{"id":7841,"date":"2025-03-31T07:13:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-31T11:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/?p=7841"},"modified":"2025-03-31T07:11:50","modified_gmt":"2025-03-31T11:11:50","slug":"networking-to-referral-to-hire-best-way-to-land-executive-job","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/networking-to-referral-to-hire-best-way-to-land-executive-job\/","title":{"rendered":"Employee Referrals: The Best Way to Land an Executive Job"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/hiring-2.jpg\" alt=\"employee referrals\" class=\"wp-image-15474 lazyload\" style=\"width:794px;height:794px\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/hiring-2.jpg\" alt=\"employee referrals\" class=\"wp-image-15474 lazyload\" style=\"width:794px;height:794px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/hiring-2.jpg 640w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/hiring-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/hiring-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/hiring-2-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When discussing executive job search strategy with my clients, I lay out the critical 3 initial steps that get the best results \u2013 <strong>targeting, research and personal branding.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I explain that, by starting with targeting, they&#8217;ll focus their job search and personal marketing efforts on specific employers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With research, they\u2019ll have the information needed to showcase why those companies need them, and&nbsp;how they will help those specific companies or organizations overcome specific challenges and meet specific current needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With personal branding, they&#8217;ll be able to generate chemistry around who they are, what differentiates their unique value, and how they get things done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These 3 components will make job seekers much better able to position themselves as a good fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why That 3-Part Job Search Strategy Gives You an Advantage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Having done those 3 initial steps, they will also be much better able to penetrate the <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/how-to-network-into-the-goldmine-of-hidden-executive-jobs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">goldmine of so-called \u201chidden\u201d executive jobs<\/a> at their target companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I explain the various kinds of jobs that are only found in the hidden job market, and stress that they are jobs that are never advertised, so they won\u2019t be found on any job board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I also stress that the only way to access these jobs is by networking their way into those companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of the time, they accept all this as fact, but they&#8217;re not very happy understanding that, to be successful, their <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/5-things-you-probably-dont-know-about-executive-resumes-and-job-search\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"711\">job search will probably<\/a> involve a lot of networking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They get it, but it sounds like so much work. They wonder if it\u2019s worth it, and how it\u2019s all going to come together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then I add this nugget to better explain, and seal the deal:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cMost companies (including yours) have employee referral programs, in which employees are rewarded for referring qualified candidates for jobs. These programs benefit everyone involved. The company, employee and referred candidate all win. Referrals happen through networking.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes I think I hear the bell go off in their heads. Suddenly it all makes sense that networking really is the best way to land their next great-fit gig.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What If You Hate Networking?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/group-1825510_1920-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"executive job search networking\" class=\"wp-image-6927 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/group-1825510_1920-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"executive job search networking\" class=\"wp-image-6927 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/group-1825510_1920-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/group-1825510_1920-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/group-1825510_1920-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/group-1825510_1920-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/group-1825510_1920-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/group-1825510_1920-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I know that networking is a stressful and daunting prospect to most people . . . something to avoid at all costs, even if it means prolonging their search.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically, the main reason they find it so difficult is because they don&#8217;t understand what networking really is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They believe networking means asking people for a job . . . often people they don&#8217;t know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Career Sherpa&#8217;s <a href=\"http:\/\/careersherpa.net\/networking-is-a-waste-of-time-or-is-it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hannah Morgan<\/a>, a job search expert, disputes that notion:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&#8220;Networking is not asking for a job or a job lead . . . it&#8217;s about getting AIR&#8221;:<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Advice<\/strong> (career advancement, job search, career-changing)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Information<\/strong> (company, industry trends, news)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Recommendations<\/strong> (associations to join, books to read, skills to develop, people to talk to)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>She further advises asking people at your target companies a variety of pointed questions, including these gems:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What are the most significant factors affecting your business today?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How have changes in technology most affected your business?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How has your business\/industry been affected by the current economic climate?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What future direction do you see the company taking?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How do you differ from your competition?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Describe what it takes for someone to be successful in this company.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What are the qualities of people who perform best in this business?