Ray Givler’s Post

My thoughts on getting referrals. Let’s talk about it… Maybe I’m just not a traditional, rigid person but if someone reached out to me to inquire about the company I work for, would I care if they wrote my name down on their application for a referral? Not at all. In most cases, the hiring manager won’t even check this supposed connection, unless it’s a small company. So, why are people so cagey about it? Firstly, do referrals even help? This depends. I assume that a formal referral can be useful when applying to fields like Business, CS, and Software. But, at least in my intended industry, no one checks to see if you actually know the person. At the very least, it can help you catch an employer’s eye against a sea of other applicants. Assuming employers barely communicate with each other, within their own company, and only skim your application materials, do people really think they’d launch a full-scale investigation on this supposed professional relationship? No lol I mean, are referrals just connections? Although referrals are a tad more formal, and usually require a person’s company contact information, most applications ask the similar question “how did you hear about this job?” And prompt you to specify whether you know someone at the company or found the position another way (most likely, on a job board). Here’s the problem ... .Since candidates spend so much time on these applications, they don’t want to simply write down a common answer like “Glassdoor” or “Google” if that might potentially hurt their chances. My method? I venture onto LinkedIn and attempt to find any connection I might have to the company, whether it’s a mutual friend with a current employee, a current employee who attended the same school, etc. and I message or call them. Here’s the main problem….I don’t know how long before I will receive a response, if they choose to respond at all. And, even when I do initiate a conversation, I usually get the “well, I don’t know you so unfortunately blah blah blah” response. Am I supposed to wait for this one person to respond before submitting my final application? That’s ludicrous. No one has time for that. Personally, if someone reached out to me in good faith and asked if they could put me down as a connection, I would, without hesitation, say yes. Not because I am some sort of saint but because it seems like the human, common sense thing to do. Worst case scenario, the hiring manager approaches me to ask “hey, do you know this kid” and, even if I don’t, I say yes. If someone took the time to politely introduce themselves and seems like an eager candidate, it just makes sense to help them out. Everyone needs to get their foot-in-the-door somehow. And, on top of the customized cover letters, revised resumes, elaborate portfolios, etc. that candidates need to submit, do employers expect applicants to also know someone at every single company they hope to work for? Please. It’s ridiculous.

On Referrals: Referrals are possibly the most powerful tool in getting recruited by larger companies. They’re also one of the most misunderstood. First of all, here’s what *not* to do. Don’t contact people you do not know, asking them for a referral to their company. Seriously, please don’t do it. I’ve seen advice to the opposite, where people say it’s just like going and knocking on doors until someone answers, as a great sales technique. That’s a bad analogy. It’s more like approaching a stranger at a bar and asking them for an introduction to all their single friends, telling them how awesome you are, and hoping to get a date. Creepy, right? Would you do THAT? Would you expect success at that? People argue that one should be more lenient on folks desperate to find a job. I argue that desperation isn’t an excuse for laziness and pushing the burden onto others. If one genuinely is desperate (as I have been many times), one should be willing to burn the calories to do it *right* and not settle for damaging shortcuts. Why? Because a referral is supposed to be just that. Tell the company about somebody you know who would be an excellent fit for available jobs. Referring a person means you are putting your reputation on the line to give them a chance at a career. You don’t just ask a random stranger to do that. I get at least ten people a day asking me to do that. Oh, and think about it deeper – approaching a stranger like this demonstrates very poor judgment. What happens if you then apply for the company, your resume ends up on their desk, they look you up on LinkedIn, and they see that you once spammed them for a referral? They’ll likely move on to the next resume. And what if the person you spammed is a recruiter? They’ll probably flag your resume so nobody in the company will be bothered by someone with such poor judgment. So please don’t do it. For YOUR sake, not for mine. What can you do? Well, consider all of the above—being a part of a community, participating in meet-ups, and joining expert groups. What happens then? People from your target company will get to know you and be able to refer you based on first-hand knowledge. Because a referral usually involves them answering questions about how they know you, how long they’ve known you, in what capacity, your abilities, etc. And if they only know you as a random spammer, is that the reputation you want to build? But if it’s a good referral that answers all of the above questions well – it can get you to the front of the line for your resume to be read. It can bypass many of the hurdles. I applied for Google three times before they hired me. The third time came through a referral from a skip-level manager who knew me at a previous company. Despite my flunking some of the interviews, they still hired me! That’s how powerful a referral can be! So, please, take the time to do it right.

