Build an Internal Referral and Sharing Culture

Last updated: January 30, 2025

Goal: Strengthen Vouch usage by engaging employees in more active processes and initiating specific actions to identify relevant candidates.

1. Adopt a Systematic Approach

  • Review Employees’ Networks Systematically

    • Arrange team-based or 1:1 network workshops with selected employees:

      • Encourage each employee to identify 5-10 people in their network who could be a good fit for open positions.

      • Consider using a structured format like Happenstance to map out former colleagues, classmates, or acquaintances. Then they can be referred via Vouch, or manually entered by the recruiter to lower the threshold for employees.

      • Create a list of potential candidates to contact. Have employees vouch directly through the platform, share with the candidate themselves, or alternatively let the recruiter contact them directly and add them to Vouch manually for further follow-up if they’re interested.

  • Individual Coaching:

    • Offer brief 1:1 coaching for employees who are unsure how to share positions or submit referrals. Focus on overcoming barriers such as fear of appearing “pushy.”

2. Creative Internal Initiatives

  • Company Tip Challenge:

    • Introduce a monthly referral target, for example: “Let’s aim for 50 referrals before February ends!”

    • Track progress on Slack, sharing weekly updates.

    • If the goal is met, reward the entire company with a group celebration (e.g., pizza night, or a donation to charity in the company’s name).

  • Kickstart Vouch Campaign (see below):

    • Launch a “Kickstart Vouch” challenge to engage employees.

    • Competition: “Everyone who submits at least one referral in January and February is entered into a draw for an extra prize!” [if it’s anonymous, just let us know and we’ll track it]

    • Provide weekly updates: “So far, we’ve received 5 referrals this week. [Employee Name] leads with 2 referrals!” (ask Vouch for help)

  • Introduction of a “Sharing Relay”:

    • Create a challenge where one employee submits a referral for someone OR shares the job opening with their network, then nominates a colleague to do the same the following day.

    • Use Slack to share relay updates: “Thanks to [Name] for starting the relay! Today it’s [Name]’s turn. Vouch for a suitable candidate or share the position with someone in your network and ask if they know anyone! Click here to join: [link].”

    • Small rewards? Monthly draw of micro-rewards for everyone who participated.

3. Other Measures

  • Make Vouch a fixed agenda item in weekly HR or leadership meetings:

    • Update the team on referrals, candidates, and success stories.

    • Discuss which positions need extra promotion.

  • Celebration:

    • Celebrate success internally:

      • Recognize those who have provided the best referrals.

      • Share examples of referrals that led to hires.

    • Launch an external campaign showcasing how the company recruits differently.

  • Assign a “Referral Champion” in each department to follow up and engage the team.

Template for an Internal Campaign: “Kickstart Vouch”

Title: “Join the Kickstart Vouch!”

Duration: e.g. 1-2 months.

Purpose:

  • Encourage employees to submit referrals through the Vouch platform.

  • Build a referral and sharing culture from the start.

How it works:

  1. Submit a referral: Identify someone in your network who fits our open positions and refer them via Vouch.

  2. Share a job opening: Post one of our open positions on LinkedIn or share it with your network.

Rewards:

  • Anyone who submits at least one referral in [Period] is entered into a draw for a [prize of your choice, e.g., gift card, team lunch, or company merch].

  • If your referral leads to a hire, you get $$$.

  • The team that submits the most referrals wins an activity for the whole team (e.g., bowling, escape room, or a special lunch).

Competition Details:

  • Weekly updates will be sent out: Who made the most referrals? Which team is in the lead?

Slack Text for Launch:

✍

🎉 We’re launching “Kickstart Vouch”! 🎉

Do you know anyone who’d be a great fit for [Company]? We have a fantastic referral program where you can earn [reward amount] per hire!

👉 Here’s how to join: 1⃣ Refer someone you know via Vouch: [link]
2⃣ Share a position on LinkedIn or Slack.

🏆 Prize: Everyone who participates is entered into a draw for a [prize]. The team that makes the most referrals wins [team activity].

Great people often know great people. You are great people. This should be a slam dunk!