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How do you think most of the employees would describe this workplace?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If this company was known for 3 things as a workplace, what do you think those would be?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How would you describe your company culture?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Employee Referrals Work for Everyone Involved<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An article on Smart Recruiters notes some of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smartrecruiters.com\/blog\/essential-guide-to-employee-referral-programs-in-2020\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">benefits of employee referral programs<\/a> to the employer: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Increased Hiring Velocity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easier Access to Qualified Candidates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Better for Your Hiring Budget<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Employees Become Brand Evangelists<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Referred Employees Stay Longer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Higher Levels of Employer Satisfaction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Another Smart Recruiters article no longer available online described the cost effectiveness of these programs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&#8220;Hiring via referral is substantially quicker than hiring through a job posting or career site as several steps for recruitment employees \u2014 job description writing, ad posting, resume collection, and candidate screening \u2014 are unnecessary when the applicant is a referral.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;With few exceptions, employee referral programs are more cost effective than other hiring processes: consider the 15 percent fee an executive recruiter could charge on a $100,000\/year hire ($15,000) versus a $1500 referral bonus for the same hire.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>So you can see, companies are very much in favor of hiring referred candidates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although they may not be well-known within the company, referred candidates are at least somewhat known. And people are more likely to hire people they know at least somewhat over complete strangers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond this comfort factor, each qualified referred candidate can save the company tens of thousands of dollars, over other hiring methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Statistics Show That Employee Referrals Get You the Job<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Take a look at the statistics in this infographic from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/pulse\/employee-referral-statistics-you-need-know-2020-mike-stafiej\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">erinapp.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1578941903198-662x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15467 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"662\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1578941903198-662x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15467 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1578941903198-662x1024.jpg 662w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1578941903198-194x300.jpg 194w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1578941903198-97x150.jpg 97w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1578941903198-768x1188.jpg 768w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1578941903198.jpg 970w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 662px) 100vw, 662px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:33px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some highlights:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Employee Referrals are&nbsp;4x&nbsp;more likely to be hired.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>82%&nbsp;of Employees rated Employee Referrals above all other sourcing options to yield the best ROI.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$7,500&nbsp;per hired employee referral is the amount saved in productivity and sourcing costs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>45%&nbsp;of employees sourced from employee referrals stay for longer than 4 years, and only 25% of employees sourced through job boards stay for over 2 years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>60 Days&nbsp;was the high end of the average days to fill a position without an employee referral. Employee Referrals came in at 35 \u2013 40 days and&nbsp;ERIN Employee Referrals only take 20 days.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$2,500&nbsp;was the average employee referral bonus in 2019.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Employee Referrals Help You Circumvent Resume ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>ATS are a given when responding to job board postings, but so many <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/the-lazy-c-level-executive-job-search\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"709\">executive job seekers<\/a> are either unaware of or don&#8217;t fully understand how ATS work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They wrongly assume that <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/use-job-boards-for-research-not-to-find-jobs\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"710\">job boards<\/a> are where they should be spending most of their job search time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what happens when you send your resume in response to a job posting:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Some, but not all recruiters will actually read every resume that comes their way. If they happen to have a job in front of them that&#8217;s a good fit for you, you&#8217;ll probably be contacted for an interview.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Otherwise, your resume goes right into the database along with thousands of other resumes, for various kinds of jobs they\u2019re trying to fill.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To match candidates to jobs, the database sifts through the resumes and parses their content for relevant keywords put into the system, associated with particular jobs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Resumes are selected if the candidate meets the requisite qualifications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Resumes may not be selected if they are incorrectly formatted, don\u2019t contain enough of the right keywords, or don\u2019t fit the bill in some other way.