A recent post by a Google software engineer regarding how job seekers should request referrals on LinkedIn has ignited an online debate. The engineer shared that she had received referral requests from two candidates who approached her in a “proper” manner. She gave them a referral immediately because their requests were made correctly, emphasizing the importance of how referral messages are crafted.
Guidelines for Proper Referral Requests
The engineer even created a video providing detailed instructions for job seekers on how to request referrals. She suggested including specific details in the message, such as the job ID, resume, coding profiles, CGPA, projects, and work experience. Additionally, she stressed the importance of a polite and professional greeting when reaching out. Her advice also included ensuring that the job being applied for aligns with the candidate’s skills, quoting her mother’s saying, “deserve and then desire.”
The advice quickly became a topic of debate on social media, with users divided over the need for formal messaging. Some individuals supported the engineer’s guidelines, advocating for well-crafted, professional referral requests. They believed good communication and effort should be part of every job seeker’s approach, emphasizing that sending a well-organized request can make a significant difference.
Opposition to Formality in Referral Requests
On the other hand, many users disagreed with the emphasis on formality. Some argued that job seekers should feel free to ask for referrals casually, without the need for formalities or jargon. One user expressed a preference for simpler requests, such as “bhaiya referral dedo,” suggesting that a referral request doesn’t need to be formal or overly structured. Others criticized the notion of requiring formal messages, calling it unnecessary and a sign of ego.
While the Google engineer’s structured approach has its supporters, others believe that referral requests should be straightforward and to the point. These users felt that the pressure to write a polished message for a referral could be overcomplicating the process. Some argued that the referral process should be more accessible, where simply asking for help, regardless of formality, should be enough to receive assistance from those willing to help.