Referral programs are not a foreign concept. There are referral discounts for stores, apartments, and more. We get bonuses when we get our friends to sign up for our favorite things. What makes an employee referral program any different?

High-achieving companies look to hire the best-of-the-best. Scientifically, your friends will be similar to you in their efforts to succeed. Once the company knows you are a good fit, they will want people just like you to join the team. It’s one of the biggest compliments your company can give you.

How to refer your friends:

1. Think of friends you would want to work with. Even if they wouldn’t be a part of your team, don’t refer people who you know don't play well with others.
2. Help them beef up their resumes. At Reynolds and Reynolds, you would submit their resume for them by filling out one of our online forms. Your name will be on what you submit, so make sure it looks professional.
3. Practice interviewing with them. Help your friends even further by practicing interviewing with them. Help them come up with questions to bring to the interview, and give them some knowledge on the company.
4. Help them adjust to the new atmosphere. If your referrals are hired, check up on them. See how they are doing, and help them fit into their new role. At Reynolds, we encourage associates to join an intramural league to help meet people and make new friends.
5. Collect your reward money. Yes, you read that right. When you refer a friend at Reynolds and most other companies, you get a chunk of change. There are a few stipulations, though. They must stay at the company for a certain period of time, and you must also still be working at the company when the money is scheduled to be rewarded.

Referral programs are instilled with companies who want to be ahead of the market. If you can think of a few hard-working friends, regardless of major, talk to them about joining the team!