Hi Sowmiya,

I'm sharing this based on my experience, as I now understand that there is no one way to get a call from the company you're interested in.

For me, few calls came directly by referral, however I had a few calls by applying directly on the company's portal.

Its also possible ( Deloitte , EY) that some companies prefer direct application over referrals.

You also can't miss regularly "stalking" company's HR linkedin profiles, reaching out to them( the messaging is very important, you don't say I need a job or referral, rather genuine interest in connecting with them) and then following up later to see if they're hiring for any open roles. Most of the recruiters are very active and keep posting about open opportunities in their org. So, be on a lookout for that as well.

Last but not the least, Naukri and IIMJobs are two most important job marketplaces that you shouldn't ignore.

I hope this helps and all the best !

Securing a referral can significantly improve your chances of getting noticed during the hiring process. Here are steps to find the right contact and request a referral:

1. Research Your Network:
2. Start by reviewing your professional network, including current and former colleagues, classmates, professors, and acquaintances in the industry you're targeting. Look for connections within companies you're interested in.
3. LinkedIn Search:
4. Utilize LinkedIn, a powerful professional networking platform. Search for the company you're applying to and identify any mutual connections. Also, look for employees in the department you're interested in.
5. Attend Networking Events:
6. Attend industry-related events, job fairs, seminars, or workshops to expand your network. Engage in conversations and exchange contact information with professionals you meet.
7. Join Professional Associations:
8. Become a member of relevant professional associations related to your field. Attend their events and connect with members who work in your desired companies.
9. Alumni Networks:
10. Leverage your alumni network. Reach out to alumni who work at your target companies or in your desired industry for advice and potential referrals.
11. Company Website:
12. Visit the company's official website and look for contact information or specific departments. Try to find an HR contact or a relevant person in the department you're interested in.
13. Informational Interviews:
14. Request informational interviews with professionals in your desired field. Use these meetings to learn more about the company and potentially seek a referral if the conversation goes well.
15. Requesting a Referral:
16. Once you've identified potential contacts, reach out to them via LinkedIn, email, or any professional communication platform. Introduce yourself, explain your interest in the company, and politely ask if they'd be willing to refer you for a specific position.

• Be clear about the role you're applying for and why you're interested in it.
• Highlight any shared interests, experiences, or connections to establish rapport.
• Ask if they would be comfortable referring you or if they could direct you to the appropriate person for a referral.

1. Follow Up:
2. After reaching out, follow up if you don't receive a response within a week. Thank them for their time and express your gratitude for any assistance.
3. Express Gratitude:
4. Whether they agree to refer you or not, always express gratitude for their time and consideration.

Remember to maintain a professional and respectful approach throughout the process. Building and nurturing professional relationships is key to successfully securing referrals.

Hello Sowmiya!

Finding the right contact for a referral can significantly improve your chances of getting noticed. Here's a process that has helped me:

1. Research Companies: Identify the companies you're interested in. Research their websites, LinkedIn pages, and other online platforms to learn about their organizational structure and key personnel.
2. LinkedIn (my favourite): Search for current employees at your target companies who are in relevant roles (e.g., your desired job title or department). Check if you have any mutual connections who can introduce you.
3. Cold Outreach: This can be challenging but it do work wonder sometimes. If you can't find a direct connection, consider reaching out to employees with a polite and personalized message explaining your interest and asking if they would be open to a conversation or referral.
4. Recruiters and HR: Connect with recruiters or HR personnel on LinkedIn. They can sometimes guide you to the right person or refer you internally.
5. Whatsapp/Slack/Discord Communities: Join relevant job communities. They often have forums or events where employees put company vacancies for referrals.

Thanks! Hope you get your dream job.