Career changers: asking for a referral

Changing field can make a request feel harder, because your CV does not follow the usual path. A referrer is mainly asking whether they can explain, in a sentence or two, why you are worth a look. Help them do that.

Start from the job description

• Underline the three or four things the role asks for most.
• Match each one to something you have actually done, even if it was in a different setting.
• Use the job description's words for those skills.

Give one concrete example

One clear example of using a shared skill is more convincing than a list. Say what you did, what happened and how it relates to the role.

Be honest about the gap

Mention what you are still learning, and how, such as a course or a project. Referrers value honesty, and it saves the recruiter a surprise later.

A short template