Best Practices for Job Referrals

The job market has changed. What worked a few years ago doesn't work anymore. If you've been job searching for 3+ months with no real results? You need a new system. And if you want to win in today's market? That system better be focused on networking and referrals. Here's how we do it with our clients: 1. Make a list of 15 target companies These are companies you should intentionally choose because they align with your values, growth trajectory, and ideal culture. 2. Research the heck out of your target companies. Listen to earnings calls, read articles, find interviews with execs, & survey customers. 3. Use LinkedIn to find contacts who can refer you into your target role. Aim for someone who might be the hiring manager or a peer if you were hired. Find 150 contacts minimum (10 people at each company). 4. Use a tool like Mailscoop to find the emails for your contacts. Reach out to them and set up a conversation. Use the conversation to learn about things like: • Their team’s biggest challenge • Current initiatives • Goals for the next 12 months 5. Combine the info from your research and conversations to create a Value Validation Project (VVP). Think of a VVP as a pitch deck where you provide solutions to a problem, ideas around an initiative, or help with a challenge. It should be relevant and aligned to the work you’d be doing in that new role. 6. Send the VVP back to the contacts you had convos with and ask if those solutions aligned with their expectations for X role. 7. Rinse, repeat, and watch the referrals flow in!

We all want to help our friends find jobs, right? But let's ensure we do it right to be as effective as possible. 👉 Here is how non-recruiters can help their out-of-work friends find work. PSA: Simple tips when referring them in DM/email or tagging them in posts ↴ 1. In the post, add a simple 3-4 word description of what they do: "Mary Smith- Product Manager- FinTech" 2. If forwarding or directing them to a recruiter, please check what that recruiter specializes in to ensure it's relevant.  3. If you have worked with them before and can vouch for them, do so and add some insight. 4. If you have yet to work with them, just be mindful about attaching your reputation to someone because you are friendly with them here. 5. Be Clear and Concise: Please keep messages short and to the point, clearly stating their purpose and how the recruiter can help. 6. When you reach out, please highlight relevant experience: Mention key qualifications and experiences that align with the job opportunities. 7. If they check these boxes, attach their resume/email. 8. Most of us have our jobs posted on a site, so forward them to your friend first to see if they qualify for any and reference that role. → The majority of us do not represent individual candidates in the market; rather work directly for our Clients to find the most qualified candidates for specific roles. → We are not your "agent," but if you make our life easier and are a great candidate, it is our pleasure to review your background and, if qualified, chat with you. → We have A LOT on our plates, so any way that you can make our lives easier, we will be more inclined to help you out. Just the facts! ❤️ Good luck, and I hope that this was helpful! Thanks

What do you want from me? Be SPECIFIC when asking for a job referral! One of the biggest mistakes I see when people ask for job referrals? Being vague. If your request is something like, "Do you know of any opportunities?" or "Look over my skillset and let me know if anything fits," you've already failed. Why? Because you’re making other people do the work for you. You’re asking them to review your resume, figure out what roles are available, and match you to something. That’s not their job—it’s yours. Here’s a better approach: Be specific. Know what job you want and what you bring to the table. What’s your specialty? What job can you do? Be clear about the roles you’re interested in and why you’re a good fit. And before you ask, have you even checked the company’s website? There’s a careers page for a reason. If you find a role you think you’re qualified for, mention it directly. Saying, "I believe I’m a strong fit for this Data Engineer position because of XYZ," is far more effective than throwing out a general request. If you’re specific about what you want and take the time to do your own research, you’re more likely to get the help and referrals you need. Be clear, be direct, and take ownership of your job search. Hit me up with questions or comments. 🪖

Applying online is only part of the process. But if that’s your whole strategy, you’re going to stay invisible. Referrals aren’t luck. They’re strategy. Here’s how I coach clients to actually earn them. 1️⃣ Start with clarity. People can’t refer you if they don’t know what you’re looking for. Be specific about the role, level, industry, and type of company. 2️⃣ Make it easy to help. Instead of saying “Let me know if you hear of anything,” try: “I’m targeting senior product manager roles at SaaS companies. If you know anyone hiring or open to a chat, I’d be grateful for a connection.” 3️⃣ Build the bridge before you need it. Engage with people’s content. Show up consistently. Offer value first. Then, when you reach out, it feels natural, not transactional. Remember: A referral doesn’t guarantee you the job. But it can get your resume seen. And that’s the part most people never get past. Referrals aren’t cheating the system. They’re how the system actually works.