A guide about how to (or not to) ask for referrals
Recently I have been seeing many posts where people ask for referrals in an improper way.
Few examples:
- 'I want to grow in the abc role, can anyone refer?' How can one refer you if they don't know about your experience and skillsets and more?
- 'I have n YOE in the xyz role, can anyone refer?' The xyz role can have 5 different tech stacks, how can one know which tech stack you have worked with?
Here's how one should ask for a generic referral (not specific to a vacancy or company): "I am an experienced professional with n YOE in the XYZ role. My primary tech stack is 'so and so' with little exposure on 'so and so'. I am currently located in ABC city and I am willing to relocate for better opportunities. My notice period is GH days which I am yet to start serving. If anyone can refer me to their organisation I would be really grateful."
In other words the request should have these details:
- YOE
- Role
- Skillsets (Tech Stack)
- Current Location
- Willingness to relocate (Yes/No)
- Notice Period (Total and Status [Serving or not])
In the above 1 to 3 are must haves, 4 to 6 are nice to haves to not waste everyone's time.
If you are asking for a specific opportunity for a specific company then rather than asking if anyone can refer you at that company ask if anyone can refer you for that specific job id or url at that company.
I hope this will help both the ones who are asking to be referred and the ones who are referring them.
Wishing the very best.
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There should be a template to seek referrals , just like salary card. Would make everything so easy
@BeingCivil Nice suggestion. Tagging the GV team so that they can see if it is feasible to implement what you suggested @the_dark_knight @UnpaidIntern @Micheal_Scott
i generally use below format:
Hi [Name],
I’m. …. , a Frontend Developer with 1.5+ years of experience building fast, user-focused interfaces using React, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, Material UI, and more. I also have working knowledge of Node.js, SQL, and Git, with a strong problem-solving mindset.
I’m passionate about crafting seamless web experiences and would love to bring that energy to your team.
Here are a few links to explore my work: • GitHub: • Portfolio: https://www.codingactivist.com • Resume: view?usp=sharing
Quick Highlights • Top 1% in NextLevel League 2023 (Rank 88) • Rank 1509 in LeetCode Biweekly (out of 9.5K+) • Solved 1200+ coding problems across LeetCode, GFG, etc.
I’d love to connect if there’s an opportunity that fits.
Best regards,
Guide is to not go to egoistic maniacs who think giving referal is a big things a take pride in that
Only 1 in 10 will refer
There can be multiple reasons for that:
- They might be getting N requests daily with only this detail 'please refer me for your company'
- Many companies allow you to only refer folks whom you know personally/professionally/both and not the unknown folks
- It happens that the unknown folks you tried to refer have done offer shopping or ghosted on the joining day and not responding to calls/emails, Due to which now the recruiter has stopped considering referrals from you even if this time the folks are your friends or ex-colleagues who need it
Could be... I reach out to those who are still working and specify job ID and Link yet they just ignore message
And anyone looking for referrals should head to https://www.jobsfeed.in
Thanks for putting this post. I have been wanting to create something similar for so long. It's frustrating when people want jobs but don't put enough effort in requesting referrals. Few more things I would add in context of seeking referral from a specific person are:
-
Don't stop at just Hi, or Hi, how are you, if you are seeking referrals from strangers on LinkedIn. It's a professional network and a lot of people aren't looking for a generic chat. Get to the point. If you need a referral, mention this in the first message itself, with all the required details that OP mentioned. I prefer a brief intro, job ID and resume, but at least add 2 of these.
-
I am not aware of all the openings in my org and cannot do the ground work for you. So please check if there are indeed relevant openings in the org of the person you are messaging and share the job IDs. Sometimes, there aren't even any jobs in my org, and people just send me a generic message asking for a referral that they are sending to 50 others. Do your homework
-
You can't apply or ask for a referral for a role which requires 8 years of work ex, when you only have 4. At 6, maybe, at 7 def but don't ask if you have half the experience of what's required. Pay attention to JD. You should apply if there is a 70% match but not if it's a 20% match or basics aren't met, especially in the current job market.
People who refer want to help you, so make it easier and not harder for them to help you.
Thank You so much for this detailed post which can not only help others but also it provides the perspective why the one asking for referral should ask for referrals more properly.
What if you’re a fresher with only internship experience, would they still be preferred for referrals?
See referral means there are chances your cv will be reviewed at least.
Directly applying may make you just one of the applicants among hundreds.
In real world it doesn't work. Actually a scenario where someone knows you or worked with you in the past will pull you in. We have become masters of complicating every aspect of life. Watch podcasts, eat so and so for breakfast, network n do this checklist to be a high performer at work, do this financial plan etc etc. no one says just live , breathe. Our previous gen was better. Worked, gave time to family , hobby, read newspapers in the morning and didn't take work calls meetings from home. God knows where we are headed :)
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