Asking for a referral at a small company
What changes when you ask at a smaller firm, where there may be no referral portal or bonus, and how to adapt your request.
Quick answer: Check how the company hires, keep the request personal and short, and send your CV to whoever handles hiring.
1 min read
Smaller companies often hire differently from large ones. There may be no referral portal, no bonus and no recruiter, and the person you ask may be close to the decision. That can make a good request more effective, and a careless one more noticeable.
Find out how they hire
- Look at the careers page and the job description for how to apply and who to contact.
- Ask your contact how they would prefer to pass your CV on.
- Do not assume a referral scheme exists. If it does, they will tell you.
Keep it personal and short
In a small team, the person you ask may know the hiring manager well. Say clearly why you want this particular role and what you would bring, in a few sentences.
A short template
Hi [name], I'm interested in the [role] position at [company] because [one specific reason]. I've attached my CV. Would you be willing to pass it to whoever is hiring, or tell me how you'd suggest I apply? No problem at all if not.
Be ready for a quicker, less formal process, and thank your contact whatever the result.
Put it into practice
Draft your messageTry a free tool
- Referral message generator · A polite request, follow-up or thank-you you can edit and send.
- Questions to ask a referrer · Pick a few good questions about the role, the process and the referral, then copy them.
Guides on this site were last updated on 17 Oct 2026. This is general information, not advice for your situation.
Unfamiliar term? See the glossary.
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