Happy Memorial Day!

Welcome to your daily dose of curated early-career opportunities! Your job search shouldn’t feel confusing, late, or based on luck.

Runway shows you your match percentage for every job, gives resume + skill-gap feedback, and helps you apply smarter instead of applying blindly.

If you want clarity on today’s roles (and thousands more), check your matches here:

Here are today's fresh opportunities for Monday, May 25th:

Referrals get interviews 10x more often than cold applications.

But most students don't ask for referrals because they don't know how to do it without feeling weird.

Here's exactly how to ask:

Step 1: Find the right person

Don't ask a VP you've never met.

Ask someone who:

Alumni are your best bet. They want to help people from their school.

Step 2: Build the relationship first

Don't cold message someone asking for a referral immediately.

Connect on LinkedIn. Comment on their posts. Message them with a specific question about their experience.

After 1-2 exchanges, THEN ask about referrals.

Step 3: Make it easy for them

Don't say: "Can you refer me?"

Say: "I'm applying to [specific role] at [Company]. Would you be comfortable referring me? I can send you my resume and a brief summary of my background to make it easy."

The message template that works:

"Hi [Name],

I hope you're doing well! I saw that [Company] is hiring for [specific role], and I'm really interested in applying.

I'm a [year] at [School] studying [Major], and I have experience in [1-2 relevant things]. I think I'd be a great fit for this role because [specific reason].

Would you be comfortable referring me? I'd be happy to send you my resume and a brief summary to make it as easy as possible for you.

I completely understand if you're not able to - either way, I appreciate your time!

Best, [Your Name]"

Why this works:

It's specific (you know exactly which role). It's short (they can read it in 30 seconds). It gives them an easy out (no pressure). You're offering to do the work (sending materials).

What NOT to say:

"Can you get me a job at your company?" (You're asking for a referral, not a guaranteed job)

"I'll apply to any role, just refer me" (Too vague, shows you're not serious)

"I need a referral ASAP" (Demanding and entitled)

After they agree to refer you:

Send them:

Make it EASY for them. The less work they have to do, the more likely they'll follow through.

Follow up appropriately:

After they submit the referral: "Thank you so much for referring me! I really appreciate your support."

If you get the interview: "Just wanted to let you know I have an interview scheduled! Thank you again for the referral."

If you get the offer: "I got the offer! Thank you so much for believing in me and helping me get this opportunity."

What if they say no?

That's fine. Thank them anyway.

"No problem at all, I completely understand. Thanks for considering it!"

Don't burn bridges. They might refer you for something else later.

The biggest mistake:

Only reaching out when you need something.

Build relationships BEFORE you need referrals.

Connect with people. Engage with their content. Ask thoughtful questions.

Then when you need help, they actually know who you are.

The truth:

Referrals are the #1 way students get interviews.

If you're only applying online without referrals, you're making it 10x harder on yourself.

Do this today:

Find 3 people on LinkedIn who work at companies you're interested in.

Connect with them. Send a message asking about their experience.

Build the relationship now so you can ask for a referral later.

You got this!
-Ford from Runway

See you in your inbox tomorrow morning,

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