LinkedIn is making job searching a lot easier with its new ‘Ask for a Referral’ button. This new button was revealed in a blog post by the company, which claimed that 95 percent of "talent-acquisition leaders" cited referrals as an important part of their processes. The new search filter will be added to the desktop version of the site and will enable members to get a leg up in job searches by searching through specific jobs in their 'network.' Users can then utilize the ‘Ask for a Referral’ button once they have found a job and a contact they would like to reach out too.
When reaching out for a referral, LinkedIn will provide three pre-populated messages, but the social network also suggests personalizing these messages. LinkedIn has provided some tips to writing messages when asking for a referral ranging from jogging the persons memory to highlighting why the user may be interested in the job.
Referral-Seeking Social Networks
LinkedIn's ‘Ask for a Referral’ Button Makes Job Searching Easy
Trend Themes
1. Referral-seeking Social Networks - Opportunity to develop more user-friendly referral features within social networks.
2. Job Search Optimization - Potential for creating job search filters and features that streamline the process and connect users with relevant opportunities.
3. Personalized Communication Tools - Potential for creating automated tools that help users personalize referral requests and messages.
Industry Implications
1. Human Resources - Opportunity for HR platforms to integrate referral-seeking features that enhance talent acquisition processes.
2. Social Networking - Opportunity for social networking platforms to improve job search functionality and provide tools for referral-seeking.
3. Career Services - Potential for career services platforms to incorporate job search optimization features and personalized communication tools.