Does this sound familiar? You see a job opening that aligns with your skills and apply. While researching you discover that a staff of the company was a former client of yours.
You want to send a message to check in and subtly inform them that you applied for a role in their company. But you’re not sure what to say or how to say it.
You manage to send a message and call it a day, then silently pray that they’re on the recruiting team somehow and see your application.
The good thing is, it happens to the best of us. Asking for a referral can be challenging. You’re literally asking someone to put their reputation on the line for you. If you don’t know how to do so without appearing desperate, we’ll share a few tips in this article to help you get that referral.
Let’s get started!
1: Know who to ask
Not everyone in your network will have the connections to help you land your next opportunity. To increase your chances of success, focus on individuals who work in your target industry or hold similar roles, as they’re more likely to understand the job requirements and can vouch for your suitability.
Prioritize those with whom you have a strong relationship, such as former colleagues or managers, since their familiarity with your skills and work ethic adds credibility. It’s also important to seek out people with a solid reputation within their organization, as their endorsement will carry more weight.
2. Choose the appropriate medium
Your connection with your referrer will determine how you approach asking for a recommendation. Writing is usually the most effective medium. Depending on how professional or informal your connection is with the individual, you can send them an email, a LinkedIn message, or a DM.
3. Provide context
Give the referral further details about what you need to make it easier for them to fulfill your request. If you’re asking for a job referral, include the job posting and your résumé with your request. Also, remember to share your portfolio as it strengthens your case with your referrer.
Avoid vague requests as it leaves your referrer unsure of what you need and how they can help. For example, saying “Hey, I’m looking for a job in marketing. Can you refer me?” is so broad.
Your referrer is unsure about the type of marketing role you're looking for (digital marketing, content marketing, product marketing), your experience level, or the kind of companies you're interested in. They might hesitate to help because they don’t have enough information to make a meaningful recommendation.
However, saying something like “I’m looking for a mid-level content marketing role at a B2B Fintech company. If you know of any openings or companies in your network that align with this, could you refer me?” provides more context to what you need. With this, they will be more inclined to say yes and provide you with a recommendation that aligns with your request.
4. Make it easy for them to say yes
When reaching out to someone for a referral or introduction, your goal is to make it as easy as possible for them to say yes. A clear, concise request ensures they understand exactly what you need and how they can help.
For example, don’t just ask for a job referral by mouth, send your CV and portfolio. If you need a recommendation letter, the person you’re asking may be too busy to write one and send it to you. Write the letter and send it to them for review and signing. It takes away the extra work they have to do. The simpler the process, the faster you’ll get a yes.
For in-person services, create marketing materials like a business card, flyers, or even a QR code that takes people to your website to make it easy for people to recommend you to their network.
5. Give them an out
Asking for a referral regardless of your relationship with the referrer doesn’t guarantee you will always get a yes.
A friend or former employer can seem like the ideal candidate for a recommendation request, but they may not want to endorse you and that’s okay too.
Acknowledge this by letting them know it’s perfectly fine if they can’t assist at the moment. This approach shows respect for their time and circumstances, alleviating any pressure or guilt they might feel about saying no. It also leaves the door open for future opportunities, as they’ll appreciate your understanding and professionalism.
6. Follow up and express gratitude
Following up is key to maintaining momentum in your request, but it should be done thoughtfully. If you haven’t heard back after a reasonable amount of time, a polite follow-up can serve as a gentle reminder. However, always express gratitude regardless of the outcome.
Whether they were able to help or not, thanking them for their time and consideration leaves a positive impression. Gratitude fosters goodwill and keeps the relationship open for future interactions.
7 Tips to Help You Get a Great Referral
Remember that you are requesting a favor when you ask someone for a referral. Here are nine tips to help you.
1. Personalize your request
Explain why you're asking them specifically and give background information on how you believe they can assist you. Always include a personal note with your reference request. You should write to each referrer separately, even if you are asking several distinct persons.
2. Be specific
When asking for a referral, specificity is crucial. The clearer you are about what you’re looking for, the easier it is for your referrer to help. Instead of saying, “I’m looking for a job in tech,” specify the type of role, industry, or company you’re targeting.
For example, “I’m looking for a product marketing role at a mid-sized fintech company” provides them with a clear picture of your goals. This not only helps them connect you with the right opportunities but also makes your request feel more thoughtful and intentional.
3. Be mindful of timing
Timing plays a significant role when asking for a referral. Reaching out during a busy period, like the end of a quarter or around major holidays, might not yield the best results, as your contact could be overwhelmed with their commitments.
Similarly, consider their circumstances - if they’ve recently changed jobs or are dealing with a high workload, they may not have the bandwidth to assist. A significantly favorable outcome is frequently achieved by asking at the appropriate moment.
4. Deliver a good experience for your clients
Excellent work is self-evident. A client will likely recommend you to others if they are pleased with your service. Ultimately, the evidence speaks for itself.
Delivering the finished product is only one aspect of good work. The goal is to provide a positive experience from start to finish.
Make an effort to cultivate positive relationships with your clientele. Keep everything organized. Follow through on your commitments and complete your tasks on time.
Clients appreciate excellent work as well as being dependable, on time, a good communicator, and simple to deal with.
5. Build your network and leverage mutual connections
A strong professional network is invaluable when seeking referrals. By building relationships within your industry or area of interest, you increase the chances of finding someone who can connect you to the right opportunities.
Mutual connections add credibility to your request, as people are more likely to help when a trusted third party is involved. When reaching out, mention your shared connection to establish trust and make the introduction smoother. This not only enhances the likelihood of getting a referral but also strengthens your overall network for future opportunities.
Attend networking events or seminars. Create an online network by using LinkedIn or other specialized referral networks.
6. Ask in other ways
Sometimes, a direct request for a referral may not be the most effective approach. Instead, consider other ways to ask for help.
You could ask for advice about the company or role you’re interested in, insights into the industry, or even tips on improving your application. These conversations often lead to referrals naturally, as your contact becomes more familiar with your qualifications and goals.
7. Follow up and provide updates
Following up after your initial request is essential, but it’s equally important to keep your referrer in the loop. Share updates on your progress, such as interviews or new opportunities, to show them how their support is making a difference.
This not only expresses your gratitude but also keeps the relationship active and engaging. Providing updates can also prompt them to offer further assistance or advice. Tell them if their recommendation gets you a project or a job; they'll be glad to hear they might be of assistance.
A thoughtful follow-up demonstrates professionalism and ensures you remain top of mind for future opportunities.
Conclusion
Knowing how to ask for a referral improves your chances of success. Personalize each request, highlight your value, and always show appreciation for their support. If you’re a freelancer, you can work with clients on Expaat and ask them for reviews on your profile. Visit Expaat to get started.
