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Referral Cheat Sheet: How to Make High-Impact Intros (and Actually Get Paid for It)
Career Development

Referral Cheat Sheet: How to Make High-Impact Intros (and Actually Get Paid for It)

Danielle Du Toit
Danielle Du Toit
COO
March 3, 20258 min read

Referrals are the gold standard in hiring, being 4x more likely to convert and significantly faster to close. But not all referrals are created equal. Whether you're part of PEAR Network or just getting started, this guide will help you make credible, conversion-worthy referrals that benefit everyone - especially you.

Quick Stats πŸ“Š

4x

Higher conversion rate for referred candidates

55%

Faster time-to-hire with quality referrals

R17,070

Maximum earning per successful placement

1. Know the Role, Really Know It! 🎯

Don't just glance at the job title. A successful referral starts with a deep understanding of:

  • The company's mission and culture
  • The tech stack or domain expertise required
  • The impact level and growth stage of the business
  • Key responsibilities and expectations

PEAR makes this simpleβ€”every role comes milestone-mapped, so you're always referring into clear expectations and outcomes. This transparency helps you make more informed matches and increases your chances of earning rewards at each stage.

Pro Tip πŸ’‘

Before making a referral, spend at least 15 minutes reviewing the company's website, recent news, and LinkedIn presence. This context will help you make more targeted introductions and provide valuable insights to your referrals.

2. Encourage a CV Check Before You Refer πŸ“„

Before you make the intro, help your referral put their best foot forward. A great CV is:

Do's βœ…

  • Clear, structured format (1-2 pages)
  • Tailored to the opportunity
  • Quantified achievements
  • ATS-friendly formatting

Don'ts ❌

  • Complex tables or graphics
  • Personal photos
  • Irrelevant experience
  • Excessive formatting

3. Quality Over Quantity 🎯

Not everyone in your network is a good fit for every role. Strong referrals should be:

  • Technically or strategically aligned with the role requirements
  • Actively open to new opportunities
  • Strong culture fits for the organization
  • Professionals you'd personally vouch for

Remember: Your reputation grows with each successful placement. Quality referrals build your credibility and keep the bar high.

PEAR's Milestone Rewards πŸ’°

R20

Shortlisted

R800

First Interview

R1,250

Offer Made

R15,000

Successful Hire

4. Master the Art of the Introduction 🀝

A great referral isn't just about forwarding a CV. Here's how to make your introductions stand out:

Template for Success

"I'm referring [Name], who I worked with at [Company]. They led [specific achievement] and have exceptional experience in [relevant skills]. What stands out about [Name] is [unique quality/achievement]. They're actively looking for roles like this and are particularly excited about [company/role aspect]."

5. Think Globally, Refer Intentionally 🌍

With remote work becoming the norm, your referral network can span the globe. Consider:

  • Ex-colleagues who've relocated internationally
  • Professional connections from global communities
  • Industry experts looking for remote opportunities
  • Talent from emerging tech hubs

6. Follow Through for Success 🎯

Your role doesn't end with the referral. Here's how to maximize success:

  • Keep your referral updated on their application status
  • Provide company insights and interview preparation tips
  • Use PEAR's tracking system to monitor progress
  • Maintain communication throughout the process

Ready to Start Earning? πŸš€

Join PEAR Network today and turn your professional connections into rewards. Our platform makes it easy to track referrals, monitor progress, and earn at every milestone.

Start Referring Now

Final Thoughts πŸ’­

The best referrals create value for everyone involved. By following these guidelines and leveraging PEAR's platform, you're not just making introductions - you're building a reputation as a trusted connector while earning significant rewards.

Remember: Every successful placement starts with a thoughtful referral. Make yours count.

Ready to Transform Your Hiring Experience?

For Referrers

Turn your professional network into value. Share opportunities and earn up to R17,075 per successful placement.

Start Referring

For Companies

Access pre-vetted talent through trusted networks. Save up to 70% on recruitment costs.

Start Hiring
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