How to Ask for a Job Introduction From Your Network

Referrals and introductions are the highest-conversion channel in most job searches. A referred candidate is significantly more likely to be interviewed and hired than one who applied cold. But asking your network for introductions is one of the activities candidates find most uncomfortable — and often do less well than they could.

Why the Ask Is Uncomfortable

The discomfort usually comes from concern about being a burden, appearing desperate, or damaging a relationship by asking for something. These concerns are often overestimated. In professional networks, helping connections with job introductions is a normal and expected form of professional support — most people are happy to do it for someone they respect.

The key is asking well.

The Good Introduction Request

A good introduction request is:

• Specific (a specific company or type of role, not "anything in marketing")
• Easy to action (you have done the work of identifying the target — the contact just needs to make an introduction)
• Clear about what you are asking (an introduction, not a favour to land a job)
• Professionally framed (confident and direct, not apologetic)

"I am actively looking for [specific type of role] and I noticed you are connected to [specific person / are at company X]. Would you be comfortable making an introduction? I am happy to share my CV and a brief note about what I am looking for that you could forward."

This is specific, low-effort for the recipient, and professionally clear. It is much easier to say yes to than "I am looking for any opportunities you might know of."

What to Prepare Before Asking

Before making any introduction request, have ready:

• A current, polished CV
• A brief two to three sentence overview of what you are looking for (for forwarding)
• A specific target (company or contact name) where possible

Asking a contact to make an introduction to a named person at a specific company is far easier for them than asking them to think of anyone who might be relevant.

Tracking Introduction Requests

In your tracker, record every introduction request you make: who you asked, for which target, on what date, and what the outcome was. This prevents you from asking the same contact twice and helps you follow up appropriately.

Build your CV free at CVCircuit and manage your networking introductions alongside your formal applications.