Question
I am now working at a company that is loosely affiliated with a large university that happens to have a prominent think tank. I have the right education for a job there. My plan is to leverage my boss’s university connections to get me an internship (or job) at the think tank. How do I go about asking for a personal referral or recommendation?
Nick’s Reply
It sounds like you’re fortunate enough to have a boss who is willing to help you with your next job. Good for you for using a contact to get introduced. While your competition will just be submitting applications, you will be the person who “got hired because they had an inside track.”
I like your approach — go for it. But remember that career change is challenging. Just because a person has the right education and qualifications doesn’t mean they are useful to the employer. You must be able to explain and prove it.
However, I would not ask your boss for a personal referral just yet, because many people are hesitant about giving out names of personal contacts. After all, giving you a thumbs-up to a colleague means putting their reputation on the line.
How to request a personal referral
First, set the stage by demonstrating that it’s about more than just “getting a name.” I’d start by asking your boss for “advice and insight” about the think tank. People often hesitate to make an introduction, but they love to share their thoughts, so start there.
How to Say It
For example, ask your boss about the organization before asking for a favor.
- “Where do the big thinkers at the think tank come from?”
- “Do employees at the think tank all have the same kind of background, or does the think tank hire more broadly?”
- “What skills and education does the think tank look for?”
Then be silent and let your boss talk. Let the discussion evolve and center on how the think tank operates, what skills its people have, and so on. Gradually, your boss will get the idea and the topic will shift to a referral.
The key is motivation
My guess is your boss will interpret your interest and your good questions as evidence of your motivation. When someone looks to me for a professional introduction, I know they’re looking for a job. But what I’m looking for is their enthusiasm and motivation; their level of true interest in the work and in the person or company I’m going to refer them to. If all they want is a job, they’re not going to impress my contact. I want them to impress — that will make me look good. So, take the time to demonstrate real professional curiosity.
If your boss does you the courtesy of introducing you to someone at the think tank, once again, don’t be pushy. Don’t jump in and ask your new think tank contact for information about jobs.
How to Say It
Start by talking shop with the person to establish a professional rapport.
- “What kinds of projects are you working on?”
- “What are you reading nowadays that influences your work?”
- “Which organizations do you think are pushing the state of the art?”
How to Say It
Express your interest on specific, relevant topics, and ask for recommendations about how to educate yourself further. Then follow up with:
- “If I were interested in working for the think tank, what would you suggest I do to prepare myself to be a good candidate?”
(Of course, you should phrase the suggested questions so you’re comfortable with them. Come up with more of your own!)
Step into a professional relationship to get a personal referral
This creates the opportunity to talk to the person again later, after you’ve followed the advice offered and after studying the recommended materials. Cultivate dialogue step by step. By building a professional contact inside the think tank, you will stand a better chance of getting referred for a job. Remember that it’s best to cultivate a relationship first, and to ask for favors later.
Finally, don’t rely only on your boss for those introductions. Check this brief article for tips on making new contacts of your own: Meet The Right People.
How do you ask for a personal referral? How can a colleague or employee successfully request a referral from you? My suggestions are just a start. What would you recommend to this reader?
: :
This is a great topic! The best way to land a job at a think tank isn’t to ask for a referral upfront but to position yourself as someone worth recommending. Below are some steps that could work well:
A. Seek Insights, Not Just a Favor
Before requesting an introduction, engage your boss in a conversation about the think tank. People are more willing to share knowledge than immediately stake their reputation on a recommendation. Below is what I would consider asking:
“What kind of expertise does the think tank look for?”
“What trends are shaping their research priorities?”
“How do people typically break into roles there?”
This approach shows genuine interest rather than just networking for personal gain.
B. Show That You Bring Value
A strong referral happens when someone believes in your potential to contribute. To make that happen, you need to demonstrate your enthusiasm and expertise:
-Study the think tank’s work and discuss their latest research.
-Reference specific reports or projects and ask thoughtful follow-up questions.
-Share your own insights on relevant topics to show you’re already thinking like one of them.
For example, if you get introduced to someone at the think tank, don’t start with, “Are there any job openings?” Instead, try these alternatives:
“I recently read [their report] on [topic]—fascinating insights. What was the biggest challenge in that research?”
“Which emerging policy areas will shape your work in the next few years?”
Make it a discussion, not a transaction…
C. Let the Referral Happen Organically
If your boss (or someone else) sees your enthusiasm and knowledge, they’re more likely to offer an introduction naturally. If they don’t, you can gently ask: “If you think my background could be a good fit, would you be comfortable introducing me to someone who can offer further insight?”
This phrasing makes it low-pressure while still prompting action.
D. Expand Your Network Beyond Just One Referral
Even if your boss doesn’t make an introduction, keep attending think tank events, engaging with their work, and networking on LinkedIn. The more connections you create, the more likely referrals will come your way.
Final Thoughts
Think tanks look for intellectual curiosity, initiative, and expertise. If you position yourself as a knowledgeable, engaged professional, referrals and job opportunities will follow naturally.
The above are my humble and respectful suggestions from an HR perspective and what I would do if I were in this situation. Relationships, credibility, and value always come before the “ask.” I hope this is helpful and wish the reader and others in similar situations all the best. Thank you –