How to Refer Someone for a Job: Best Practices to Follow

"I know someone who would be great for this job, but I'm unsure how to recommend them." 

Does this sound familiar? You're not alone. 

The good news is that referring someone for a job can be easy, professional, and meaningful if done correctly. 

In this guide, we’ll show you how to refer someone for a job, whether through a formal employee referral program or an informal recommendation. 

Let’s get started.

What is a Job Referral?

A job referral means recommending someone you’re familiar with for a particular job opening.

In our experience, employee referrals are seen as one of the most reliable ways to find new talent. 

Referred candidates tend to be:

• Hired faster
• A better fit for the company culture
• More likely to stay longer

For job seekers, getting a referral can greatly increase their chances of landing an interview and getting hired.

From a company’s perspective, referrals help cut recruitment costs, speed up the hiring process, and enhance employee engagement. 

However, before you refer someone for a job, think about two main things: 

Whether your contact is qualified for the position and if they have a strong work ethic.

Also, consider how your relationship might change if they don’t get the job.

Benefits of Job Referrals

Job referrals offer many benefits:

• Referred candidates are usually one of the best HR strategies because they are of higher quality. Employees will only recommend someone they trust because their own reputation is on the line.

• Compared to traditional hiring methods like job boards or third-party recruiters, referred candidates move through the hiring process faster.

• It can be hard to assess if a candidate is a good cultural fit during interviews, but referred candidates have an insider's perspective. This means they are more likely to adapt quickly and stay longer.

• Referred employees often stay longer than those hired through other methods. They enter the company with a built-in connection and a clearer understanding of what to expect.

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TROIS Collective helps people find jobs by connecting them with companies that need strong team members. As a trusted HR business partner, we refer top talent to businesses looking to hire.

Step-by-Step How to Refer Someone for a Job

Before referring someone, have a clear idea of the best practices to follow:

1. Review the Job Description First

Before you suggest a candidate to your hiring manager or HR, check that they are a good fit for the role. 

First, read the job description carefully. 

Then, compare it to your contact’s skills, experience, and career goals. 

Finally, consider how well they match your company’s values and culture. 

Remember, a bad referral can reflect poorly on both you and the candidate. 

Only refer someone if you truly believe they are a good fit.

2. Ask Internally and Ask your Acquaintance

When asking for job referrals, consider how your company operates and internal communication works.

In larger companies with HR departments, follow their application process and mention your referral as instructed. 

You might even receive a referral bonus. 

For smaller companies, it might be better to talk directly with the owner about your referral. 

On the other hand, always get permission before referring someone. 

If they are interested, ask for their updated resume and any important details they want to include, such as their portfolio, LinkedIn profile, or a tailored cover letter.

3. Write a Strong Referral Message

When you refer someone for a job, it's important how you present that referral, whether online or via email.

Even if you talk to someone in person, writing a referral letter can be a good idea for the employer to keep.

Make sure to include these key details about the person you are referring:

• How well you know them and the length of your relationship
• Their skills and traits that match the company's values and brand

Avoid lying in your job referral email to HR or the hiring manager. 

Lying can harm your friend’s chances at the company and damage your own reputation.

4. Submit Through the Right Channel

There are different ways to submit a referral, depending on your company:

• Internal referral portal: Many large companies have a referral system in their HR software, like Workday or Greenhouse

• Emailing HR or hiring managers directly: If there’s no formal process, you can send a personal email

• Through LinkedIn Job Posts: Some companies provide referral links on LinkedIn

5. Follow Up (Without Overstepping)

After you make a referral, check in with your contact. Let them know:

• You submitted the referral
• What they can expect next
• You’re available to help if needed

After submitting your job referral, wait about a month before following up with the hiring manager.

However, avoid putting any pressure on them or HR. 

What to Include in a Job Referral

How to refer someone for a job is simple. 

When you make a referral, include these key details:

• The candidate's full name
• The position they are applying for
• How you know the candidate
• Reasons why they are qualified
• Their resume or LinkedIn profile
• A short endorsement or testimonial

If your referral gets an interview, help them by:

1. Sharing tips about your company’s culture and values.

2. Discussing common interview questions or formats.

3. Offer to do a mock interview if they feel nervous.

In Summary

Now that you know how to refer someone for a job, pay attention to openings that might suit any acquaintance. 

A good referral can benefit everyone involved, whether it’s a close friend, a former coworker, or someone you met on LinkedIn. 

So next time you think, “This person would be perfect for that job,” don’t hesitate—just go back to this post and our blog to use this simple guide. 

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