How to research a company before asking for a referral
A short routine for learning enough about a company to write a specific, credible request.
1 min read
You do not need to become an expert. Twenty focused minutes is enough to write a request that shows you understand the role and the company. Use only public information, and treat anything you read as a starting point rather than a fact about the people who work there.
Start with the job description
- Highlight the three or four things the role asks for most clearly.
- Note the words they use for the work, and use the same words in your note.
- Write down one question the description leaves open.
Then look at what the company says about itself
- Read the careers page and the pages about its products or services.
- Look at what the team posts publicly, such as blog posts or talks.
- Check the referrer's public profile for their role and team, and nothing more personal.
Turn it into one sentence
I'm applying for [role]. The part of the job description about [specific thing] matches my work on [your example], and I'd value your view on whether it's a fit.
One specific sentence is far more persuasive than a long paragraph of general praise. Keep it honest and keep it short.
Put it into practice
Find a referrerTry a free tool
- Job description checker · Paste a job advert and see which lines look like requirements and which like nice-to-haves.
- 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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