Ask for it. A direct and potentially fast way to find a job is to ask people who like you for referrals to a job you may be right for. Like Information Interviewing (May 5, 2020), it relies on the fact that ~75% of the jobs available on any given day are found through connection, referral, and internal promotion. Unlike Information Interviewing, here you more directly tell your contacts you would appreciate their help finding a job.
Asking Directly. The most direct way is to simply tell people who like you what you’re looking for and ask if they can refer you to a job at their firm or someone else’s firm- a job you might be right for. You might, for example, say, “I was doing fine as a communications person, writing press releases, talking with the media, writing reports, and then, because of COVID, they let a number of us go. I’m wondering if you know someone who might be in a position to hire me?
Asking Indirectly. A more subtle way is to genuinely Information Interview, then lightly express low -key interest in their company or similar firms. You might, for example, say “ I’ve really enjoyed learning about your work and your firm. I’d be glad if you’d keep me in mind if the firm or one like it has a position you think I’d be right for.I’ve really enjoyed learning about your work and your firm. I’d be glad if you’d keep me in mind if the firm or one like it has a position you think I’d be right for.”
Which is better- Asking for Referrals or Information Interviewing? Here’s a brief comparison:
Asking for Referrals
- ~Bigger ask- tougher to say yes to
- +Maybe faster
- ~May take dozens of conversations
- +Better than traditional methods
- ~May not reveal ‘right livelihood’
- +Relies on power of networks
Information Interviewing
- +Small ask- easier to say yes to
- ~Takes some time
- ~May take dozens of conversations
- +Better than traditional methods
- +Better chance of revealing ‘right livelihood’
- +Relies on power of networks
How Is Asking for Referrals Related to Negotiation? Both are all about learning things and asking. Skilled negotiators are skilled at both.
How to Make it Easier to Ask- Roleplay. As negotiators, athletes, and others executive high-stress tasks know, roleplaying can help you get emotionally readier. So you might want to enlist a friend to let you practice having a conversation and moving the conversation toward the referrral request. Then ask your friend for constructive feedback, digest it, and roleplay again so the request feels natural.