Job Referral Tips

If I had 3 months to land a job at ONE specific company, here's exactly how I'd do it. Forget mass applications. This is about strategic relationship building. Month 1: Research & Connect → Go to their LinkedIn company page → Click "People" tab, filter by your location → Search for your target department in the search bar → Find 5-10 employees in that department → Check their recent posts for engagement opportunities → Comment thoughtfully on their post first → Send connection request with personalized note Example message: "Hi Beth, I saw your post on content strategy - great insights! I've been on LinkedIn for 5 years and love connecting with strategic minds. Would love to see more of your content on my feed." Month 2: Build Relationship → Engage with their posts twice weekly → Use their content as natural conversation starters Month 3: Make your Move → Now you can naturally ask for referrals → Request heads-up on upcoming positions The principle: Give first, ask later. No matter how small. Having an insider who is in your corner will go a long way. This may take time, but it will pay off. Happy Midweek, guys! How has writing on LinkedIn been treating you? I'm answering questions in the comments.

Over the last 6 months at Google, I have referred 60+ people. More than 20 of them got interview calls, and 1 has been selected so far! 🎉 Referring someone takes less than a minute—if all the necessary details are in place. However, I often receive messages like, “I’m looking for internships” or “Are there any openings?” Here’s a tip: Always check the company’s careers portal first. It has the most up-to-date list of openings and helps streamline the process. To make your referral request effective, here are 3 key things I look for: 1️⃣ Resume Link: Share a link to your resume not a PDF. This ensures easy access and reference. 2️⃣ Job Link: Provide the specific job posting link you’re applying for. It avoids confusion and keeps things clear. 3️⃣ Fit for the Role: Write why you're the best fit for the role. For example: "Sai has over 2 years of experience in software development with expertise in building scalable distributed systems." Additionally, one common mistake I see is applying for roles you aren’t eligible for (especially among college students). This doesn’t help anyone. Please review the job requirements carefully before applying. A well-structured referral request not only saves time but also significantly increases your chances of success. Put in the effort, and opportunities will follow. 🚀 Let’s make this process smoother for everyone! #Google #Referral #JobSearchTips #CareerAdvice

Sending another application today? Cool. Just know that hitting 'submit' isn't the win you think. Here's the thing: applications feel productive. They're measurable. They're safe. But they're not moving you forward 👇 STEP 1) Redefine your finish line - Stop counting applications sent. Start counting conversations had. One real conversation with someone at your target company beats 20 cold applications every single time. - The goal isn't volume, it's connection. STEP 2) Pick one person this week - Find someone doing the work you want to do. Someone who's been where you're trying to go. Reach out with a clear, specific ask. "I'd love 15 minutes to learn how you approached X" works better than "Can I pick your brain?" - Make it easy for them to say yes. STEP 3) Show up prepared - Don't waste their time with questions Google could answer. Come with insight. Share what you've learned about their company, their role, their challenges. - Ask how they'd approach a problem you're thinking through. - This isn't an interview, it's a conversation between two professionals. STEP 4) Follow through - After the call, send a thank you. Share something useful. Stay visible. The relationship doesn't end when the Zoom closes. - People refer candidates they remember, not resumes they forgot. The application makes you feel busy. The conversation makes you memorable. Leave the dopamine hit of clicking 'apply' behind. Start building the relationships that actually open doors. One conversation this week. That's the finish line that matters. Go find it ✌🏼

