LinkedIn has made seeking a reference easier than ever with the launch of the ‘Ask for a Referral’ button.

Get the advantage

Applicants looking for an edge are 4X more likely to be contacted by recruiters when including professional references, spurring LinkedIn to implement the process through a one tap button.

Officially announced through their blog, LinkedIn disclosed that 95% of recruiters credit referrals as a key component to the hiring process.

They’ve also added a new job search filter for desktop to allow members to seek out jobs specific to their own network, making it easier to find that right person to vouch.

Going about the business

LinkedIn provides pre-populated messages, and also has three recommended tips to personalise correspondence.

• Remind them how you know each other. A brief reminder can make all the difference and break the ice when one party may need a moment to recall

• Share why you’re right for the position. Make sure to include information pertinent to your candidacy for the job.

• Highlight why you are interested. Recruiters are likely to see a lot of applications, so be sure to mention what it is about this workplace that attracted you. A little research never hurts.  

LinkedIn continues to add small innovations to streamlining the job hunting process and this is another step in an already storied list.

What do you think about the referral button? Do you think this gives an edge in job seeking? Give us your two cents in the comment section below.