Healthy networking and referrals: professional recommendations versus “insiders”
In Indonesia, the term “orang dalam” (an insider) often sounds negative: getting a job because you know someone important, not because of your ability. It's understandable that many people feel reluctant to network. Yet there is a big difference between nepotism and a healthy professional referral.
Resmi.ID Team · 4 min read ·
Photo: The Jopwell Collection / Unsplash
A healthy referral means someone who knows your work introduces you to a company, and you then go through the same selection as every other applicant. What you gain is a chance to be seen, not a guarantee of being hired.
A clear line
- 1HealthyA friend recommends you through an employee referral programme, and you still take the tests and interviews.
- 2HealthyA former manager agrees to be a reference and describes your performance honestly.
- 3UnhealthyPaying someone to “get you through”, or being promised a position without selection in exchange for money.
- 4UnhealthyAsking a contact to leak test questions or pressure the recruitment team.
Build your network before you need it
The most useful networks are built when you're not asking for anything. Contacting people only when you need a job feels transactional. Start with the circles you already have. You may be surprised how many old friends now work at companies or in fields that interest you.
- 1List existing contactsUniversity friends, school alumni, former colleagues, lecturers, or mentors.
- 2Join field communitiesProfessional groups, meetups, webinars, or industry associations.
- 3Give before you askShare job leads, useful articles, or congratulations on their achievements.
- 4Keep in touch lightlyAn occasional hello, not every week.
- 5Note who works whereIt helps you know whom to ask when an opening appears.
Ask for information, not straight for a job
The most comfortable first step is an informational conversation: asking for 15–20 minutes to learn about someone's work, team culture, or career path at their company. Many people are happy to share, provided the request is clear and not pushy.
Example message: “Hi Dimas, I'm Rina, a junior from the Accounting programme. I see you're now on the tax team at PT Contoh. I'm considering a career in corporate tax. Could I have about 15 minutes this week to ask about your work? A phone or video call is fine, whenever suits you. Thank you.”
How to ask for a referral politely
If there's a suitable opening and you know the person well enough, you can ask for a referral. Make it easy for them: send the job link, your latest CV, and two or three sentences on why you fit, so they only need to forward it.
Example message: “Hi Sari, I saw the Tax Staff opening at PT Contoh [link]. I think my two years preparing monthly tax returns are a good match. If you're comfortable with it, would you be willing to refer me? My CV is attached. If it's not possible, that's completely fine, thanks for reading.”
If you're asked to refer someone
One day you may be the one asked for a referral. Refer only people whose abilities you genuinely know. If you don't know their work well enough, say so honestly, for example “I can forward your CV, but I can only say we studied together, not vouch for your performance.”
Honesty like this protects your reputation at work and is fair to other applicants. A valuable referral is a trusted one, and that trust disappears if you recommend everyone without thought.
Etiquette after being referred
- Keep your referrer updated, whether you progress or not.
- Don't ask your referrer to find out selection results or pressure HR.
- Say thank you, whatever the outcome.
- Protect your referrer's reputation: be on time and professional, because their name is on the line too.
- When you're in their position one day, help others the same way.
If you don't know anyone
Not everyone has a wide network, especially fresh graduates or people who've moved city. That's not a barrier. A well-tailored direct application can still get you called. On KarirResmi you can choose jobs from companies with the Verified badge, whose business registration number (NIB) matches licensing data, and companies with the Responsive badge, known for replying to applicants quickly.
While you apply, gradually build your network through communities and professional activities. Relationships that grow from shared interests are usually more genuine and last longer than contacts that are merely collected.