Referral basics Given that referrals are by far the best bet to land a job these days, I would like to share my personal experience around asking for referrals / intros, and what hygiene we can follow to yield maximum impact. 🔵 Always close the loop—this is crucial. If you asked multiple people for referrals or introductions and land a job offer, share your success with everyone who helped you before announcing it publicly. Acknowledging their efforts personally ensures they feel valued and remain willing to help in the future. Not doing so can leave a bad impression and reduce their enthusiasm to assist you again. 🎯 Get to the point, with a clear call to action - Personally, there is nothing more laborious than just getting only a “Hi, how are you?” from an acquaintance after 5 years of staying out of touch. It’s completely normal to ask for help and it can be done without assuming that small talk is necessary. Be specific about the support you need from the person (ex: an introduction to their colleague, a referral for a specific position etc..). Keep it efficient. If you want to break the ice, there are other ways (for ex: congratulating a recent accomplishment) to do it.  💧 Be flexible and definitely respect boundaries - Don’t expect people to refer you if you have just connected with them. They don’t know you and it’s too risky for them to vouch for you over a single LinkedIn message. If the referrer is requesting for changes to your resume, be flexible enough to find a middle ground (it’s equally important to trust your process if it has worked in the past) - they know their employer better so it’s best to trust their guidance. Finally, don’t be offended if the person is not ready to refer you - respect the decision. It can be hard but you don’t know their story. Respecting the decision could prove beneficial in the long term. ⛑ Do the basic and necessary groundwork before reaching out - Not doing this signals a lack of intent / potential / respect from your end. It could be as simple as keeping your resume and cover letter ready before asking someone to upload your referral. Lack of preparedness can hurt your chances. And to those being approached for support, do your best to extend the maximum support you can! These are tough times and always remember that we can be at either side of the table. Stay humble.  This is definitely not an exhaustive list. There is no doubt that we should ask for help when we need it. But there is a method to it. What else would you add to the list from your experience?

HOW TO REQUEST A REFERRAL (Among the many regurgitated pieces of advice on the internet) Forget about the referral for a second - AND BUILD A RELATIONSHIP FIRST. I'll explain. … A problem in today's market is that applicants randomly solicit referrals from strangers, mainly on LinkedIn. Understandably, there is some desperation when seeking a job, and referrals can boost the hiring process. However, this blinds the applicant to the wrong approach of seeking referrals. For instance: ~2:56 PM: "X viewed your profile." ~2:59 PM: "X sent you a connection invite." ~3:17 PM: You accept X's connection invite. ~3:19 PM: "Thank you for accepting my invite. Please give me a referral to apply to this company so that I can…" You don't even know X at all. Partly why many applicants get ghosted from their immediate ask. It also suggests "using someone" to get a job and forgetting them thereafter. Which is why creating relationships works better. … In creating a relationship, Find someone you aspire to be in X years. They may (not) be at your target company, But they might know someone who is. And likely that someone is similar to who you aspire to be in X years. Connect through a coffee chat. And know the person first. Before seeking any referral from them. Learn their journey, their interests, and lifestyle, Note what aspects of their careers you can replicate to yours. Mentorships start this way. One thing I've learned: Most strangers are actually willing to help you- Your first impression could make or break it. Once you've both identified your synergies (After weeks or months), Your ref-request may come in, Noting that it's not guaranteed. The idea behind a referral is that, If I refer you, it's because: ~"I know you." ~"I know your goals." ~"I've worked with you before." ~"I know your strengths and capabilities." ~"I know you're not fabricating your resume." ~"I can speak to your work ethic and character." ~"If called, I can vouch for you to the hiring committee." Your acquaintance is now aware of your referral request. Two likely outcomes: 1. They may give you a referral. 2. Or refer you to someone who might. If no. 2, build another relationship while maintaining the first one. Why? Because when someone knows you intrinsically, 1. They can see other fitting opportunities for you. 2. They can coach you for the role. 3. They can leverage their network to support you. 4. Free mentorship. Like no. 3, One of my mentors told me something profound: "Titus, whatever your goals are, I want you to have as many conversations as possible with my network that can inform your decision." One referral will only get you a decent shot at a job—one good relationship can lead to several hundred referrals over your career. … In seeking a referral, Seek a relationship first. The referrals will come. Play the long game. Happy Thursday. . . . Join my newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/ehNitPP2.

