How referrals can impact your job applications

You might hear or read about needing to “get a referral” for an internship or a job. But what exactly is a referral? A referral is when an employee at a company formally recommends you as a great candidate to work at their company. A referral could be for a specific role at the company or it could just be a general referral recommending you as a great candidate for future roles.  

At large organizations, the referral process is often formalized with an internal form that the employee fills out to recommend you. That referral is then attached to any of your current or future job applications there. At small organizations, the referral process can be as informal as your contact sending a recruiter or hiring manager your resume over email. 

Want to learn more? Check out these FAQs to learn how you can use referrals to help you in the recruitment process:

  • Do I have to have a referral to get an internship or job? No but it will make it easier because someone who knows you is backing you as a great fit for the company. Why? It makes you less of a stranger to the company.  
  • Can I ask for a referral on a networking call? We do not recommend it. Referrals naturally happen when you impress someone with how you conduct yourself on a networking call by asking great questions, being respectful, following up, and demonstrating that you are a fit for the company or role. An employee will refer you on their own if they feel you are a great fit. You asking them for one directly can come off as rude or transactional.
  • Does the seniority of the referrer impact the referral? Yes, indeed! The more senior the referrer, the stronger the referral.  
  • How do I know I’ve been referred? Completely depends on the company. Sometimes you’ll get an email notification but usually won’t ever know unless your contact tells you.  
By Carly Villa
Carly Villa Career Consultant