1) Start with the understanding that employee referral is a people business.
You’re helping people find employment, and that means you’re connected to their livelihood. It’s important and fulfilling work, but only if you take it as seriously as it deserves to be taken. You have to be genuinely concerned for the welfare of the people with whom you are working.
2) Use your network. Identify people within your network that are unemployed or underemployed. Try to identify people who are looking for another opportunity or maybe are not looking yet, but are unhappy with their current employment. Advertise openings that your company has on your social media networks and if anybody you meet or see mentions looking for employment, be willing to follow up and ask them what sort of position interests them.
3) Use the internet. Find online networking & mentoring opportunities.
Help people in the community that need or want support in employment transition. Don’t just consider who you know, but consider who you could get to know. Build a network and, also. experience in supporting people in employment transition.
4) Find where your company has needs.
Get in touch with your recruiters and ask how you can support. Build networks inside your company to understand the best ways to refer people into the firm and ask for advice on the process. Set up time to meet with an HR representative to ask what they’re looking for in a resume so you understand specifically what the company’s needs are and how you can help find people who meet those needs.
5) Always do what’s best for the person you’re supporting. Depending on where you work and who you’re mentoring, you might have a great position open for them. But there might also be a better opportunity somewhere else. At least half of the people I have worked with, I have helped identify opportunities with other firms or companies. You’re doing it right if you’re happy to have helped someone find a position – whether you get a bonus for it or not. You’ll be helping to create the best circumstances for everyone.
By Joshua Hartley
