does having an employee referral increase your chances significantly?

[Lilylo]

I recently applied to a couple of professional jobs (that I am qualified for) at big companies through people I knew inside the company who gave me an internal referral.

Does anyone have any experience with being hired/ hiring through internal referrals? Do you think having an internal referrals could increase significantly my chances of being hired?

Many thanks!

[Tiggeryoubastard]

No, getting the job is down to your experience, qualifications and interview. It means that your cv will be looked at without being discounted immediately.

[OllyBJolly]

It gives you more of a shout as you are less likely to be eliminated at first sift. As Tigger says - whether you get the job is completely down to how you match up to other candidates.

[flowery]

What the others said. Plus I would add that it is likely to depend who the referral is from. A referral from a senior colleague who has direct knowledge of your skills and experience, and who the recruiting manager works a lot with and respects the opinion of will clearly carry more weight than a referral from your mate Jim in the postroom for a role he knows nothing about.

[Lilylo]

Thank you all for your perspectives!

I just had a phone interview for one of these jobs and it went pretty well, the hiring manager already invited me in for an in-person interview later this week. I am so glad!

I guess my profile was a decent fit for the role after all, otherwise I doubt the hiring manager would invite me in for a second interview.

For what it matters the referral came from a director level person that the hiring manager knows personally.

[ladypie21]

I was employed following a referral for a role I had no experience on. They told me afterwards that it was a bit of a punt but I impressed at the interview and they gave me a shot. Without the referral I would defiantly not have been considered. My referral was from someone quite senior who, although didn't have a say in who was employed, was well respected and his opinion was valued. Sounds like you're in with a good chance...good luck!

[maggiethemagpie]

It may get you an interview but not the actual job itself if you are not right for it. I once referred an ex colleague for a role, and that's what happened.