How to Ask for a Job Referral (Without Feeling Awkward)

A referral from someone inside a company can move your application from the bottom of a large pile to the hiring manager's desk. Many employers value referrals because current staff tend to recommend people they believe will do well, and some companies even pay employees a bonus for successful referrals. Asking can still feel uncomfortable, though. This guide shows you how to ask in a way that is easy for the other person to say yes to.

Who to ask

The best referrals come from people who can genuinely speak about you or who at least have some connection with you:

• Strong ties: former colleagues, managers, classmates or friends who know your work.
• Weaker ties: alumni of your school, people you met at events, friends of friends.
• New contacts: people you have recently spoken to in an informational interview.

Asking a complete stranger for a referral rarely works. If you don't know anyone at the company, start by building a connection first, for example through a short informational chat.

Do your homework first

• Find the specific job posting you want to be referred for, including the link or job ID.
• Make sure you genuinely meet most of the requirements. Your contact's reputation is on the line too.
• Tailor your resume for the role so it is ready to send.

Make it easy to help you

Your message should give your contact everything they need in one go:

1. A friendly opening and a reminder of how you know each other
2. The exact role and a link to the posting
3. Two or three lines on why you are a good fit
4. Your tailored resume attached
5. A clear, polite request and an easy way to say no

Template: asking someone you know well

Hi Daniel,

Hope you're doing well! I saw that [Company] is hiring a Customer Success Manager [link]. Since we worked together on the client onboarding project, I thought of you right away.

The role focuses on retaining mid-sized clients, which is exactly what I've been doing for the past three years. In my current job I manage 40 accounts and helped reduce cancellations by 15% last year.

Would you feel comfortable referring me? I've attached my resume and I'm happy to send a short summary you could forward. And if it's not a good time or not something you can do, no problem at all.

Thanks so much,
Maya

Template: asking a weaker connection

Hi Priya,

Thanks again for taking the time to tell me about your work in the data team last month. It really helped me understand the role.

I noticed there's now an opening for a Junior Data Analyst [link]. Based on what you shared, it seems like a great match for my SQL and reporting experience. If you think I'd be a fit, would you be open to referring me or pointing me to the right person to contact? I've attached my resume in case it's helpful.

Either way, I really appreciate your help.

Best regards,
Omar

After you ask

• Respect their answer. If they say no or do not reply, don't push. Some people are not allowed to refer, or don't know your work well enough.
• Apply as instructed. Some companies need the employee to submit the referral first; others ask you to mention the person's name in your application.
• Say thank you whether or not you get the job, and keep them updated on the result.
• Return the favour when you can.

Mistakes to avoid

• Asking for a referral without naming a specific job.
• Sending a long message that the person has to edit before forwarding.
• Asking someone to vouch for skills they have never seen you use.
• Following up repeatedly in a short time.

A clear, considerate request respects your contact's time and reputation, and that is exactly what makes them comfortable recommending you.