This week is all about signalling readiness, before anyone asks.
In this edition:
A referral message template that gets responses
15 high-impact behaviours that show you're promotion-ready—even if you're still job hunting
A smart, AI-powered way to refresh your LinkedIn profile with proof, not fluff
Two practical visuals worth bookmarking (and applying this weekend)
Let’s get into it.
How to ask for a referral (the right way)
Sourced from: Get Hired Toolkit
Each week, I plan to spotlight one practical topic from the Get Hired Toolkit site, featuring advice, templates, or scripts that you can use right away.
Real tools. No fluff. Just one thing you can do today.
This week: how to ask for a referral the right way.
Referrals still drive the majority of hires. But they only work if you know how to ask.
The best referral message:
It is clear and respectful
Mentions what you have in common
Specifies the role
Makes it easy to help you
Here’s a plug-and-play template:
Hi [Name],
I’ve been following the work you’ve been doing at [Company]—especially around [specific product, initiative, or team]. It really stood out to me because [brief reason it connects to your work or values].
I saw there’s a [Job Title] role open, and based on my experience in [mention 1–2 relevant skills, wins, or projects], I’d love to contribute in a similar way.
If it feels appropriate, would you be open to referring me or sharing my background with the hiring team?
Either way, I’d be grateful just to learn more about your experience at [Company].
– [Your Name]
Why this works:
Starts with them and something real
Builds a connection before making the ask
Highlights your value, not just interest
Gives them an easy out—no pressure
Attach your resume + any relevant case studies or work samples.
Referrals don’t guarantee results. But thoughtful ones move you to the top of the list.
Visual of the week: Start acting like you're already in the role
Author: Reno Perry
Because in interviews, companies aren’t just hiring for your experience.
They’re hiring signals:
Do you take initiative?
Do you deliver outcomes?
Do you already act like part of the team?
The fastest way to get hired? Start acting like you already have been.
That means showing:
Ownership before you’re asked
Leadership without the title
Clarity in how you share wins
Intentionality in how you help others succeed
From Reno’s visual:
Be the person who gets things done
Quantify your wins weekly—numbers build trust
Say yes to stretch opportunities (volunteering, mock projects, self-led work)
Ask for feedback and improve fast
Share what you’re learning—build visibility and credibility
Job seekers who demonstrate this mindset in their applications, outreach, and interviews often stand out, not because they have the most polished CV, but because they already behave as if they belong.
It’s not about waiting for permission. It’s about showing readiness consistently.
How to optimise your LinkedIn profile using ChatGPT
Author: Nick Broekema
Most job seekers struggle to explain their value clearly. Nick demonstrates how to address this by combining case studies with AI.
Here’s the process:
Feed ChatGPT:
Your ideal employer persona
Your career case study (problem/solution/result)
A quality profile structure (he even provides one)
Ask it to rewrite your “About” section, focusing on:
Specific context and value
Natural tone of voice
Real proof of impact
Refine the output—ChatGPT is your copy editor, not your ghostwriter.
📌 Nick also shared this visual profile template to follow:
Headline: Focus on what you help people do
About: use PAIS (Pain, Agitation, Ideal Outcome, Solution)
Experience: Focus on results, not tasks. Include what you’ve worked on and disregard the part about adding a story. Recruiters need keywords and context to find you on LinkedIn, so bear that in mind!
Content: 2–5 posts/week around expertise or outcomes
Thank you for being part of the Open to Work Community. Every week, we bring you job search strategies, messaging that works, and tools to help you get hired faster.
For more playbooks, message templates, and job-ready resources, check out the full Get Hired Toolkit.
If you have feedback or would like something covered in an upcoming issue, please reply—I’d love to hear from you.
Stay motivated and continually upskill yourself to secure the next job.
Warm regards,
Darren Bush
gethiredtoolkit.com | LinkedIn | Twitter