How to A good referral can be an added advantage for a jobseeker to succeed in his career. A not-so-good one would most likely have no effect. How do you distinguish a good referral from a not-so-good one? Networking, like they say, is about the people you know; but it is not limited to that. It also includes the people your contacts know. Your contact can refer you to a recruiter by putting in a good word for you and separate you from the pack. Suppose you need an informational interview with a key player in your industry but can’t get an appointment? A phone call from someone who is close to them can get you this opportunity with ease. These kind acts of love are one of the huge benefits your professional and social networks provide you. It can help you in more ways than you know of. A personal endorsement makes it easier for a jobseeker to cross the primary hurdle of a job search. If you can get someone to recommend you to a recruiter, your resume may end up at the top of the pile. Most likely do. Let’s explore how you can use a referral the right way to boost your career. Select the Right Advocate Compile two lists; one should consist of the companies you want to work in and the other should be a list of your contacts– family, friends, colleagues, coaches, mentors, employers, and everybody else. Review the two lists to find the people who may refer you to a company or a recruiter. Remember, a prospective individual whom you’ll ask for the referral may or may not work at the company of your choice. If the person works for the same company, a referral may mean an incentive for them. This makes it easier for you to convince them to refer you. Even if the person doesn’t work for the company, s/he may have the right contacts to make the recommendation. Give All Information Don’t relax with the assumption that your referral knows you well enough to think you a perfect fit for the company you are looking to work with. It is your responsibility to make them understand why you are a good candidate for the job. Start your sales pitch with your network contacts. Don’t stop at letting them you need a job, but why you are a good fit. Provide your contact every relevant detail. Mark the significant areas in your resume and give it to them. Discuss about the opportunity and why you think that you are a good candidate for the company and position. The recommendation can convince the recruiter about your ability and fit for the job. This is only possible if the individual has a clear idea of your capability and suitability. A Referral May Not Always Work the Same Way A formal referral letter must have the three important components– relevance, persuasiveness and attraction. It must clarify your contact’s association with you, the proficiencies that make you suitable and your contact’s connection with the recruiter. Is it always so formal? No; not all referrals are “uptight”. In truth, the majority of referrals are often quite informal. This happens more often if your contact and the recruiter don’t work in the same company. Suppose your contact belongs to a professional organisation and the recruiter is part of it too. In such circumstances, it can be just a good word about you during a conversation at the organization. Give It Your Best Shot What do you do after your advocate talks about you to a prospective employer? If you wait for the recruiter to contact you, you lose the edge that the referral gives you. It is your game after the recommendation has been made. You need to actively follow-up; otherwise, you may not utilize the promotion to your advantage. Get in touch with the recruiter within a 48-hour period, mention your contact and the recommendation to get the leverage. Any failure on your part can show badly on your contact; for example, if you are called for an interview on the basis of this referral, it is important that you prepare for it thoroughly. Else, your advocate would lose some of his credibility. When creating a reference list, a referral gets the extra feel of importance for being your choice; however, that depends on the value your referral perceives you’ll be offering. Acknowledge the Favor Not all your contacts are there to recommend you for one job, it’s a benefit, not the essence of your relationship. And it is perfectly normal if someone politely declines to give a referral, don’t force them to give a reason. Move on to someone who agrees to refer you for a job. once you’ve crossed that hurdle, work hard to get the job. Whether your travail in your efforts on not, acknowledge your contact’s good work. Send a ‘Thank You” note or a box of chocolates. Remember it is a relationship, even more profound is the possibility of another assistance you’ll need in the near future. Good jobs and great opportunities revolve around people, get the best from the people around you.Boost Your Career With The Right Referral.
Posted on: Sun, 15 Sep 2013 18:34:03 +0000
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