Asking Strangers for Referrals: Tips & Templates

Referrals on LinkedIn: With these simple tips, you‘ll get internal job recommendations that really work.

Patricia Parnet
5 min read6 days ago
Various jobs and gifts.
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Do you have the feeling that your job search is going nowhere and you don’t feel like sending out normal applications anymore?

It’s easy to get lost in the crowd, especially at large companies. There’s a solution: personal recommendations, also known as “referrals”.

What is a recommendation/referral for a job?

Many companies offer their employees the opportunity to recommend suitable candidates for vacancies.

A referral often gives you a little extra edge, but is by no means a guarantee.

If the basic skills or prerequisites are not met or the documents do not meet expectations, you won’t get very far. How about a course at UAL in London to learn new skills abroad?

In return, employees who are successfully hired receive a bonus, i.e. a certain amount as thanks for the recommendation. But only if they are actually hired. This way, both sides benefit from each other and have a genuine interest that it works out.

However, there are exceptions and many companies do not pay a bonus for certain positions: These often include interns or temporary jobs. However, this can vary. If you are dreaming of an internship abroad, you can also apply traditionally. An international VIE work program in Hong Kong or Singapore would be a great opportunity.

Nevertheless, it is always helpful to find out more and questions cost nothing. But there are a few rules you should follow to make sure it really works!

How does a referral work at a company?

The process can vary widely from company to company, but larger organizations often have dedicated referral systems in place. Typically, employees can search for open positions internally and generate a unique referral or application link for the job, quite similar to how affiliate marketing works.

This link is then shared with the candidate, usually via email. Usually, the referring employee needs to input some of the candidate’s information, such as their name, email address (matching the one used in the application), and occasionally additional details. Want to know which information you can skip in the standard application form? Find out here.

Some companies also require a CV or a short statement explaining why exactly this person is the perfect fit. Proper preparation is therefore essential: check beforehand what the exact process looks like at the respective company and what you need to be ready for. By the way, you can often skip the classic letter of motivation, even with AI!

Then, applicants will most likely submit the classic job application process while having the booster link. But what happens after submission? The responsible recruiter and the hiring manager, who is the person actually hiring, will then see a hint in the system. They may also contact the person who recommended you again. This can have enormous advantages.

Please keep in mind that a referral can only be requested via the official channels before submitting the application. If the application has already been submitted, it‘s often not possible to request this afterwards.

Finally, the employee who referred you will receive the corresponding amount of money. And if it is not successful: just try again!

3 golden rules for a referral request

🎯 Referral rule: Only ask about specific, open jobs

Always ask for a recommendation for a particular vacancy that is currently advertised. “Do you know of anything?” sounds too vague and makes it difficult for the other person to really help you.

The person certainly won’t start looking for jobs for you. Ideally, however, they will keep you in mind for the long term. Sometimes jobs pop up with new names: UX/UI Designers are slowly becoming UX/AI Designers.

🔗 Referral rule: Always include a link

Always include the link to the job advertisement from the official career page. This way, the person doesn’t have to search first and knows exactly what position it is and can find it directly in the internal system. This saves time and shows that you are taking the request seriously.

✏️ Referral rule: Short message

Keep your message clear and concise. Nobody has time for endless novels, especially in a stressful working world. Remember that messages will be quite frequently opened on mobile phones, where there is even less space. A friendly introduction, a clear request and a quick wrap-up, that’s it. Remember: Less is more!

Extra referral tips

  • Attach a tailored resume
    If you really want to score points, attach your resume right away. This way, the person has all the information they need to recommend you without any problems. Make sure your CV is up to date and matches the position exactly. This shows professionalism and makes the process much easier. At the same time, your LinkedIn profile should be up to date and organized. Click here for essential LinkedIn tips that will magically attract recruiters.
  • Highlight why you’re the right fit
    Give the person a few bullet points or a short sentence about why you’re perfect for the job. This makes it much easier to present yourself in the best light. Keywords such as “5 years’ experience in XY” or “strong project management skills” are often enough. This will make your referral request not only friendly, but also really convincing!

Template for a referral request on LinkedIn

Hi [name],

How exciting that you work at [company]! I am also an alumni of [university]/ I’m also very passionate about [topics].

I just found a great position as [job title]: [link]
Would you be able to refer me? 🙏

Thanks to my experience at [company/university/course]/ my passion for […]/ my skills in […], I can contribute and learn at the same time [Optional: 1–2 more sentences on why you are suitable]. You can find more details in my CV and my portfolio at [Link]:

Thank you so much for your time and support. Feel free to reach out anytime if you have any questions.

[Attachment CV as PDF]

Best,
[Your Name]

A referral can really open doors for you, but only if you make it easy for your connection to help you. Especially if you are looking for international jobs, referrals can be a great help: Explore more tips on finding a job abroad.

Ultimately, however, you always have to go through the process yourself. Be specific, friendly and well prepared. And above all: be yourself!

🎨 Free CV / Resumé Template on Figma

Shared with mentees for years, NYCHE CareeraCard® template users landed interviews at McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Google, Deloitte, and more.

🔗 Patricia’s CV/Resumé Template

Figma offers free plans and special student access. What are you waiting for?

💜 Feedback & Questions

I‘d love to hear from you! Connect with me on LinkedIn.

If you liked this story, please leave some claps 👏

Still looking for your personal branding strategy? Try the cornflakes method.

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Patricia Parnet
Patricia Parnet

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