Conventional wisdom says that a job referral equals a fast-track to getting a job. In many cases, it is absolutely true. In fact, you are five times more likely to get hired through a referral. As a referred candidate, you are often considered a better fit and will typically stay in your role longer than other hires.

Having a job referral, however, does not mean that landing the position is a sure thing. You have to know how to capitalize on that connection to get your foot in the door and impress the hiring manager.

So, how do you ask someone you know at your target company to help? What is your next step once they have put in the good word to HR? Should you mention them in your cover letter or at the interview?

With these questions in mind, we delve into how to find and ask for employee referrals. Plus, we show you the best ways to maximize a referral in your job application.

WHAT IS A JOB REFERRAL?

A job referral is a recommendation provided by someone within or connected to an organization you are interested in working for who can vouch for your qualifications and skill set. This professional endorsement can significantly enhance your chances of getting noticed in a crowded job market as a testament to your suitability for the role.

It is not just about getting your foot in the door; it is about starting off with a glowing introduction that says you are not just any candidate. You are someone special, someone who is highly recommended and already has a bit of sparkle attached to their name.

HOW TO FIND A JOB REFERRAL

The key to making job referrals work well for you is finding a connection between a job opening and someone you know. Start by searching your network to see who may be working at companies where you’d like to work. It could be your former colleagues, classmates or even friends who share your professional interests. Remember the camaraderie of your college alum networks; these groups often share job postings and are generally more than happy to refer someone they share a past with.

HOW TO ASK FOR A REFERRAL

Once you have identified a connection in your network, send them an e-mail asking about the specific job that you have seen at the company and include the link to the job description if you can.

BEST PRACTICES FOR USING YOUR JOB REFERRAL

Effectively capitalizing on a job referral is a harmonious blend of professionalism and a friendly approach, fostering a connection that could last a lifetime.

Ask permission first

The last thing you want to do is lose your connection’s trust by using their name in your application when they feel uncomfortable with you doing so. Make sure you have the okay from them before mentioning their name to start building a relationship with the recruiter or hiring manager.

Include your job referral in your email and cover letter

Once you have permission to use your contact’s name in communications, it is wise to include them in your initial outreach to the hiring manager and your cover letter. Make sure to mention your referral early on to set the tone.

Keep your referral updated

You should let your contact know after you submit your resume, cover letter and any other required application materials to the hiring manager. They may be able to provide insider information on the progress or help you navigate potential hazards in the interview process — if they know what is happening in real time.

Keep this line of communication open throughout the entire application period with quick status updates and express your enthusiasm about the opportunity in each message.

Mention your referral in your interview

Even though you have already mentioned your referral in your cover letter and correspondence with the hiring manager, it is also a good idea to mention them once you get to the interview stage — in the right way; in relation to the work the company does.

CAST A WIDE NET IN YOUR JOB SEARCH

Think of Monster.com as your contact with a far-reaching referral network that can help you get your foot in the door. Find the opportunities that interest you on our job board and then reach out to your connections for a job referral. Get started by signing up for your free Monster account. Upload up to five versions of your resume, each tailored to the jobs that interest you.