Employee referrals are the single most effective job search channel in India. Internal data from major Indian companies shows that referred candidates account for 40-50% of all hires despite being only 10% of total applicants. The math is clear: referrals dramatically improve your odds.
Step 1: Identify potential referrers. Search LinkedIn for employees at your target company. Filter by: alumni from your college (strongest connection), former colleagues, mutual connections (ask for an introduction), and same-community or regional connections. Even a 2nd-degree connection with a personalized approach works.
Step 2: Craft your outreach. Don't send 'Can you refer me?' cold messages — they rarely work. Instead, build context: 'Hi [Name], I'm a [Your Role] with [X years] experience in [domain]. I noticed you work at [Company] and I'm very interested in the [Specific Role] posted on your careers page. My experience in [specific relevant skill] aligns closely with the role requirements. Would you be open to referring me or chatting briefly about the team?' Be specific about the role and clear about your fit.
Step 3: Make it easy for the referrer. Share your resume (ATS-optimized), the specific job link, and a 2-3 bullet summary of why you're a strong fit. Most companies have internal referral portals — your referrer simply needs to submit your resume with the job code. Companies like TCS, Infosys, Google, Amazon, and most MNCs offer referral bonuses (₹10K-₹5L+), so referring you is also in their interest.
Step 4: Build your network proactively — before you need referrals. Connect with professionals in your industry, engage with their content, attend meetups and conferences, and join alumni groups. When you eventually need a referral, you'll have warm contacts rather than cold outreach.