In today’s competitive job market, simply submitting your resume online can feel like throwing a dart in the dark. But there’s a secret weapon that can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview and ultimately, a job: referrals.
Why are referrals so powerful?
- They bypass the ATS: Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are designed to filter resumes based on keywords. A referral often circumvents this initial screening, getting your application directly into the hands of a hiring manager.
- They signal credibility: A referral from a trusted colleague or friend instantly adds credibility to your application. It shows that someone within the company vouches for your skills and character.
- They increase your visibility: Referrals make you stand out from the crowd. Hiring managers are more likely to prioritize candidates recommended by their own network.
- They provide valuable insights: Your referrer can often provide you with valuable insider information about the company culture, the hiring process, and even the specific needs of the role.
How to leverage the power of referrals:
- Tap into your network: Reach out to friends, family, former colleagues, professors, and anyone else you know who might have connections at companies you’re interested in.
- Attend industry events: Networking events are excellent opportunities to meet potential referrers.
- Leverage LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn to identify potential connections within your target companies and reach out to them directly.
- Be a valuable referral yourself: By consistently referring qualified candidates to others, you’ll build goodwill and increase the likelihood of receiving referrals in return.
4 Sites to Empower Your Referral Job Search
There are a handful of job referral sites you can potentially tap into to speed your search. They are;
- Refer.me: a job referral platform that connects job seekers with employees at their dream companies. They claim to have a network of over 1,000 companies that you can get referrals to. It also features an AI-powered feedback tool and an ATS-optimized resume builder.
- AskReferral.io: a web-based referral platform that can be used for job applications, rentals, and apps. Their primary focus seems to be on job referrals. Helps you reach out to your network for referrals with a single click, including college alumni, past colleagues, and current employees at the company you’re applying to.
- Refer Market: a job referral service that connects job seekers with employees at top-tier companies. These employees can provide referrals, resume reviews, mock interviews, and career mentorship. The service is free to use until a job seeker finds a job. Refermarket has a large and active pool of employees who are willing to help job seekers, and the company also has a strong customer support team.
- Blind App: mostly focused on the tech community, Blind is an anonymous professional networking app that allows verified employees to discuss workplace issues, share salary information, and offer career advice. an anonymous professional networking app that allows verified employees to discuss workplace issues, share salary information, and offer career advice
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong referral. It can be the key to unlocking exciting career opportunities. So, start building your network today and maximize your chances of landing your dream job.