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New survey shows referrals build trust, accelerate decisions and give candidates a clear edge many overlook.
A referral may be the closest thing to a “shortcut” in today’s job market, and a new Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey shows just how powerful that endorsement can be. A striking 90% of U.S. hiring managers say employee referrals make hiring more efficient, and 91% say a strong internal reference can open doors that would otherwise stay closed.
Yet despite its impact, most job seekers aren’t tapping into it.
A referral does more than boost visibility. It fundamentally changes how hiring managers perceive a candidate.
- 89% trust candidates’ stated skills more when someone recommends them.
- 80% prioritize interviewing referred candidates over equally qualified non-referred applicants.
- 76% believe referred candidates perform better on the job.
In a crowded labor market, a single name can be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked.
But while referrals can be a deciding factor for hiring managers, job seekers rarely recognize their value. Only 40% believe a referral helps them stand out, revealing a significant disconnect between how influence is perceived on each side of the hiring process.
Referrals Work When Relationships Are Real
Hiring managers value referrals, but they also value authenticity.
- 93% have been contacted by former colleagues after long periods of no communication.
- 38% say it happens all the time or often.
- 68% are less likely to provide a reference if the only time someone reaches out is when they need one.
- 66% consider whether the person maintained the relationship over the years before agreeing to help.
The power of a referral doesn’t begin when a candidate needs a job. It begins long before that through trust, history and genuine connection.
The Strength — And Limits — of a Referral
Even with its undeniable impact, hiring managers are realistic about the boundaries of a referral.
- 91% say a reference doesn’t always mean the candidate is the right fit.
- 49% strongly agree.
- 70% worry that relying on referrals can limit team diversity.
Referrals open doors, but they don’t replace a true assessment of skills, culture or potential. They accelerate opportunity, not guarantee it.
Discover more research and real-world workforce trends from the America Employed series at ExpressPros.com/Newsroom.
Survey Methodology
The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from Nov. 3 to 19, 2025, among 1,002 U.S. hiring decision-makers.
The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from Nov. 7 to 20, 2025, among 1,003 adults ages 18 and older.
For full survey methodologies, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.
