Referrals that actually get you interviews
Here’s your complete guide to getting referrals that compel HRs to call you for interviews (from 15+ years of my experience):
𝟭. 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆
Not all referrals are created equal.
The first step? Reaching out to the right people.
Here’s how to find the right connections:
→ Focus on 2nd-degree connections (managers, senior PMs, or engineers).
→ They should have been at the company for at least a year or two ( they understand the culture).
→ Focus on individuals with a similar background (they’re more likely to advocate for you)
𝟮. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴
Referrals work best when they’re earned.
HR can sense the authenticity and intentions behind their words.
Here’s how to do that:
→ Engage with their content: thoughtful comments, shares, or DMs go a long way.
→ Share valuable resources — articles, insights, or tools relevant to their role or company.
→ Offer help when you can. Genuine gestures build rapport.
𝟯. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲
The last thing people want in their busy day is…
Another person asking for help without first earning it.
Here’s how to add value right away:
→ Help them find blind spot in the company’s product or challenges.
→ Research about their industry and tell the trends they should be focusing.
This shows you’re serious, well-researched, and focused on creating value…
Not just asking for a favor.
𝟰. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝗸 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹
When it’s time to ask, most people are too vague:
“Can you refer me to this role?” That doesn’t work.
Here’s how to make them refer you:
→ Be specific about why you want to work at their company.
→ Reference examples of your experience that align with the role.
→ Make it easy for them to advocate for you by sharing concise, clear information.
Specificity wins every time.
𝗕𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘀
A. Aim for strong referrals, but don’t undervalue weak or generic ones. Every connection increases your surface area of luck.
B. Although referrals overshadow resumes and cover letters but that doesn’t mean you can ignore them. Always tailor your resume and cover letter to the job.
C. The real magic happens when you follow up. They’re not ignoring you; they’re just busy. A polite reminder goes a long way. Follow up even after they’ve given you the referral.
𝗧𝗟;𝗗𝗥
→ Reach out to right people.
→ Build trust before asking.
→ Make your initial interaction valuable.
→ Be specific and thoughtful when making your ask.
→ Follow up consistently.
If you want to dive deeper into getting the right referrals, here’s a detailed guide: https://lnkd.in/ek-v2gKX
