How do you handle multiple referrals for the same position or company?

1 Communicate with your referrals

The first thing you should do is to inform your referrals that you have other contacts who can also vouch for you. Be honest and respectful, and explain why you are interested in the position or company. Thank them for their support and ask them if they are comfortable with you mentioning their names to the recruiter or hiring manager. You may also want to ask them how well they know the decision-makers and what kind of feedback they can give you about the role and the culture.

2 Prioritize your referrals

Depending on the responses you get from your referrals, you may need to prioritize them based on their relevance, credibility, and influence. For example, if one of your referrals is a senior manager who works closely with the hiring manager, while another is a former colleague who left the company a year ago, you may want to focus on the former. However, this does not mean you should ignore or dismiss the latter. You can still mention them as additional references or sources of information, but make sure you emphasize the value and impact of your primary referral.

3 Balance your referrals

While having multiple referrals can be an advantage, you don't want to overdo it and come across as desperate or pushy. You also don't want to create confusion or conflict among your referrals or the hiring team. Therefore, you should balance your referrals and use them strategically throughout the hiring process. For example, you can name-drop one or two referrals in your cover letter or resume, but save the rest for the interview or follow-up. You can also vary your referrals depending on the stage and the topic of the conversation. For instance, you can use a referral who knows your technical skills for the screening call, but use a referral who knows your soft skills for the behavioral interview.

4 Update your referrals

As you progress through the hiring process, you should keep your referrals updated and informed about your status and feedback. This will show them that you appreciate their help and value their input. It will also allow them to advocate for you more effectively and provide you with more insights and tips. You can also ask them for advice on how to handle any challenges or questions that may arise along the way. Remember to be courteous and respectful, and avoid asking for too much or too often.

5 Thank your referrals

Whether you get the job offer or not, you should always thank your referrals for their support and assistance. Send them a personalized note or email, expressing your gratitude and appreciation. You can also share your results and outcomes, and ask them for feedback on your performance and areas of improvement. If you get the job offer, you can also send them a small gift or treat as a token of your appreciation. If you don't get the job offer, you can still maintain a positive and professional relationship with them, and ask them to keep you in mind for future opportunities.

6 Learn from your referrals

Having multiple referrals for the same position or company can be a valuable learning experience for your career path planning. You can use this opportunity to expand your network, gain new perspectives, and improve your skills and knowledge. You can also learn from your referrals' experiences and stories, and apply their lessons and advice to your own career goals and aspirations. You can also ask them for feedback on how to ask for a referral more effectively and appropriately in the future.

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?