Most candidates are not aware of the huge degree to which employee referral programs (ERP) can boost their chances of getting hired, according to a recent survey of employers.
Candidates with a referral are as much as 10 times more likely to get the job.
“The bottom line is that few job seekers apply for a job with a referral, and yet most of them could likely find one using today’s social media tools with only a little effort.”
Employee referrals are the primary source of up to one-third of hires, yet only about half of the employees surveyed were even aware that their company had an employee referral program (ERP).
Here’s how you can capitalize on ERPs:
- Network with employees at companies where you’d like to work, using LinkedIn and other social media in addition to traditional methods.
- Find out whether those companies have ERPs. (Their employees may not know, but their HR departments certainly will.) If they do, there is very likely a bonus involved for the employee, so make use of this win-win situation.
- Find out whether your own company has such a program, and participate by referring qualified candidates. Networking is about giving as well as getting.
Use that silver bullet!
