Would you be offended if your referral did not accept the offer?

Oath / Eng
L12

Go to company page Oath Eng

 L12
Dec 1, 2017 17 Comments

I’m making a career move. I have connections to many companies so naturally I’ll be pulling favors to get in. In order to maximize offer negotiation power, I’ll be applying to multiple companies and accepting one. That means some of the people that referred me won’t be getting the referral bonus.

What is the etiquette in this situation?

17

comments

Want to comment? LOG IN or SIGN UP
  1. TOP
  2. RECENT
  3. OLD
 TOP 17 Comments
  • VMware / Sales
    dgPu18

    Go to company page VMware Sales

     dgPu18
    When I refer someone I don't consider them obligated to take any offer extended. But I probably would think again about referring if I thought they were using me to leverage their career without actually intending to come to my organization.
    Send a sincere note of thanks letting your referrer know you got an offer, were torn, and ended up accepting a different one. Maintain the relationship. Offer any help you can to that person.
    Dec 1, 2017 2
    • Oath / Eng
      L12

      Go to company page Oath Eng

       L12
      OP
      The intention is genuine. But like any career move, there is always first and second choice. Even referrals does not guarantee you’ll have an offer.
      Dec 1, 2017
    • Adobe
      hJHF61

      Go to company page Adobe

      hJHF61
      I would recommend that you speak with him personally and Tell that you're really gratefull for the offer
      Dec 2, 2017
  • Facebook / Eng
    serially

    Go to company page Facebook Eng

     serially
    I would buy them a meal as thanks for the referral. There's no obligation to accept an offer just because you were referred.
    Dec 1, 2017 1
  • Akamai Technologies / Other
    Gigi🧜🏼‍♀

    Go to company page Akamai Technologies Other

     Gigi🧜🏼‍♀
    My friend referred me to his company before. I went through the interview process, got an offer, but ended up accepting a counter offer from my company instead. While he kept insisting that it was ok, I could tell it soured our friendship a little bit.
    Dec 2, 2017 4
    • Amazon
      thus

      Go to company page Amazon

      thus
      I've gone through two referral experiences, both people did not know me or my desires well, and they both lead to horrible situations where it was obvious the referrer just wanted the bonus or something by giving me horrible information. I will take the more difficult road now and never use a referral again. Afterwards I do usually block them and not communicate with them further.
      Dec 2, 2017
    • Akamai Technologies / Other
      Gigi🧜🏼‍♀

      Go to company page Akamai Technologies Other

       Gigi🧜🏼‍♀
      Really?!? I would love a referral. Especially for the larger organizations. It’s the best way to get your foot in the door.
      Dec 2, 2017
  • Depends on how much work I put in as the referer and how well I know you. Low effort + great friendship, do what you want. Big effort (having to vouch for you personally, speaking with hiring team to consider you due to atypical experience) + barely know you and you approached me for help, better be a good reason. And you better be following up with your referers afterwards either way, silence after offers is a way I know that my help wasn't appreciated and I won't be doing favors for them again. This is same for people that only speak with you when they want something.
    Dec 2, 2017 0
  • Apple
    feav12345

    Go to company page Apple

    feav12345
    Why is this even a concern? Its your career and your life. Chose the offer you want to chose. Dont be too nice when it comes to career ;)
    Dec 1, 2017 0