How to get a job referral link?

Four months ago I added an engineering lead from a startup in London on LinkedIn.

I love their iOS and iPad app - innovative and simple.

Yesterday he posted that they’re hiring an iOS Engineering Manager.

I did not hit “Apply.” right away.

Instead:

• I read the post and full job description

• Watched their YouTube demo of new features coming in September

• Noted why those features need a new manager

• Used ChatGPT o3 to sum it up my notes

Then I sent two questions:

1. A pain-focused question about their feature for iPad app

2. A non-tech question about the role

A few messages later I got the referral link.

Odds of getting hired via referral vs. public link?

80 % vs. 20 %.

Buttons don’t hire people.

Conversations do.

Are you having at least one meaningful conversation with the right person every day?

Why a pain-focused question works so well

Sandler sales methodology is clear on this:
People act fastest when you shine a light on their biggest pain.
A targeted question proves you understand their problem.
Also proves you invested time to do research.

Which is why it’s so much better than a generic “I’m interested” message.
That single move can 2x or 3x your reply rate.