key takeaways

Here are some key points to remember when considering asking for LinkedIn referrals:

• Leverage referrals selectively rather than always relying on them as a first option.
• Target well-connected contacts who are enthusiastic supporters of you.
• Make referral requests personal conversations rather than generic outreach.
• Show gratitude and offer to return the favor down the line.
• Follow up and provide feedback on the process after getting referred.
• Avoid referrals when applying through open job boards or if lacking any connections.

Used strategically, reaching out to your LinkedIn connections for referrals can significantly increase your chances of landing interviews and job offers. But maintain realistic expectations and selectively choose when to incorporate referrals into your approach. Treat your professional network with respect, and referrals can provide a trust-based competitive edge.