Why References and Colleague Referrals Still Matter in Your Job Search

In an era of skills-based hiring, AI screening, and (hopefully 🤞) rapid recruitment cycles, the true value of strong references and referrals can often be overlooked. Yet for jobseekers aiming to gain an edge, a compelling testimonial from a manager, or colleague, can be the ace up your sleeve when it matters most!

To be clear...references won’t shoot you straight to the top of the shortlist, but they can sway a hiring manager who’s splitting hairs between two equally qualified candidates. A well-timed, glowing endorsement could be the deciding factor.

What UK Data Tells Us:

Despite the growing emphasis on automated hiring and digital assessments, UK employers still place significant value on references:

• A CV Genius survey of 625 hiring managers across the UK and Ireland (April 2024) found that 61% contact references when provided, and another 50% request them if they weren’t initially included.
• Research by Xref suggests that around 60% of UK hiring managers do check references during recruitment.

This paints a clear picture...a majority of employers will expect references at some point, and in close decisions, they can carry real weight.

Keep a ‘Reference Bank’ Ready

When interviewers ask for references, being able to respond quickly and confidently shows you’re prepared and professional. Having a few pre-agreed contacts who are happy to speak positively about you can avoid delays or awkward last-minute scrambles.

Also, it can be a good idea to have a variety of referees, a former manager, a colleague, perhaps even a client if relevant. Make sure they know what kind of roles you’re applying for so they can tailor their feedback accordingly. Brief them on the skills, achievements or projects you'd like highlighted from your work together.

Strong references are most effective when they align with the story you're telling at interview - reinforcing your experience, reliability, and impact.

LinkedIn Recommendations - IMHO Underused and Underrated!

Beyond traditional references, I'm a big believer that LinkedIn's Recommendations section is a powerful way to showcase authentic praise. Unlike testimonials on a personal website or portfolio, LinkedIn recommendations are attached to real profiles, making them more credible and harder to fake.

Here's one of my recent, gratefully received, references from a former client. How can positive recommendations like this not help?!?!

A recommendation from a respected figure in your field does more than praise your work. It shows you’ve built trust, made an impact, and left a positive impression. These are all things hiring managers look for, especially when reviewing your profile after an initial screening.

If you're unsure how to ask for a reference, this > quick tutorial < will help 👍

Once you’ve collected a few, consider adding your strongest ones to the Featured section of your profile. This gives them even more visibility and shows that others are happy to endorse your work publicly.

NOTE: Don’t wait until you’re actively looking for work to request recommendations. Ask after successful projects, promotions, or positive feedback. And don’t forget to offer recommendations in return. I believe it strengthens your network and encourages others to do the same.

Referrals - A Trust Signal That Matters

Another highly valuable way of improving your odds is to receive an internal referral, where someone from the company recommends you. Employers trust the judgement of their teams, so a referral can get your CV from the “maybe” pile to the “worth a closer look” pile 🙌

So, it’s a great idea to look at your network. Do you know someone - or do you have a LinkedIn connection - at one of your target employers? Would they be open to putting in a good word or flagging your interest internally?

You don’t need to ask for much – a brief message like, “If anything suitable comes up at your company, would you please be open to referring me?” can open doors without putting pressure on your contact.

Referrals don’t guarantee an interview, but they can be a powerful way to bypass automated screening and stand out from the crowd.

In Summary...

References and referrals may not be the most attention-grabbing part of your job search, but they can be crucial in highly competitive situations. They demonstrate that you're respected by those who have worked closely with you and that you’ve left a positive legacy in your previous roles.

In a hiring landscape that still values relationships and reputation, a few well-placed words from the right people could be the deciding factor that helps land your next job.

Thanks for reading, I hope you found the post useful.

I'd love any thoughts on this post in the comments 👇 Have references ever made the difference for you? Have you benefited from a referral to land a job??