Referring someone for a job sounds simple, until your name ends up tied to their performance. In this episode of Work in Progress, Larone and Courtney get into the messy middle of job referrals: when to say yes, when to say no, and how to protect your reputation without burning bridges. Whether it’s a close friend or a former colleague, navigating referrals is a leadership skill — not just a favor.
💬 If you’ve ever wondered:
✔️ “Should I refer this person or stay out of it?”
✔️ “What if they underperform — and it reflects on me?”
✔️ “How do I help people in my network without hurting myself?”…this episode is for you.
🔍 What You’ll Learn:
- How to vet referral requests (without feeling guilty)
- The power (and risk) of putting your name on someone
- What makes a great referral — and what to avoid
- How 2025 hiring trends are changing referral expectations
- When to prioritize professional integrity over loyalty
⏱ Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: New Beginnings
02:32 – Navigating Friendship & Professional Lines
05:50 – The Power (and Politics) of Referrals
08:42 – What the Referral Process Really Looks Like
11:35 – Why Skills Matter More Than Good Vibes
14:25 – A Lighthouse Analogy You’ll Actually Remember
17:14 – The Emotional Toll of Recommending People
23:03 – Rethinking Referrals in Job Searches
25:31 – How 2025 Hiring Trends Shift the Game
27:15 – When Referrals Go Wrong3
3:00 – Help Others Without Hurting Your Brand
💡 Bottom line? A job referral is more than a favor — it’s a brand extension. Learn how to say yes (or no) with clarity, confidence, and care.
🎧 Press play, then text this to the one person who’s always asking, “Can you refer me real quick?”🔑
Follow CJ on Instagram Here or LinkedIn Here
Follow Larone on Instagram Here
Keywords: job referrals, networking, professional reputation, how to refer someone, hiring trends 2025, job search tips, referral politics, workplace boundaries, career decisions
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