You’re 4X More Likely to Get Hired This Way

Leveraging Your Network For Career Opportunities🤝🏾

📌Fun fact: You’re four times more likely to get hired if you’re referred for a role than if you’re not. Referrals are the most effective way to land a job. If you’re not actively leveraging and expanding your network, you’re missing out on a significant opportunity in your job search.

Engage your network🤝🏾

Whatever opportunity you’re pursuing, start by evaluating your network, both personal and online connections, to see who might support you. If you haven’t engaged with them in a while, take a few weeks to a month to rebuild that relationship before asking for any favors.

Also, don’t forget to connect with people outside your current network. Follow them, engage with their posts, and eventually send a message showing interest in their work. Give them time to respond and interact with you to build a reciprocal relationship before moving into the referral conversation.

Remember, your network isn’t a transactional fallback. These are real people you should be building genuine relationships with. People are more likely to help those they like. If you only reach out when you need something, you risk being seen as transactional, rather than someone who values and nurtures connections.

Ask for a referral🙏🏾

Before asking for a referral, make sure you’ve done your homework on the opportunity and the person you’re reaching out to for a referral. Whether it’s for a job, a speaking engagement, or joining a community, be clear on what you hope to gain and why you’re a strong fit for it.

Be mindful of someone’s time when asking for a referral. Avoid asking questions that you could easily find answers to online. For instance, instead of asking, ‘What’s your company’s mission, and how are you addressing it?’ (which you can find on their website), try something more personal, like, ‘What has your experience at the company been like? Do you feel supported and see room for growth?’

You also want to be clear and concise with your referral message. You should have already identified why you want to work at the company, the role you’re applying to, why you think you’re a good fit for the role which should include the skills you have that match the requirements.

Here’s an example of a referral message for this open remote Senior Frontend Engineer role at Givebutter:

“Hey [referral name], I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you and following your journey at Givebutter. You’re doing amazing work there! I recently came across the Senior Frontend Engineer position [link the role], and it feels like a great fit for my background in [relevant skills/experience]. I’m passionate about [something specific related to Givebutter’s mission], and I’d love the chance to contribute to the team. If you’re comfortable, would you be open to putting in a referral for me? No pressure either way, and I truly appreciate your time and support!”

If they agree to refer you, be sure to thank them again and ask if there’s anything you can provide to make the referral process as quick and easy as possible for them. If they’re unable to refer you, still thank them and continue to engage with them.

There are many reasons someone might be unable or unwilling to refer someone they don’t know well. They may have already referred someone for the same role or may not want to risk their reputation by endorsing an online contact they’ve never met in person. Even if you know you’re professional, personable, and qualified, the person you’re asking may not have the same level of confidence in you.

Unless they provide a reason, don’t ask why. Simply accept their decision and thank them for their time. Building trust can take time, and that’s perfectly normal. Keep engaging, stay active, and share your journey on your own account so they can see your progress and potentially follow along.

On the Job Hunt?🔎

If you’re searching for jobs, visit blacktechpipeline.com to explore the latest open roles from our hiring partners! And if you’re inspired to seek a referral, remember to apply the advice above. You’ve got this!