As you know, employee referrals are one of the least expensive, most efficient ways to recruit job applicants. Better than that, referrals who are hired are more likely to be above-average performers and stay on board longer because they already have a friend or acquaintance on your staff.

Here’s a few tips to make referrals from your employees even more effective:

1. 1. Shrink the circle of people you ask about. For, example, rather than asking: Do you know anyone who might want to work with us? Ask: Is there anyone in your [church, neighborhood, school, last job] you think would be a good fit working here with us?
   2. Make sure your people know that if a referral or recommendation doesn’t work out, it is not their fault and will never be held against them.
   3. Teach them how to talk to the people they might refer; what’s good and not so good about the organization and the job and who to get in touch with to apply.
   4. Remind them no one ever felt bad about getting a job offer; the people whose names they share will likely be flattered even if they’re not interested.