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On Today’s Menu

On today’s issue, I’m covering an under-utilized tool in the job search toolbox—referrals!

Last week, a former client reached out to share good news: she landed a job at Google—something she'd struggled with for months applying online.

How did she do it? She got referred by someone inside.

I wasn’t surprised. After helping hundreds of professionals as a resume writer and coach, I’ve seen what referrals can do firsthand.

Today, I'll show you exactly how employee referrals can help you cut through the noise and get noticed faster by hiring managers.

What Is an Employee Referral?

An employee referral happens when someone already working at a company recommends you for a job opening.

Referrals matter because internal support helps your application stand out, significantly increasing your chances of getting noticed by recruiters and hiring managers.

Why They Work

Employee referrals are effective because they provide a built-in trust factor. Hiring managers are more comfortable considering candidates who come recommended by their own employees—it's like a stamp of approval.

Referrals often lead to quicker hiring decisions since they're seen as less risky. Statistically, referred candidates are 4x times more likely to be hired than those who apply through traditional online applications.

Companies also prefer referrals because these hires tend to stay longer, creating a win-win situation for both employers and job seekers.

A few more quick stats on why referrals are good for both applicant and company👇

How Do You Get a Referral?

Step 1: Identify Your Target Companies 

Start by listing companies you genuinely want to work for. Use LinkedIn or your personal network to discover if you have any connections at these companies—even a friend-of-a-friend can help.

Step 2: Connect with Someone Inside 

Reach out to your identified contact. If you already know them, mention your interest directly. If it’s someone new, like a former classmate or colleague you haven't talked to in a while, approach it naturally.

A simple message might be, “Hi, I noticed you're at [Company Name]. I'd love to learn more about your experience there. Could we have a quick chat?”

Step 3: Clearly Express Your Interest 

During your convo, share why you're interested in the company and tell them about your qualifications (briefly).

For example, you might say, “I've been in [your role or industry] for a few years, and I'm really impressed by [specific aspect of company or role]. I'd appreciate being considered if something suitable comes up.”

Step 4: Politely Request a Referral 

If the interaction goes well, comfortably ask for a referral. Something casual like, “Would you feel comfortable referring me?” works best.

Often, contacts might even volunteer to refer you if they think you’re a good fit.

Step 5: Make It Easy 

Help your contact by providing your updated resume and a brief list of key accomplishments or strengths.

The simpler you make this process, the more likely your contact is to follow through promptly.

Step 6: Follow the Company Process 

Many companies still require an official online application, even with a referral.

When you apply, clearly indicate your referral’s name or use any referral code provided.

Submit your application as soon as you can to keep momentum.

Step 7: Thank Your Contact 

This goes without saying, but always thank the person who referred you, regardless of the outcome.

Keeping them up to speed about your progress strengthens your relationship and can lead to future opportunities.

Real-Life Example

One of my former clients recently aimed for a role at Google but struggled with traditional applications.

She realized a former colleague worked there, reconnected, and asked for advice. Her colleague was impressed by her experience and offered a referral.

That referral led to an immediate interview, something her earlier applications couldn’t achieve.

This underscores how maintaining relationships and genuinely reconnecting can make all the difference in your job search.

Tools to Help You Get Referrals

• LinkedIn: Search by company and filter by mutual connections or alumni to find possible insiders.

• Company Career Pages: Check if there's a referral section where you can name an employee who recommends you.

• Alumni Networks: Use your school’s alumni directories or mentorship programs to find warm contacts who might introduce or refer you.

To Sum It All Up

The most effective referrals are authentic—nobody likes users and fakers. That’s why it’s always good to build and maintain relationships over the course of your career—people will naturally help if they trust and believe in you.

I'd love to hear your referral success stories or any questions you have—just reach out!

Good luck,

Alex Khamis
Managing Partner, CPRW
Final Draft Resumes & Resumatic

And that’s a wrap for this week. Hope you enjoyed it. If you have questions you’d like me to answer, be sure to connect with me at [email protected].