Referral etiquette for candidates

A referral is a favour, and good manners go a long way. None of this is complicated, and most of it comes down to respecting the other person's time.

Do

• Read the job description first and say which role you mean.
• Keep your message short and make your CV easy to open.
• Make it easy for them to say no, and accept it kindly.
• Say thank you, whatever the answer.
• Tell them how it goes, if they would like to know.

Don't

• Send the same message to lots of people at the same company.
• Chase repeatedly. One polite follow-up after a week or so is enough.
• Ask them to bend their company's rules or to say things about you that are not true.
• Expect a reply within hours. People fit this around their own work.

If you hear nothing

Silence is usually about time, not you. Send one friendly follow-up, then move on and ask someone else. You can always say thanks later if they do get back to you.