People ask me all the time how to network. Here’s a short, tactical guide on how to actually do it - grounded in real data, real results, and 3,500+ jobs found through relationships. 🎯 The #1 misconception Networking is not: “Let me ask you for a job.” It is: “Let me have a real, human moment with someone in this industry.” ✅ What actually works This is how you build meaningful professional relationships - the kind that lead to real opportunities: 1️⃣ Be around. Events, Discords, social posts, games projects, ticket giveaways, community coaching - just show up. Start by being visible. Over time, become memorable for the right reasons. 2️⃣ Don’t pitch. Connect. Ask questions. Be genuinely curious. You’re planting seeds, not harvesting. This takes months and years. There are not shortcuts to building real relationships. 3️⃣ Look sideways, not up. A junior colleague can often help you more than a C-level exec. Build trust, first, with people at your level or just above it. 4️⃣ Follow up like a human. Send messages that matter: “Just played [X] - loved the level design.” “Your GDC talk really stuck with me - thank you.” “Noticed you moved from QA to design - would love to hear how.” 5️⃣ Give before you get. Share insights, leave helpful comments, support others’ work - anything that builds trust and makes you recognizable. 6️⃣ Say hi when there’s nothing to gain. That’s the best time. No stakes, no pressure - it’s when real relationships start. 7️⃣ Don’t just “shoot your shot.” ❌❌❌❌❌ Never reach out with “Can you get me a job?” That closes doors, fast. Lead with curiosity and conversation, not a transactional, cold ask. 🔥 If I wanted to be provocative… I’d say this: Applying to jobs without connective tissue is very inefficient. Particularly for early career and more senior folks. Instead of asking, “What should I apply to?” - ask, “Where can I build a relationship?” Posting about hundreds of applications is understandable, but it misses the point. Focus on how many real connections you’ve made - then work backward to the right applications. 🧠 Avoid the Dream Company Trap Too many people focus only on the one studio they love - and end up pinging the same five people as everyone else. I always ask: Where do I already have network strength? Where can I go that everybody else isn’t going? We track 3,000+ game studios. 1,000+ of them hire. Go outside the top 50. 🪜 Think in ladders and sidesteps Instead of aiming straight at your target studio, look at who owns that studio. Think conglomerates. Think sister teams. Adjacent verticals. 📊 The data backs it up. Across our community: Cold apps: ~1–2% yield Apps with any warm connection: 10–20x+ better odds 🧭 The shift is simple Spend more time building bridges than sending résumés. Relationships are the infrastructure of hiring. Build that first. The first thing I ask anyone who's stuck is: Are you spending 80%+ of your effort building relationships? If not, do that.

In my early career, I thought networking was all about building as many connections as possible. But I quickly learned that effective networking isn't about the quantity of your connections—it's about the quality. Throughout my career, the connections that have truly made a difference weren’t the ones where I just asked for help—they were the ones where I made it easy for others to want to help me. If you want to make others genuinely want to help you, it’s crucial to move beyond simply asking for favors. Instead, focus on creating value and building relationships where both parties benefit. So, how can you do the same? Here are four tactical tips to help you network effectively: ✅ Do Your Homework Before reaching out, research the person or company you’re interested in. Understand their work, challenges, and how you can add value. For instance, instead of asking a connection for job leads, do your own research first. Identify specific roles and companies you’re targeting, and then ask if they can help with an introduction. This approach shows initiative and respect for their time. ✅ Be Specific in Your Ask Whether you’re asking for an introduction, advice, or a referral, be clear and concise about what you need. For example, instead of asking, “Do you know anyone hiring?” say, “I noticed [Company Name] is looking for a [Role]. Would you be open to introducing me to [Person]? I’m happy to send you my resume and a brief write-up you can pass along, too.” This shows that you’ve taken the initiative and makes it easier for your contact to say yes. ✅ Offer Mutual Value When requesting a meeting or advice, frame it as a two-way conversation. Instead of saying, “Can I pick your brain?” try something like, “I’d love to exchange ideas on [specific topic] and share some strategies that have worked for me.” This not only makes your request more compelling but also positions you as someone who brings value to the table. ✅ Follow Up with Gratitude After someone has helped you, don’t just say thank you and disappear. Keep them in the loop on how their help made an impact. Whether you got the job, secured the meeting, or just had a great conversation, let them know. This closes the loop and makes them more inclined to help you in the future. Your network is one of your greatest assets—nurture it well, and it will be there for you when you need it most. What’s one networking tip that’s helped you build stronger connections? *** 📧 Want more tips like these? Join Career Bites - free weekly bite-sized tips to supercharge your career in 3 minutes or less: lorraineklee.com/subscribe 📖 You can also get behind-the-scenes stories, updates, and special gifts for my upcoming book Unforgettable Presence: lorraineklee.com/book