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>I hope you get it now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It should make sense that you want to avoid having your resume fall into the <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/executive-resume-ats-applicant-tracking-systems-need-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ATS black hole<\/a> entirely, or not until later in the hiring process, when you\u2019ve become more than just another candidate in the sea of people applying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to circumvent ATS (at least initially), accelerate your <a data-wpil-monitor-id=\"266\" href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/no-summer-vacation-from-executive-job-search\/\">executive job search<\/a>, and land better and faster . . . get to work networking your way into companies that are on your list of good-fit target employers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Get Employee Referrals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/network-4901588_640.jpg\" alt=\"networking for employee referrals\" class=\"wp-image-10839 lazyload\" style=\"width:839px;height:560px\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/network-4901588_640.jpg\" alt=\"networking for employee referrals\" class=\"wp-image-10839 lazyload\" style=\"width:839px;height:560px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/network-4901588_640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/network-4901588_640-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/network-4901588_640-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/network-4901588_640-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Where to find people to refer you<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Search the LinkedIn (Company) Pages of each <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/7-tips-to-build-your-executive-job-search-target-companies-list\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"712\">company you&#8217;re targeting<\/a> and look for employees. Look for people you know either socially or professionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to reach out for referrals<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Executive coach <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/articles\/land-a-new-job-with-help-from-the-inside-11672838657\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dorie Clark<\/a> advises job seekers to be gentle in their approach and give people an out: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&#8220;You need to give the other person a lot of space and make them not feel like you are pressuring them.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>If it is someone you know professionally but aren\u2019t close to, tell them at the outset that you are sending your application to their employer. Then be direct and say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t know if it would be appropriate for you to put in a word for me, but if you feel comfortable doing that, I\u2019d really appreciate it.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>If the person you are asking knows you socially, not professionally, explain that just vouching for your character would go a long way, but give them an out and say you understand if they feel they can\u2019t. Acknowledge that you are asking for a favor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSometimes you just need to lean into the awkward.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>One way to get a referral from someone you don&#8217;t know or don&#8217;t have a strong relationship with<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dice.com\/career-advice\/how-to-ask-for-a-job-referral-tips-and-best-practices\">Dice article<\/a> recommends: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&#8220;Asking for an <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/guide-to-informational-interviews-for-executive-job-search\/\">informational interview<\/a> or \u201cget-to-know-you\u201d meeting can help you build trust and even gain valuable information and insights about the company and the open position. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, you might learn that the hiring manager has been dragging their feet in granting interviews or that you might be qualified for a more interesting position that hasn\u2019t been advertised. When you use questions to gently guide the conversation, you gain advice about how to move forward or not, or maybe some form of recommendation or referral from a new friend or colleague.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>And remember,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&#8220;Be very clear about what you\u2019re looking for and why you\u2019re a great fit for the company and the role in an outreach email (or introductory meeting with a prospective referrer) if you expect them to advocate on your behalf, Johnston said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A compelling value proposition instantly shows your worth, passion and interest to potential referrers and encourages them to go out on a limb for you. The more information you share about your alignment with the company\u2019s mission and goals, the more comfortable and motivated they become about referring you.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Follow up with people who have referred you<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Just as you should be sending thank you&#8217;s to anyone involved with helping you land a job (interviewers, informational interviewees, people who send you leads, etc.), you need to thank those who refer you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Emailed thank you&#8217;s are okay, but if you can send a <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/thank-you-notes-executive-job-search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">hand-written thank you<\/a> note, that&#8217;s even better because so few people take the time to do this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>More About Executive Job Search and Networking<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/how-to-network-into-executive-job\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Network Your Way Into a Great-Fit Executive Job<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/best-ways-and-places-to-research-your-target-employers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best Ways and Places to Research Your Target Employers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/worksheets-personal-branding-and-executive-job-search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Worksheets for Personal Branding and Job Search<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When discussing executive job search strategy with my clients, I lay out the critical 3 initial steps that get the best results \u2013 targeting, research and personal branding. I explain that, by starting with targeting, they&#8217;ll focus their job search and personal marketing efforts on specific employers. With research, they\u2019ll have the information needed to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4,5,12],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-7841","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-executive-job-search","7":"category-executive-networking","8":"category-social-media-and-social-networking","9":"entry","10":"has-post-thumbnail"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Employee Referrals: The Best Way to Land an Executive Job - Executive Career Brand\u2122<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Employee referrals are the best way to land a job. 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