What Does a Referral Agent Do?
Find out what a referral agent does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as a referral agent.
A referral agent is a person who helps people find the services they need. They commonly work with individuals and families who are looking for medical care, social services, or other types of assistance.
Referral agents may also be known as case managers or social service caseworkers. Regardless of their title, they all have one thing in common: they help people navigate complex systems to get the support they need.
Referral Agent Job Duties
A referral agent typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Following up with clients until they have purchased a home
- Communicating with clients throughout the buying or selling process by answering questions about the home buying process or negotiating offers on behalf of clients
- Helping buyers find homes that meet their needs and budgets
- Marketing properties for sale through multiple media channels such as direct mail campaigns, online ads, and open houses
- Interviewing potential clients to determine their needs and goals, then matching them with appropriate properties
- Helping sellers prepare their home for sale including staging it to make it more attractive to buyers
- Coordinating inspections, appraisals, and other tasks related to the closing process
- Providing clients with information about current housing trends in their area
- Making sure all paperwork is filed correctly with government agencies
Referral Agent Salary & Outlook
Referral agents’ salaries vary depending on their level of experience, the company they work for, and the type of referrals they make.
- Median Annual Salary: $62,500 ($30.05/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $122,000 ($58.65/hour)
The employment of referral agents is expected to grow slower than average over the next decade.
Demand for these workers depends on the demand for their services and the types of jobs they refer. However, automation may limit the need for some types of referral agents. For example, online job boards can match applicants with employers without the help of a human agent.
Related: Referral Agent Interview Questions and Answers
Referral Agent Job Requirements
A referral agent typically needs to have the following qualifications:
Education: Referral agents are typically required to have a high school diploma or GED. Some employers may prefer an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as business or marketing. Relevant coursework includes sales, marketing, business and communication.
Training & Experience: Referral agents typically receive on-the-job training from their employer. This training may include learning the company’s policies and procedures, as well as the software and technology they use. Referral agents may also receive training in customer service and sales.
Certifications & Licenses: While not required, referral agents can earn certifications to gain additional knowledge about their responsibilities and further advance their careers.
Referral Agent Skills
Referral agents need the following skills in order to be successful:
Communication: Communication is the act of conveying information to another person. As a referral agent, you may be communicating with several people at once, including the person who referred the client, the client and the client’s friend. You should be able to communicate clearly and concisely to ensure everyone understands the message you’re sending.
Friendliness: A referral agent should be friendly and approachable to encourage clients to share their friends’ contact information. You should also be friendly to clients to help them feel comfortable and confident in their decision to work with you.
Curiosity: Curiosity is the ability to ask questions and seek out information. As a referral agent, you may be tasked with finding out more about a customer’s preferences or needs. This can help you provide them with more personalized service. Curiosity can also help you learn more about your customers’ friends and family, which can help you make more referrals.
Persuasion: Persuasion is the ability to convince someone to take an action. As a referral agent, you may need to persuade a customer to refer a friend or colleague to a company. You may also need to persuade a friend or colleague to sign up for a service or product. Persuasion can help you achieve your goals as a referral agent.
Sales: Sales skills are another important skill for referral agents to have. Referral agents are responsible for convincing customers to sign up for a new service or product. This requires a strong ability to sell products and services. Referral agents can use their sales skills to convince customers to refer their friends and family to the company.
Referral Agent Work Environment
Referral agents work in a variety of settings, including private offices, cubicles, and open work areas. They typically work regular business hours, although they may be required to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines. Some referral agents work from home, although most work in an office setting. The work can be stressful, as referral agents are often under pressure to meet deadlines and quotas. However, most referral agents find the work to be challenging and rewarding, as they are able to help people find the products and services they need.
Referral Agent Trends
Here are three trends influencing how referral agents work. Referral agents will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
The Growth of the Gig Economy
The gig economy is growing rapidly, as more and more people are turning to freelance work as a way to make ends meet. This trend is having a major impact on the job market, as businesses are increasingly looking for workers who can provide specific skills rather than full-time employees.
As a result, referral agents will need to be familiar with the gig economy and how to find jobs for their clients. They will also need to be able to market their clients’ skills effectively in order to get them hired.
More Use of Technology
The use of technology in the recruiting process is becoming increasingly common. This is due to the fact that technology allows recruiters to sift through a large number of candidates quickly and efficiently.
As a referral agent, you can take advantage of this trend by developing strong relationships with employers and understanding their needs. Then, you can use technology to find the best candidates for each position.
Greater Focus on Culture Fit
Culture fit has become an increasingly important factor in hiring decisions in recent years. This is because companies have realized that a good cultural fit can lead to greater employee satisfaction and productivity.
As a referral agent, you can capitalize on this trend by connecting your clients with companies that share similar values and beliefs. In doing so, you can help your clients find jobs that they will enjoy and where they will feel comfortable working.
How to Become a Referral Agent
A career as a referral agent can be both rewarding and lucrative. It’s important to start off on the right foot by doing your research and finding the best company for you. Look for companies that offer competitive pay, great benefits, and opportunities for growth.
It’s also important to build relationships with other professionals in your industry. This will help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments. You should also take advantage of training opportunities offered by your company.
Advancement Prospects
Advancement prospects for referral agents are good. As they gain experience, they will be able to handle more clients and larger cases. They may also be able to move into management positions, where they will oversee the work of other agents. In addition, referral agents who develop a good reputation may be able to start their own referral agency.
Referral Agent Job Description Example
At [CompanyX], we are always looking for talented, ambitious individuals to join our team of referral agents. As a referral agent, you will be responsible for generating leads and setting appointments for our sales team. We are looking for individuals with strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work independently. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, organized, and driven to succeed.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Consistently meet or exceed daily, weekly, and monthly referral goals
- Develop a strong understanding of the products and services offered by the company in order to make accurate referrals
- Build and maintain relationships with customers and potential customers through regular communication
- Keep up to date on company news and updates in order to accurately represent the brand
- Attend all required training sessions and complete any necessary certification courses
- Adhere to all company policies and procedures
- Maintain a high level of customer service at all times
- Use provided CRM software to track referrals and follow up as needed
- Generate leads through networking and cold-calling
- Participate in community events and other marketing initiatives
- Assist customers with questions or concerns
- Provide feedback to management on areas of improvement
Required Skills and Qualifications
- 2+ years in customer service, sales, or related field
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Friendly and personable demeanor
- Ability to work independently and with a team
- Strong time-management skills and multitasking ability
- High school diploma or equivalent
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or related field
- 4+ years in customer service, sales, or related field
- Proven success in meeting and exceeding sales goals
- Experience developing and managing referral programs
- MBA or other advanced degree