So you are on the hunt for a job and you have all the basics to land an interview, but you aren’t getting many responses. Submitting resumes and applying on large job sites can be discouraging and make you feel like you are falling into the cracks of a very large database. After scratching your head, you begin brainstorming as to what else you can do to have that extra push to land an interview. The answer is simple: ask for job referrals.
Common sense and statistics make one thing clear: companies are hiring based on employee referrals and will typically give a person with a referral more of a chance to land an interview. According to a study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, applicants are twice as likely to get interviews and 40 percent more likely to get hired if they have a referral. But how do you get these great referrals?
Career Success Tip of the Day: Networking is the way to go.
Social Media
Social media is at an all-time high and if you want to land a dream job, networking is a crucial building block to obtain referrals. Sites such as LinkedIn, CareerCloud, and even Facebook and Twitter can be effective ways to network and gain contacts. The best thing about social media networking is that you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home to find your way into the company.
In Person Networking
There is no better way to network than in person. People remember faces and have a harder time saying no when they are face to face. It can be as simple as running into a former coworker at the grocery store or making a new connection while watching your son’s football game. The secret to in person networking is to be sociable. Truth is, people refer people that they like.
Then What?
So you used your resources and found out that you have connections into companies you would like to work for. How do you ask? Well, unless it is someone who knows you well, it is best to ask if they feel they know your work enough to refer you. If they don’t, but still would like to refer you, give them a copy of your resume. That way they are knowledgeable of your qualifications and work experience. They can then provide you with a referral letter or a contact within the company’s Human Resource department.
Just Remember…
More and more companies actively take advantage of referral programs. Employees are also taking advantage of referral program rewards and would be enthused to meet a “great match” for the position.
When searching for your dream career, take advantage of all the resources out there to assist with obtaining a referral and make sure you act professionally in public. You never know, the person waiting in the checkout line next to you could be your next business contact.
Looking forward to our next career meeting, I am.
Mari Brooks
Your CC Connection
