Most UX designers send hundreds of applications—and get ghosted.

But some land interviews without applying at all.

How? Referrals.

📌 60–80% of UX jobs are filled through referrals

📌 Referred candidates are 4x more likely to get hired

📌 Yet most designers avoid referrals because…

❌ They don’t know who to ask

❌ They don’t know what to say

❌ They don’t want to look desperate or spammy

But here’s the truth: People want to help—you just have to ask the right way.

How to ask for a referral without being awkward

Use this simple script:

🔥 Step 1: Build a connection

“Hey [Name], I’ve been following your work at [Company], and I really admire how your team approaches UX.”

🔥 Step 2: Make it easy for them

“I’m currently exploring UX roles and really interested in [Company]. Would you be open to a quick chat about your experience there?”

🔥 Step 3: Open the door for a referral

“If it makes sense after our chat, I’d love to hear any advice you have—or if there’s someone you’d recommend I connect with.”

This makes it genuine, non-pushy, and easy to say yes to.

I’ve had designers use this exact framework and get job offers without applying online.

Referrals aren’t about luck. They’re about strategy.

If you want my best referral scripts, reply “Referrals” and I’ll send them over.