In my previous role, I referred a candidate for a software engineering position. I first assessed their technical skills and experience to ensure they met the job requirements. Then, I discussed the company culture and the team dynamics to gauge their interest and fit. I also provided them with insights into the interview process and prepared them with mock interviews. The candidate was hired and later thanked me for the referral, stating it was a great match for both their skills and career goals.

I prioritize referral requests based on the urgency and impact of the position. I maintain a detailed spreadsheet to track each request, noting deadlines, required skills, and the department's priority level. I also communicate regularly with hiring managers to understand their immediate needs. By organizing my tasks this way, I ensure that high-priority positions receive timely attention while still managing other requests effectively.

I leverage multiple channels to identify potential candidates, including professional networks, LinkedIn, and industry events. I also maintain a database of past candidates who were not selected but showed promise. Additionally, I engage in proactive outreach, such as cold emailing and informational interviews, to build a pipeline of qualified candidates. By diversifying my sourcing methods, I ensure a robust pool of referrals.

When a referred candidate is not selected, I first provide them with constructive feedback from the hiring team. I then offer to keep their resume on file for future opportunities and suggest areas for improvement. I also maintain a positive relationship with the candidate, encouraging them to apply again in the future. This approach helps maintain goodwill and ensures a continuous flow of quality referrals.

I actively seek to diversify my referral pool by targeting underrepresented groups in the industry. I participate in diversity recruitment events and partner with organizations that focus on inclusion. I also educate myself on unconscious bias and implement strategies to mitigate it, such as blind resume reviews. By taking these steps, I ensure that my referrals contribute to the company's diversity and inclusion objectives.