Who to ask
- Someone you have worked with, who can speak to your work.
- Anyone at the company you already know: a friend, a former classmate, someone from a past employer.
- A second-degree tie, through an introduction from someone you both know.
- An alumnus of your school or a past employer, who has a reason to answer a stranger.
Someone on the hiring team, or who works near it, helps most. A referral from someone who does not know you still gets your application looked at, but say plainly that you have not worked together.
What to send
Keep it short enough to read on a phone, and give them everything they need to act without writing back:
- The job's title and link.
- Two or three lines on why you fit, matched to what the posting asks for.
- Your resume, attached or linked.
- A clear ask, and an easy way out: “If you're comfortable referring me, I'd be grateful. No worries if not.”
An example:
Hi Sam, I hope the new team is going well. I'm applying for the Senior Data Analyst role on the pricing team (link). I spent three years building pricing models at Acme, which is most of what the posting asks for. Would you be comfortable referring me? My resume is attached. Totally fine if not, and thanks either way.
When to ask
Before you apply. Many referral systems send the employee a form that creates or tags your application; if you have already applied, some will not count the referral. If you have applied, say so, and ask whether they could flag your application to the recruiter instead.
Follow up and close the loop
- No answer after about a week: one short follow-up. After that, let it go.
- They referred you: thank them, and tell them what happens, interview or not.
- You got the job: thank them again. Many companies pay employees a referral bonus, so they will be glad to hear.
