How to Ask for a Recruiting Referral

According to multiple studies, asking for referrals should be one of your most common recruiting activities:

  • 82% of hiring managers rated recruiting referrals as generating the best ROI, above all other sources.
  • Referred prospects are 55% faster to hire, compared with hires sourced through career sites.
  • 88% of hiring managers said that referrals are the best source for above-average applicants. 

If you’re lagging behind in this area, here is a simple email/text script you can use to jump start your referrals:

Subject: Need Some Help

Hi [name],

I’m hoping you can help.

Is there anyone else you believe should be part of our team that isn’t today?

I’m looking for a couple of recommendations of agents you know or have worked within the last few months.

Anyone who you thought: “Wow, this agent really has their stuff together…”. Or, “I think I could learn a thing or two from that agent…”

Did anyone pop into your mind?

If so, just shoot me their name and how you know the person, and I’ll take it from there!

Thanks in advance for your help,

[name]

Don’t assume your agents will initiate referrals on their own.

To maximize this resource, you have to ask.