Employees don’t want to refer you? Reason? People expect employees to find job IDs, check openings, and other info instead of doing basic research themselves. Here are a few simple yet crucial points to improve your chances of getting referred to Big 4s: ✅Know your field of interest - Be clear about the specific domain you want to apply for before approaching someone. ✅Don't apply through multiple people - In Big 4 firms, a candidate can be referred only once for the same role. If multiple employees refer you and HR flags it, they may feel their time was wasted and might ignore future requests. ✅Connect with domain-specific people - If you’re applying for IDT, reach out to professionals in the IDT department. Other teams may have limited ability to help. ✅Avoid typing mistakes - Ensure names and messages are correctly written. First impressions matter! ✅Avoid "Hi" and "Hello" - Most professionals prefer direct messages. Instead of hi, hello, directly mention why you are reaching out to them. ✅Don't follow up excessively - When someone refers you, you will get an acknowledgement email. After that, it’s HR’s job, not the referrer’s. Be patient and avoid unnecessary follow-ups. All the best! If you have more tips, feel free to share them for the benefit of others. LinkedIn #big4 #hiring #referrals

Advice for women in their 20s and 30s Nurturing relationships, social capital, and professional visibility will increase your chances of getting career-advancing referrals. Referrals are one of the most powerful drivers of professional success. Whether you’re seeking a new job, landing a client, or securing an investment, having the right people mention your name in the right rooms can open doors that hard work alone may not. But how do you ensure that others advocate for you when you’re not in the room? Here are four key ways to increase your chances of getting referrals. 1. Cultivate Authentic Relationships Referrals are built on trust, not transactions. The most valuable referrals come from individuals who genuinely believe in your skills, work ethic, and character. Instead of networking with a "What can I get?" mindset, focus on fostering meaningful relationships. Offer support, share insights, and show genuine interest in others' success. Tip: Schedule regular check-ins with mentors, colleagues, and peers. A simple "How can I support you?" message can deepen connections and make them more likely to think of you when opportunities arise. 2. Build a Reputation for Excellence People refer individuals whose work they trust. If you consistently deliver high-quality results, demonstrate leadership, and solve problems effectively, you increase the likelihood of being recommended. A strong professional reputation makes it easy for others to vouch for you without hesitation. Tip: Identify your unique strengths and communicate them clearly in meetings, presentations, and online platforms. Make it easy for others to articulate what you’re known for. 3. Stay Top of Mind Even the most well-intentioned contacts won’t refer you if they forget about you. Visibility matters. Engaging on professional platforms, sharing industry insights, and participating in relevant conversations ensure that when an opportunity arises, your name is the first one that comes to mind. Tip: Post valuable content on LinkedIn, attend industry events, and contribute to professional discussions. The more you show up, the more likely you are to be remembered. 4. Give First, Receive Later One of the most effective ways to receive referrals is to give them. When you connect people to opportunities, resources, or potential collaborators, you position yourself as a valuable member of your network. Reciprocity is a powerful force in professional relationships. Tip: Actively look for ways to recommend, introduce, or endorse others. By being a connector, you increase the chances that others will return the favor. By cultivating strong relationships, maintaining a reputation for excellence, staying visible, and giving generously, you can ensure that when your name comes up in a room full of decision-makers, it’s attached to an opportunity. What advice do you have for women in their 20s and 30s ? Let me know in the comments ⬇️

I recruit for Airbnb. Engineers ask me all the time: "Does a referral actually help?" Yes. But not the way most people think. Here's what actually happens when a referral lands in my inbox. First - I review the profile against the role criteria. A referral doesn't skip the evaluation. It skips the cold queue. Your profile still has to fit. If the experience isn't there, the referral doesn't change the outcome. It just means I look faster. Second - strong referrals get actioned quickly. Most teams have an SLA on referrals. We're no different. If the profile fits, we close the loop fast. This is the real advantage of a referral - not guaranteed entry, but speed. In a process where timing matters, that's significant. Third - when a referral doesn't fit, I ask the referrer why they sent it. The answer is almost always the same: misaligned expectations. The referrer didn't fully understand the role requirements. Or they assumed their vouching would carry more weight than the criteria. It rarely does. So if you're planning to ask someone for a referral, or someone's offering you one...do this first: - Share the job description with them. - Ask them to be honest about whether your profile actually matches. - A referral from someone who genuinely believes you're right for the role carries weight. - A referral sent out of goodwill but without fit carries almost none. The referral opens a door. You still have to walk through it. Joshua Talreja Views are my own and don't represent my employer. #hiring #jobs #careers #jobsearch #india