The Smart Way to Ask for Referrals and Actually Get Them So, you’ve found yourself in that classic networking dilemma—how do you politely ask someone for a referral without sounding like you’re begging for free pizza? Fear not! Asking for referrals can be painless (and dare I say, effective) if you know how to navigate the ask with finesse. The “Warm-Up” Referral Request Before you launch into the referral ask, engage the person with something more personal. Compliment their work, acknowledge your shared experience, or even discuss common ground. “Hey Sarah, I saw the latest project you led, and it’s seriously impressive. I’m exploring opportunities at [Company Name], and I noticed you have some strong connections there. Would you feel comfortable introducing me to someone on the team?” You’re not diving straight into the ask—you’re warming up the conversation. It’s like dipping your toes into the water before the cannonball. The “Direct But Polite” Approach Sometimes, a straightforward approach works best. Be polite, direct, and respectful of their time. Keep it short and sweet. “Hi James, I hope you’re doing well! I’m interested in applying for a position at [Company Name] and noticed you have connections there. If you’re comfortable, would you be able to refer me?” Here, you’re making a direct ask but keeping it low-pressure. You’ve given them an easy out, which makes the request feel less demanding. The “Value Proposition” Referral Request Here’s where you bring a bit of strategy into the mix. Show them how you’re a great fit for the role to make them feel more confident in referring you. “Hi [Name], I’m applying for the [Position] at [Company], and based on my [skills, experience], I believe I’d be a strong candidate. Since you know the team well, do you think you’d be comfortable referring me?” You’re framing the ask by presenting yourself as a worthy candidate, which can make them feel more at ease putting their name behind you. The “Post-Interview” Referral Ask Even if you’ve already interviewed, a referral can still help tip the scales in your favor. Use this approach to reinforce your candidacy. “Hi [Name], I recently interviewed for a role at [Company] and believe it’s a great fit. Since you’re connected to the team, I’d appreciate it if you could put in a good word.” This approach highlights that you’re already in the process, making it an easier ask since they know you’re being considered. It’s All in the Ask Asking for referrals doesn’t have to feel like walking on eggshells. Whether it’s a warm introduction or a direct request, the key is to be polite, genuine, and considerate of the other person’s time. If you approach it with humor and a clear ask, you’re far more likely to get the result you want—and who knows, maybe a job offer will come your way!

A Quick Note on Asking for Referrals* Lately, I’ve been receiving a lot of messages asking for referrals, and I’m happy to help where I can. But to make the process smoother for everyone, here are a few tips I’d like to share with those who might reach out: 🔑 *Include the Job ID*: Always include the Job ID or a link to the specific position you’re interested in. It shows that you’ve done your homework and makes it easier for the person helping you to connect you with the right opportunity. 🎯 *Match Your Experience*: Ensure that your experience aligns with the role you’re applying for. While a 2 to 4 year gap might not be a big issue, applying for a senior role requiring 10+ years of experience when you’re just starting out isn’t the best approach. 💰 *Research Salary Expectations*: Before asking for a referral, check platforms like Glassdoor to understand salary expectations. This helps you ensure the role is a good fit for your career and financial goals. 👤 *Reach Out to One Employee at a Time*: To avoid wasting anyone’s time, only contact one person for a referral. If one employee refers you, another won’t be able to, so it’s better to focus on a single point of contact. 📄 *Tailor Your Resume*: Customize your resume to fit the job description. This helps the referrer see the match more clearly and increases the likelihood of a successful referral. 🗣 *Be Clear and Polite*: A brief explanation of why you’re a good fit for the role and why you’re reaching out to that particular person can go a long way. Thoughtful and polite requests are more likely to get a positive response. ⏳ *Be Patient*: Referrals take time. Be patient if the person you reached out to isn’t able to respond immediately. Respect their time and other commitments. 📚 *Do Your Homework*: Make sure you’ve researched the company and the role before reaching out. This shows your genuine interest and helps you have a more informed conversation. 🌟 *Focus on Relevant Opportunities*: It’s tempting to apply for multiple roles, but focusing on the ones that truly align with your skills and career goals can make a bigger impact. Quality over quantity! 🤝 *Build a Connection First*: If you haven’t interacted with the person before, consider engaging with their content or starting a conversation before asking for a referral. Building a connection first can make the process more natural and effective. All the best 👍 #linkedin #ICAI #Jobs #Refference #Finance #CA

Getting people to care enough to take action on your behalf, this job seeker gold! 🥇 We all know that referrals of you as a job seeker to someone who might know someone>...>that eventually leads to a decision-maker is better than any cold application through an ATS. ❄ How do you generate more of those referrals? Like A LOT MORE! So many more you are busy with referral meetings more than ATS applications. The reality is that referrals are tough to generate after just one meeting. Looking at it from the COM-B behavioural model perspective a referral implies many factors exist. These factors include capability (e.g. knowing how to create a referral), opportunity (e.g. knowing a top-of-mind contact) and motivation to act (e.g. trusting you will treat their contact with respect). In addition, everyone is busy, which could be classified as capability, opportunity, or motivation. 😆 Gotta love the complexity! Unfortunately, this still leaves the job seeker wondering how to generate that next connection that could lead to someone who is hiring. I am grateful to all who created a well-thought-out referral for me, but I know not everyone is so lucky. Also, similar to a salesperson everyone needs to keep generating new leads! So today we came up with a mindmap (see image) of ideas to generate interest in you as a person to ultimately get a thoughtful referral. The other piece of this process is having a well-crafted 'Ask' for what you NEED for your job search today! This way you can make it easier for people to take action by referring you to someone else, tapping into BJ Fogg's behaviour model, but that is another post for another day! Thank you to Alan Hunt and Alison Belforti for joining the discussion, I appreciate your contributions to this awesome list! My biggest takeaway from this diagram: always be asking for a meeting to share who you are and what you are looking for. If you would like to join us next time you can find all the information about The Daily High Five in this post: https://lnkd.in/g-ErfBDk

