How to Refer Someone to a Job

Providing a friend, family member, or colleague with a job referral is one of the most lucrative gifts you can offer as a professional. In a job market as competitive as the one we are facing nationally right now, a referral can be nothing short of game changing. Research shows that employee referrals are five times more likely to receive a job offer, and 82% of employers rate referrals above other talent sourcing options when it comes to return on investment.

Because professional referrals carry so much weight, however, recommending someone for a job is not to be done flippantly. For the sake of your friend/colleague, the company that’s hiring, and your own professional reputation, you need to make sure that your recommendation is accurate and well-earned.

Before Agreeing to a Recommendation…

There are a few questions you must ask yourself before you sit down to write someone a referral.

1. Is this person qualified and capable of doing the job they are applying for?

Remember, with your referral, this person will have a much better chance of landing the job. If they prove to be ill-qualified in any way, that could reflect poorly on you. It could also lead to your recommendations having less influence in the future.

2. Do I believe this person is the right fit for the job?

Just because the referral is qualified for the position they are applying for, that doesn't mean they will be the right fit. While studies do show that 70% of businesses agree referrals possess the best 'culture fit’ for the company, it’s not a guarantee. Be honest about your referrals strengths and weaknesses, and do not provide a recommendation for someone you know won’t be the right fit.

3. Do I know this person well enough to provide an honest and accurate referral?

Lastly, before writing a professional recommendation, you need to determine whether or not you are the best person to be writing it. If you hold a high-level position, it’s possible people below you will ask for your referral even if they’ve never worked with you directly. They falsely believe that having your name at the top of the page will be more impressive than getting a referral from their direct supervisor, when really, experts disagree.

Sample Recommendation

Your professional referrals should be short, to the point, and not excessively flattering. In other words, you can be complimentary without gushing over the referred candidate. This is a professional courtesy, and you want to ensure that you, as the recommender, come off as polished and unbiased.

Here’s how we suggest you format your referral:

Josephine Smith                                                                     j.smith.email.@email.com

123 Mayweather Ave.                                                             800-555-5555

New York, NY 10001

January 1st, 2025

New York Museum of Contemporary Art

Attn: Geraldine Austin, HR department

Dear Ms. Austin,

I am writing to you to recommend Henry Stevenson for the position of gallery curator at the New York Museum of Contemporary Art. I have known Henry for many years. We worked together at the University of Sarah Lawrence, where I am still employed as a full-time professor of art history. Henry is hard-working, dedicated, and possesses an unparalleled artistic eye.

Henry’s attention to detail came as a valuable asset on multiple occasions throughout our professional relationship. His background in music and dance means he brings a unique perspective to the world of visual art, which is why I call him back to guest lecture in my classroom at least once a semester.

I have the utmost respect for my former colleague as well as complete faith that he is the right person for this job. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me via email or telephone.

Thank you in advance for your time,

J. Smith

Final Thoughts

Referrals, when honest and written correctly, are amazing tools. They are used not only by job seekers hoping to land their dream position, but also by hiring managers looking to strengthen their existing workforce.

But what if you don’t have any referrals? Where do you even begin sifting through the sea of job postings or applications?

Well—you can start here! The recruitment experts at CyberCoders are dedicated to bringing the right job seekers to the right hiring managers and vice versa. To learn more about the services we offer, and to read why other professionals are so keen on recommending our team, click the link above!