Who are the best contacts to ask for referrals?

1 Know your goals

Before you start asking for referrals, you need to have a clear idea of what kind of job you're looking for, what skills and qualifications you have, and what companies or industries interest you. This will help you narrow down your list of potential contacts and tailor your request to their specific situation. For example, if you're looking for a marketing role in the fashion industry, you might want to focus on contacts who work in that field or have connections to relevant employers.

2 Prioritize your contacts

Once you have a list of possible contacts, you need to prioritize them based on how well they know you, how relevant their role or network is, and how likely they are to refer you. A good way to do this is to use a simple rating system, such as 1-5 stars, to rank your contacts on each criterion. Then, add up the scores and sort your contacts from highest to lowest. This will help you decide who to ask first and who to follow up with later.

3 Warm up your contacts

Before you ask for a referral, you need to warm up your contacts and establish rapport. This means reaching out to them with a friendly message, expressing interest in their work or life, and reminding them of your relationship or common ground. You can use email, phone, social media, or any other channel that suits your contact and your style. The goal is to make them feel comfortable and valued, and to refresh their memory of who you are and what you do.

4 Ask for a referral

When you're ready to ask for a referral, you need to be respectful, specific, and confident. Respect your contact's time and availability, and don't assume they will automatically agree to refer you. Specific your request by explaining what kind of job you're looking for, why you're interested in it, and how you can add value to the employer. Confidence your skills and achievements, and show your enthusiasm and gratitude. You can use a template or a script to guide you, but make sure to personalize it and adapt it to your contact and your situation.

5 Follow up and thank

After you ask for a referral, you need to follow up and thank your contact. Follow up by keeping them updated on your progress, sending them your resume and cover letter if they need it, and asking them for any feedback or advice. Thank them by expressing your appreciation and recognition, and offering to return the favor or help them in any way you can. You can also send them a thank-you note, a gift, or a testimonial to show your gratitude and maintain your relationship.

6 Expand your network

Asking for referrals is not a one-time activity, but a continuous process of building and nurturing your network. You should always look for opportunities to expand your network and meet new contacts who can help you with your job search. You can do this by attending events, joining groups, volunteering, or reaching out to people you admire or want to learn from. You should also keep in touch with your existing contacts and provide value to them, such as sharing information, resources, or introductions. This way, you'll have a strong and supportive network that can help you find your next job.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?