Why I Stopped Ignoring Referrals From Unknown to Unstoppable: How Referrals Can Unlock Your Dream Job In the competitive world of job hunting, you’re not just competing against other candidates, you’re up against biases, assumptions, and the brain’s natural tendency to eliminate rather than select. But fear not. I’ve got a secret weapon for you: Referrals. Let’s dive into why they matter and how they can transform your job search. Without a referral, you’re like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Your resume might sparkle, but it’s just words on paper. A referral changes that. Suddenly, you’re a known entity, a real person with skills and potential. Hiring managers appreciate familiarity, so let’s make sure they know your name. Ever notice how first impressions stick? Well, they do. But a glowing referral can flip the script. When someone vouches for you, it nudges the hiring manager’s initial assessment toward a “good fit.” Confirmation bias starts working in your favor. Suddenly, they’re seeking evidence that supports their positive impression of you We’ve all faced stereotypes of age, education, appearance, and race, the whole package. But referrals can break down those barriers. When someone the hiring manager trusts recommends you, it’s like saying, “Hey, don’t judge this book by its cover.” Stereotypes lose their grip, and your true potential shines through. Companies value culture fit. It’s not just about skills; it’s about blending seamlessly with the team and organization. Referrals, being insiders, understand this. Their endorsement carries weight. So, when you connect with them, you’re not just ticking a box, you’re aligning with the company’s vibe. Finding a referral isn’t as hard as you think. Tap into your #LinkedIn network friends of friends, former classmates, and community contacts. Maybe someone you know used to work at the company. It doesn’t have to be the same department; connections matter. Remember, referrals lead to longer tenure and higher satisfaction. It’s a win-win. Reach out. Be genuine. Explain your situation. Ask for that referral. You’re not bothering anyone; you’re opening doors. And remember, every referral is a step closer to your dream job. If you found this article helpful, smash that "Like" button and share/repost it with your network Let’s support each other on this journey, Follow me John Joseph C #LinkedInCommunity #CareerAdvice #JobSeekers #ProfessionalGrowth #BusinessDevelopment #youareunstoppable #Juneachivements #change Wishing you all the success.

🚨Mastering the Referral Request: Genuine Tips for a Tough Job Market🚨 Hey everyone, I’ve been getting a lot of referral requests lately, and I want to share a quick guide on what not to do, and how to make it awesome! 😅 🚫 Bad Practices: 1. The Cold Call: Just dropping a referral request out of the blue without any context. It’s like asking for a favor from a stranger—you wouldn’t do that, right? 2. The Generic Ask: Sending a one-size-fits-all message. It’s way more effective if you make it personal and specific. 3. The Pressure Tactic: Pushing for a referral with urgency or guilt. People respond better when the request feels genuine and unhurried. 4. The Minimal Effort: Not providing enough info about what you need or why. A referral request should include details on why you’re a great fit or what you’re looking for. 5.The Beating Around the Bush: Making small talk or being vague about your request. Get straight to the point to make it easy for the person to help you. 6. AI Overuse: Using AI to generate referral messages and then copying and pasting without any personal touch. If you use AI tools, make sure you read and customize the message to reflect your voice and the context of your request. 👍 Good Practices: 1. Personal Touch: Start with a friendly, personalized message. Mention how you know each other and why you’re reaching out. 2. Be Specific: Clearly state what you’re looking for and why. Include the job ID, attach your resume, and explain why you’re a great fit for the role. The more info you provide, the easier it is for someone to help. 3. Gratitude First: Appreciate the person’s time and offer something in return, if possible. Even a simple thank you goes a long way. 4. Follow Up: If they do refer you, make sure to follow up with a thank you and update them on the outcome. It’s a great way to show appreciation and keep the relationship strong. 5. Customize AI Content: If you’re using AI tools to draft your referral request, don’t just copy and paste. Read through and tweak the message to ensure it aligns with your style and the context of your request. 🌍 Job Market Insight: We all know the job market is tough right now—high competition and lots of uncertainty. That’s why getting referrals right is more important than ever. By making your request clear and thoughtful, you’re not only improving your chances but also helping your network help you more effectively. Let’s all aim to make referral requests a win-win! Thanks for listening, and happy networking! 🎉 #ReferralTips #Networking #JobSearch #CareerAdvice #ReferralRequest #ProfessionalNetworking #JobHunt #CareerTips #EffectiveNetworking #ReferralBestPractices

Most important step to gettin a referral is building rapport 🔑