← Remote Work Glossary

Referral

A recommendation of a candidate by someone who already works at (or knows) the hiring company.

A referral is when an existing employee or contact vouches for you to a hiring team. Referred candidates are more likely to get interviewed and hired, because a trusted recommendation reduces the employer's risk — and many companies pay staff a bonus for successful ones.

In a global remote applicant pool, a referral is one of the strongest ways to stand out. Building a genuine network in your field makes them far more likely to come your way.