Your resume may be the single most important tool in your job search, but it’s certainly not the only one. Networking and Job referrals also play a great role in getting your next job. Job referral is one of the best ways to ensure that the right people see your resume. You will most likely get an interview when someone refers you for a job. This article will take you through how to ask for a referral on LinkedIn messages to land your next job. So, let’s get started.
How to ask for a referral on LinkedIn Messages?
Here are simple steps to follow when asking for a referral on a LinkedIn message:
Step 1 – Research your LinkedIn contacts and which company they work for. Visit the company’s website to find the open positions.
Step 2 – Review all the positions that are available and relevant to you. Pick 2-3 positions that interest you.
Step 3 – Send a message to your LinkedIn contact who works in that company.
The message could be something like this:
Dear X,
I am interested in applying for a, b, and c positions available in your company. Do you mind referring me to these positions? My resume is attached for the job posts [insert the link to the job posting here].
Thanks
6 Tips to write LinkedIn messages for job referrals:
Focus on your network
There might be people in your current network who can get you a job. Stop spending most of your time reaching out to cold contacts; instead, dig into your current network. This can mean reaching out to your ex-boss, ex-colleagues, old friends etc. The effort you put into your current network will pay off much more than the time spent reaching out to strangers.
Let the other person respond in their own time
Don’t be pushy in your message. Avoid phrases like ‘Thank you in advance’ or ‘looking forward to hearing from you.’ Don’t expect anything in return from the person you send a message to. The fact that you are hoping to get a referral from them should not be apparent in your message. Just let them know you are available and give them a few ways to reach out to you. Wish them well and thank them for their time.
Have a clear goal and strategy to approach your contacts
When reaching out to people on LinkedIn with a networking message, you need to plan it properly and set a goal for yourselves. A good start could be reaching out to 2 people per day. This way, you can spend enough time researching and sending a personalized message to each of these connections. It also helps you to keep track of your networking messages easily. This can be done in a spreadsheet, your calendar, or any other organizing app such as Trello.
Add value to the person.
Never begin with asking for something. Instead, add value to them first before expecting something from them. For example, your message could be,
Hi, I noticed that you recently published an article on the XYZ website. I wanted to let you know I enjoyed it. I really liked what you wrote about ABC. Hope you have a great day!
This will make the other person say thank you or at least think nicely about you.
Send a message after office hours.
During working hours, messages get ignored as people get a lot of emails and LinkedIn messages. They might be busy, and if they see your message during office hours, they may forget to respond later when available. When you send a message outside working hours, your message will get more attention as there might not be many urgent things happening then.
Follow up consistently
Most networking happens when you follow up. Create a plan for two weeks, one month etc., for the connections of your interest and send them messages that add value. Networking is the foundation of your job search. Though the company may be your employer, it’s a person who hires you.
How to ask for a referral on a LinkedIn message from close friends or acquaintances?
Here’s a simple template that you can follow:
Hi George,
Hope all is well with you. [add something personalized here based on your research about him]
I wonder whether you have contacts with your company’s hiring personnel and if you are comfortable introducing me to them. If you feel that you know about my work and skills to put me in contact with [hiring manager name], I would really appreciate it.
How to ask for a referral on a LinkedIn message from an old acquaintance?
Here’s the template to follow:
Hi Carol,
Hope all is well with you. [add something personal such as how you know them]
I already submitted my resume and job application to your company and was curious to know whether you are in contact with your company’s hiring manager. If so, it would be a tremendous help if you could introduce me to her. I am confident that your referral would go a long way toward helping me land an interview for the job I desire.
How to ask a stranger for a referral on LinkedIn?
Here’s a simple template that you can follow:
Hi Francis,
I attended XYZ in November 2021 cohort. I came across the ABC role at your company [you can include the link to the job post], and I am interested in applying. Would you be open to sharing my resume with the hiring team, so they know about my interest in this role?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Can you ask strangers for referrals?
Yes, you can send them your resume and ask them to refer you if they have any relevant opportunities in their company. Besides, some companies have employee referral programs, where the person who referred you gets a bonus if you get hired through them. If you are a strong candidate, the employee would be interested in referring you to their company.
Key Takeaways
Requesting job referrals on LinkedIn messages can be a powerful way to open up more doors. It can help you get more interviews and improve your odds of getting your dream job. Add value to people and build your network strategically. Make sure to reach out to people after a reasonable amount of time and not ask for a referral the next day you connect with them. Don’t be afraid to ask for a referral when you find a relevant opportunity. Chances are that the person who will refer you may get an incentive, too, for referring you.
