Cheat sheet
How to refer well, on one page
Four steps for employees who refer. Print it or keep it open. General advice: your own company's rules come first.
1. Check your policy
- Find out who can refer, for which roles, and how bonuses work.
- Use your company's own referral system.
- If something is unclear, ask your HR or recruiting team.
Helpful:
2. Review in five minutes
- Check the role is open and eligible.
- Scan the CV against the main requirements.
- Refer only if you are comfortable putting your name to it.
Helpful:
3. Write a clear note
- Say how you know the candidate, or that you don't.
- Give one or two concrete reasons they fit.
- Mention anything useful, such as notice period.
Helpful:
4. Say no kindly
- A clear no is kinder than silence.
- Give a short reason about fit, never about the person.
- Add one CV tip if you can.
Helpful:
Looking for work yourself? See the cheat sheet for candidates.
Make referring quicker
On Doorstep you set your criteria once, review in minutes and the candidate always gets feedback.