Your first week after a referral

Being referred is a good moment, but it is not an offer, and the next few days can feel quiet. Each company works differently, so treat everything here as general advice and follow what the employer tells you.

On the day you are referred

• Write down the date, the role, the company and who referred you.
• Send a short thank-you to your referrer.
• Check your email, including spam, for a message from the employer's careers system.

Keep simple notes

A small log saves you from guessing later. Note what you sent, what you were told about timing, and the name of anyone who contacts you. If you apply to several places, this matters even more.

What to expect

• Some employers reply within days and others take weeks. Ask your referrer if they know the usual pace, but do not expect inside information.
• A referral may add your name to the application, and the usual screening still follows.
• No reply yet does not mean a no.

While you wait

• Re-read the job description and prepare a few examples from your work.
• Keep your CV and LinkedIn profile consistent with what you sent.
• Keep applying elsewhere. It lowers the pressure.

If a week or two passes with no news, a short, polite follow-up is fine. Keep it kind and brief.