Effective Strategies for Securing Job Referrals : A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey 👋

Lately, I have come across people asking for referrals in WhatsApp communities.

Usually, it is an open call “Is anyone working in XYZ? Need a referral”

This is like shouting in a void, assuming something will happen.

At times, there are some kind souls, who respond, but more often than not, such requests are met with ignorance.

One may think, "If only I had kept in touch with that person from college I couldn't stand, maybe I could ask them for a referral now."

But here's the truth: you don't need to rely on old connections to land a referral.

Or even if you have one, you may not be able to get a referral from them, just because you know them.

The biggest problem here is an assumption that the other person knows about you, and your work and has made it their top priority to add your details in the company’s internal portal.

You have to treat the process of asking for a referral, exactly like how you would convince a recruiter or a hiring manager.

You need to build your case without assuming that they know how good a candidate you are.

You need to ensure that when you are asking for a referral you are meeting the minimum eligibility criteria for the role.

If you do not meet certain criteria, be explicit about the same and make a strong case why you are still a good candidate for the role.

Once done, you can use the script below.

If you do not know anyone who can refer you, here is how you can find people who would be willing to refer you and how to reach out to them.

Once you've pinpointed a few individuals who could be key to your job search success, follow this script.

Hi [Name],

I hope this message finds you well.

[Find a common ground and a reason for appreciation towards the other person when introducing yourself]

I have seen your work in [common community] and have loved your insights / I have known about you through our common friend [enter details here] and they talk highly of you.

[Get to the point quickly. Give specific details and reduce the effort required by the other person]

I see that your company [company] is hiring for [enter role here]. More details here [insert job link].

[Ensure that you meet the minimum criteria required for the role]

With [x] years of experience in [domain], I believe I could make a valuable addition to your team.

I bring [mention your relevant experience] and am eager to contribute my skills to [specific role you're interested in].

[Make your ask]

Would you be open to referring me for this opportunity?

[Show that you are open to feedback or any other effort to improve your chances]

Let me know, if there is any other information that I can share to improve my chances.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Thanks

[Your Name]

Remember, it's crucial to demonstrate why you're a strong candidate. Referrers need to see that you meet the basic qualifications for the role before they put their reputation on the line.

If you're struggling with your job search or have questions about refining your approach, hit reply and let me know. I'm here to help you navigate this journey.

🤗How can I help?

I have helped 200+ people land their dream roles through resume review and interview preparation.

If you are not getting interview calls for relevant roles, your resume may be the missing link.

To know what specific changes should you make to increase interview calls, you may book my resume roast service using the link below.👇

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If you have any questions, reply to this email and I will be happy to help.

I will see you next week.

All the Best

Aditi