I wrote a book called The Referral Engine to make the case that referrals should be your #1 lead source—but there’s a catch. Early in my career, I thought doing great work was enough to keep clients coming. And for a while, it worked. One happy client led to another, and I stayed busy. Then, one day, the referrals slowed down. And I found myself wondering: Where’s the next client coming from? That’s when I realized something many business owners eventually figure out: Referrals don’t just happen. They have to be built into your marketing system. Too many businesses think referrals are random. They do great work, cross their fingers, and hope happy clients will spread the word. Yes, that better be happening. But that’s not a strategy. I started asking myself some different questions. ~ How do I make referring me the easiest thing my clients can do? ~ How do I teach my best customers to tell the right story about me? ~ How do I bake referrals into every stage of my client experience? Just thinking this way changed everything. Instead of waiting for referrals, I created a system to generate them. Here’s what I figured out. First, people don’t refer businesses. They refer experiences. If your work is just “good,” no one is talking about it. If your process is clunky, no one is bringing their best contacts into it. The easiest way to get more referrals is to create something worth talking about. Second, most people would be happy to refer you, but they don’t know how. If you want more referrals, you have to make it easy. Give people the right language to use. Create a process that naturally encourages introductions. Make referring you feel like a win for them, not a favor to you. Finally, the best way to generate more referrals is to teach before you sell. Create content that positions you as the expert people want to send their friends to. Be the person people naturally think of when someone asks, “Who do you know that does great work in this space?” When someone tells me their lead generation is inconsistent, I don’t tell them to start cold calling. I tell them to make referrals a system, not an accident. So I’m curious—what’s one thing you do to make referrals a natural part of the customer journey?

Are you doing what matters the most FIRST? Most of the conversations I’ve been having lately aren’t about doing more in a job search. Instead, they are about sharpening what actually matters FIRST. I was catching up with one of my earliest clients from 7 years ago. Since then, they’ve built a strong portfolio of consulting work, expanded their experience, and have a lot more to bring to the market. They’re doing many of the right things. Having conversations. Reaching out. Asking for referrals. But we came back to two fundamentals that tend to drift over time: --First, getting crystal clear on your unique value proposition. Not a general summary or a list of roles. Rather, a clear articulation of how you help a business move the needle, grounded in what you’ve actually done. --Second, being precise in how you engage your network. WHY? Because your network cannot help you if you are not clear. Full stop. At the senior and executive level, lack of clarity doesn’t just slow things down. It delays outcomes in a very real way. And I have talked with people firsthand who carry deep shame when they can’t break through with people who have worked with them and already know what they can do. If you’re asking for referrals, tighten the ask: • Be specific about the types of companies you are targeting. Industry, size, business model, or transformation stage. Give people something concrete to react to. • Anchor your ask in value. Instead of “I’m exploring roles,” connect your background to a business problem. “I’ve been leading X and Y, and I’m looking to apply that in companies navigating Z.” ⬆️ ⬆️ ⬆️ ⬆️ ⬆️ ⬆️ ⬆️ ⬆️ ⬆️ ⬆️ If you leave THIS to chance, they WILL NOT guess. • Ask for direction, not just introductions. “Who would you speak to if you were in my position?” often leads to better outcomes than a generic referral request. • Make it easy to act. Name the function, level, or type of leader you want to meet. The clearer you are, the more likely someone is to connect the dots quickly. • Close the loop. When someone helps, follow up with what happened. This builds momentum and keeps people engaged in your search. You must be clear about your UVP from the outset, as it is the foundation upon which you are building the rest of your job search strategy. I have seen this time and again. If you skip that order, you end up having a lot of activity that doesn’t translate into traction. If you want a deeper look at the frameworks behind this, I’m happy to share the intro to my book, Qualified Isn't Enough. Send me a DM. 📩 The people who accelerate understand all these moving parts and execute accordingly. #careers #jobs #CareerVelocity Recommended Reading: ⭐ Your Elevator Pitch Might Be Costing You Job Opportunities ⭐ Forbes Coaches Council https://lnkd.in/gsn-jC8N