Conventional wisdom says that a job referral equals a fast-track to getting a job. And in many cases, it's absolutely true. In fact, you're five times more likely to get hired through a referral. As a referred candidate, you're often considered a better fit and will typically stay in your role longer than other hires.

But having a job referral does not mean that landing the position is a sure thing. You have to know how to capitalize on that connection to get your foot in the door and impress the hiring manager.

So, how do you ask someone you know at your target company to help? What's your next step once they've put in the good word to HR? Should you mention them in your cover letter or at the interview?

With these questions in mind, we delve into how to find and ask for employee referrals. Plus, we show you the best ways to maximize a referral in your job application.

What is a Job Referral?

A job referral is a recommendation provided by someone within or connected to an organization you're interested in working for who can vouch for your qualifications and skill set. This professional endorsement can significantly enhance your chances of getting noticed in a crowded job market as a testament to your suitability for the role.

And it's not just about getting your foot in the door; it's about starting off with a glowing introduction that says you're not just any candidate. You're someone special, someone who is highly recommended and already has a bit of sparkle attached to their name.

But this isn't just a one-way street; it creates a beautiful cycle of goodwill. Companies get to meet candidates who are more likely to fit in well, and candidates enter the process feeling more seen and valued thanks to the kind words of their referrer.

How to Find a Job Referral

The key to making job referrals work well for you is finding a connection between a job opening and someone you know. Start by searching your network to see who may be working at companies where you’d like to work.

It could be your former colleagues, classmates, or even friends who share your professional interests. At the very least it's always great to catch up, and you never know; they might be working at your dream company.

Don't forget the camaraderie of your college alum networks. These groups often share job postings and are generally more than happy to refer someone they share a past with.

How to Ask for a Referral

Once you've identified a connection in your network, send them an e-mail asking about the specific job that you’ve seen at the company (not: “are there any openings?”), and include the link to the job description if you can.

Here’s an easily customizable email template that you can use:

Subject: Request for your guidance and support

Dear [Name],

I hope this message finds you in good spirits. It’s been a while since we [briefly mention your last interaction or connection, e.g., worked together at XYZ company, met at a conference, etc.]. I’ve always admired your dedication and the impactful work you’re doing at (Company Name).

I’ve been considering taking the next step in my career path. While researching potential opportunities, I found a role that deeply resonates with my skills and career aspirations - the [mention job title] position at [Company Name].

Given your valuable experience at the company, I would like to know if you can offer some guidance or insights, and I’d love to know how you’re enjoying your position there. I’m confident that I could contribute meaningfully to the team with my background in [briefly mention relevant experience or skills]. I’ve attached my resume, which outlines my experiences in greater detail.

I look forward to reconnecting and collaborating in a professional capacity.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Best Practices for Using Your Job Referral

Effectively capitalizing on a job referral is a harmonious blend of professionalism and a friendly approach, fostering a connection that could last a lifetime. Follow our tips to maximize your opportunity.

Ask Permission First

This might seem like an obvious step, but it's an important one to remember. The last thing you want to do is lose your connection's trust by using their name in your application when they feel uncomfortable with you doing so. Make sure you have the okay from them before mentioning their name to start building a relationship with the recruiter or hiring manager.

Include Your Job Referral in Your Email and Cover Letter

Once you have permission to use your contact’s name in communications, it’s wise to include them in your initial outreach to the hiring manager and your cover letter. Make sure to mention your referral early on to set the tone.

Here’s an example of an outreach email introduction. You could start with:

• “I hope this email finds you well. I recently learned about the opening for the [Job Title] role through [Referrer's Name]. [Referrer's Name] and I [briefly describe your relationship or context, e.g., worked together at XYZ Corp.] I am confident that my background in [mention a relevant skill or experience you have] makes me a strong fit for this position."

Here’s a sample cover letter introduction. You might start with:

• “I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], a role I learned about through [Referrer's Name]. [Referrer's Name] and I [briefly describe your relationship, e.g., have worked together, are academic peers, etc.], and they recommended that I reach out to you. My skills in [mention relevant skills or experiences] would make me an excellent fit for your team.”

Keep Your Referral Updated

You should let your contact know after you submit your resume, cover letter, and any other required application materials to the hiring manager. They may be able to provide insider information on the progress or help you navigate potential hazards in the interview process—if they know what’s happening in real time.

Keep this line of communication open throughout the entire application period with quick status updates and express your enthusiasm about the opportunity in each message.

Mention Your Referral in Your Interview

Even though you've already mentioned your referral in your cover letter and correspondence with the hiring manager, it's also a good idea to mention them once you get to the interview stage. But the trick is to mention your connection in the right way—in relation to the work the company does—otherwise, you risk putting focus on the wrong thing.

For example, suppose the interviewer asks why you want to work at their organization. In that case, it might not be a good idea to say, "My friend works here in the sales department, and considering he's one of the best salespeople I know, I'd love to work at the company that hired him."

Instead, you could say, "I have a connection that works here on the sales side, and they told me how great the culture and leadership are here, which is why I'm interested in joining." And if all goes well, you'll be treating your connection to a celebratory lunch on the first day of your new job.

Cast a Wide Net in Your Job Search

Think of Jobpress as your contact with a far-reaching referral network that can help you get your foot in the door. Find the opportunities that interest you on our job board and then reach out to your connections for a job referral. Get started by signing up for your free Jobpress account. Upload up to five versions of your resume, each tailored to the jobs that interest you.