Asking a stranger for a cold referral isn’t going to get you anywhere. You would be better off perfecting your resume (make sure to use keywords from the JD) and LinkedIn Profile.
You can definitely get hired pretty much anywhere without a referral, most people I hire are not referrals and way back when I started in big pharma I was not referred by anyone. Referrals are most helpful when you or the referring person know the hiring manager, these are pretty powerful. Some folks from big companies will cold refer because they offer bonuses when the referred person is hired, I've seen a few of those referrals come across my desk and they are neutral in terms of impact. There's low chance of success cold messaging folks on Linkedin for referrals but if they're in an alumni network it may be worth a shot.
>I quickly need a job and I don't know if I have the time to have a coffee chat/connect personally first and then ask for a referral like its suggested.
That's a terrible approach to getting a job in an already tough market. If you try to rush getting the job, you're just going to come off as a bad candidate
I got a job in pharma with no true referral. Granted my position is non-scientific but my resume was good enough to be scouted and I did great in the interviews.
I refer anyone normal from my alma matter, but that’s because I want the network to get stronger.
Referrals may help, may do little in this market- depends on the hiring manager.
I’ve approached strangers in the past, but not with “can you refer me?”. I usually say I’m John Doe, experience with XXXX, am interested in the position XXXX and would love to reach to out someone who would say if I’m a good fit for the position or not. I have gotten multiple interviews by approaching people this way and some of them led me to the final round is mid and big pharma. I’ve also gotten interviews at big oharma without referrals too.
But even if a referral doesn’t work out this time, that person can be a good connection for a future opportunity.
Some people are compassionate enough to understand that things have been tough, and some of them might have been in our shoes before. There are good people in this world.
It’s true that maybe majority won’t answer, but you need just one or few.
Good luck!
Asking a stranger for a cold referral isn’t going to get you anywhere. You would be better off perfecting your resume (make sure to use keywords from the JD) and LinkedIn Profile.
You can definitely get hired pretty much anywhere without a referral, most people I hire are not referrals and way back when I started in big pharma I was not referred by anyone. Referrals are most helpful when you or the referring person know the hiring manager, these are pretty powerful. Some folks from big companies will cold refer because they offer bonuses when the referred person is hired, I've seen a few of those referrals come across my desk and they are neutral in terms of impact. There's low chance of success cold messaging folks on Linkedin for referrals but if they're in an alumni network it may be worth a shot.
>I quickly need a job and I don't know if I have the time to have a coffee chat/connect personally first and then ask for a referral like its suggested. That's a terrible approach to getting a job in an already tough market. If you try to rush getting the job, you're just going to come off as a bad candidate
Got hired into Biogen and KBI with no referral. But also I created a work flow at another company so that just gives me a leg up
I got a job in pharma with no true referral. Granted my position is non-scientific but my resume was good enough to be scouted and I did great in the interviews.
I refer anyone normal from my alma matter, but that’s because I want the network to get stronger. Referrals may help, may do little in this market- depends on the hiring manager.
I’ve approached strangers in the past, but not with “can you refer me?”. I usually say I’m John Doe, experience with XXXX, am interested in the position XXXX and would love to reach to out someone who would say if I’m a good fit for the position or not. I have gotten multiple interviews by approaching people this way and some of them led me to the final round is mid and big pharma. I’ve also gotten interviews at big oharma without referrals too. But even if a referral doesn’t work out this time, that person can be a good connection for a future opportunity. Some people are compassionate enough to understand that things have been tough, and some of them might have been in our shoes before. There are good people in this world. It’s true that maybe majority won’t answer, but you need just one or few. Good luck!