How to Get a Job Referral When You Don’t Know Anyone at the Company

To get a job referral when you don’t know anyone, build a warm connection first. Find alumni or second-degree connections at the company, ask for a 15-minute conversation about their work, and only ask for a referral once they know who you are and which role fits. It’s worth the effort: in one study, referrals made up about 6% of applications but more than a quarter of hires.

Why do job referrals matter so much?

Because a referral gets a real person to look at your application.

Researchers from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and MIT studied hiring data at a financial services company and found referrals were only about 6% of applications but led to more than a quarter of hires. Hiring platform Ashby found that 40% of referred candidates go from application to interview, a huge jump over a typical cold application.

Companies like referrals because they come pre-vetted. Someone who already works there is vouching that you’re worth a look.

What exactly is a job referral?

A referral is when someone who works at a company formally recommends you for a role, usually through an internal system. Many companies pay employees a bonus when a referral gets hired.

It’s not a guarantee. It’s a fast pass to the front of the line, where you still have to earn the job.

How do you find people to ask when you don’t know anyone?

You know more people than you think. Start here:

• Alumni from your school. Search LinkedIn for the company name plus your school. Shared alma maters get way more replies than cold messages.
• Second-degree connections. Friends of friends, former classmates, people from your internship. Ask your connection for an intro.
• Professors and career center staff. They often know alumni at specific companies.
• Clubs and organizations. Your sorority, fraternity, professional club, or volunteer group alumni network.
• Former interns. People who interned at the company a year or two ago are often happy to help.
• Recruiters at events. Info sessions and career fairs, including WayUp’s virtual info sessions, give you a real conversation to reference later.

What should you say in your first message?

Don’t ask for a referral in your first message. Ask for advice. That’s the difference between a reply and silence.

Hi [Name], I’m a recent [School] grad interested in [field], and I noticed you work on the [team] at [Company]. I’d love to hear how you got started there and what the work is like. Would you be open to a 15-minute call sometime in the next couple of weeks? Totally understand if you’re busy.

Short, specific, and easy to say yes to.

How do you actually ask for the referral?

After you’ve talked, and only if the conversation went well, ask directly and make it easy:

Thanks again for taking the time to chat. It made me even more excited about [Company]. I’m planning to apply for the [Role] position ([link]). Would you be comfortable referring me? I’ve attached my resume and a short summary of why I think I’m a fit, in case that’s helpful.

Then include a three-line summary they can paste right into the referral form: who you are, your most relevant experience, and why this role.

The easier you make it, the more likely it happens.

Should you apply before or after getting a referral?

Ask your contact. Some referral systems need the employee to submit you first, so applying on your own beforehand can mean the referral doesn’t get credited. When in doubt, wait for their answer before you hit submit.

What if they say no or don’t respond?

Send one polite follow-up after about a week. If there’s still no reply, move on and don’t take it personally. People are busy.

If they say they’re not comfortable referring you, thank them anyway. They may still offer advice or point you to someone else. A no today can turn into a yes for a different role later.

What are the unwritten rules of asking for referrals?

• Don’t ask strangers for a referral cold. Build the connection first.
• Only ask for roles you’re qualified for. Your contact is putting their reputation on the line.
• Ask for one role, not five. Pick the best fit.
• Close the loop. Tell them whether you got an interview and what happened. A thank-you note goes a long way.

If you’re early in your search, a referral can make a huge difference. Pair this with our 90-day plan for grads still job searching to build networking into your weekly routine.

FAQ

Is it weird to ask someone I just met for a referral? Not if you’ve had a real conversation and the role is a good fit. It’s normal in recruiting. Just don’t lead with the ask.

Does a referral guarantee a job? No. It improves your odds of getting an interview, but you still need to perform well in the process.

How many referrals should I ask for at once? Focus on one or two strong-fit roles at a time. Quality relationships matter more than volume.

Do referrals work for internships too? Yes. Many companies accept referrals for internships, and current interns or recent interns can be great people to ask.