How to Get a Netflix Job Referral

Getting a job at Netflix is one of the hardest-to-get positions in tech.

So, how do you actually get to interview for Netflix's roles?

The most crucial step is getting an internal referral from a current employee at the company.

Here's a guide on how to get that Netflix referral and why it's so important.

Why a Netflix Referral Matters

Companies like Netflix and Apple rely heavily on referrals in the interview process.

So, getting referred by an existing employee is a big vote of confidence.

It should be no surprise that Netflix receives hundreds of applications for its roles daily.

With all this competition, it can be difficult for even highly qualified candidates to stand out.

Companies like Netflix often use specific internal tooling to analyze and review resumes to rank applications.

Getting one referral from anyone at the company helps, but here are some factors that can boost the signal from your referral:

• Role: The referral should ideally be of an employee with the same role you're applying for.
• Seniority: Referrals are helpful from folks who have higher seniority.
• Team: If applying to a specific team (generally, this isn't the case with Netflix roles), it helps to have someone from the team refer you.
• Familiarity: Netflix can tell if a referral is genuine and if the person is familiar with your background–this helps in the application process
• Quantity: The more referrals, the better–Netflix does note if many internal employees are referring a candidate.

That said, referrals don't necessarily just help you get the interview; they can also help you pass it.

Note that in many companies, like Netflix, the hiring committee will review the application comprehensively, including job referrals.

Sourcing a Netflix Referral

The best way to get referrals is to contact people you already know.

Below, we'll discuss identifying and contacting those people or their second-degree connections.

Exponent

First, check out Exponent's referral database and request a referral from one of our alumni.

Hundreds of thousands of candidates have used Exponent's interview prep courses to help them land tech jobs.

LinkedIn

The easiest way to find referrals from people who work at the company is to use LinkedIn's search feature.

LinkedIn has a powerful advanced search feature that lets you browse people who work at the company you're applying for and those who used to work there.

In LinkedIn search, search for the company you're applying to (in this case, Netflix), and click "All Filters" to see a panel like the one:

Filter by 1st-degree- or 2nd-degree connections to see the individuals in your network.

We've included the filter for the previous company in case those who used to work at Netflix could contact others they know at the company.

Personal Network

In addition to LinkedIn, let your personal network know you're applying for a role at Netflix (as well as other companies you're applying for).

This helps your friends and network search for you.

But, again, a simple text message or email can do wonders for helping you leverage your weak ties to get connected.

University Alumni

If you're affiliated with a university, there are often alumni networks and programs where you can reach out.

Browse through the university network and find people who might be a good fit who went to your school and would be interested. Ideally, they currently work at the company.

Asking for a Referral

Asking for a referral can feel uncomfortable and daunting.

What if the person doesn't know you that well? What if they don't respond?

Employees at large tech companies can sometimes get cash bonuses for successful referrals. So, they're motivated to work with you and refer you if you're a good fit!

Let's look at how to draft a cold email to different contacts.

Close Connection

For a close connection (someone you would consider a friend), you can send a simple message to them as you usually do.

Here's an example:

Hey Stephen!

I'm applying for a few jobs at the moment, including the Netflix Data Engineer role.

I know you currently work there and I heard that getting a referral helps my application. Would you be able to refer me?

I'm happy to provide you with more materials to make the process as easy as possible!

Here are some critical elements of the message:

• Keep it personal. This is your friend; you don't need to be formal.
• Explain the role you're applying for. Set the context for your friend.
• Explain why their referral would help. The part on "getting a referral helps my application" helps explain to your friend why it'd be valuable for their personal recommendation.
• Offer to help. This request doesn't end here; you should offer to provide more information and ensure it's as easy a process for them as possible.

Less Close Connection

Let's imagine you're reaching out to someone from an alumni network or someone you knew professionally but a bit distantly.

Here's an example:

Hey Stephen!

I'm a Greendale university student, and I'm applying for a Netflix Software Engineer role this year.

I saw that you currently work at Netflix as a Systems Software Engineer on the Device Platform Infrastructure team – working at Netflix is my dream job, especially as I learn about the possibilities of on-demand media in my engineering classes.

I saw that you've contributed to Netflix's Recommendation Algorithm, one of my favorite parts of Netflix.

I'm looking to get your advice on applying to the Netflix Software Engineering position and how working at Netflix has been for you. I'd also love to ask you for a referral if, from our conversation, you thought I might be a good fit for the role.

Let me know if you'd be up for a conversation—I'm happy to work around your schedule.

Here are some critical elements of this message:

• Mention the connection. Highlight what brings you together, whether your university or a mutual friend.
• Do your research. Show that you've done the research about the person you're reaching out to. What about their profile, in particular, is a good fit?
• Be upfront. Don't hide that you're looking for a referral. Instead, talk about how you'd like a referral and also want other advice and support in the process.
• Clear action item. Offer times to connect so they can easily take the next step in the process.

Friend of a Friend

Sometimes, you'll want a friend or colleague to ask someone in their network on your behalf.

Here's an example:

Hey Stephen!

I'm applying for a few roles, including the Netflix Full Stack Engineer role.

I've heard that getting a referral boosts my chances of landing the job. I saw you're connected to Leslie Knope, who works at Netflix as an Engineering Manager.

I thought we'd be a good connection given that we both have experience in the public sector as well as the private sector.

I was wondering if you'd be open to passing along a message on my behalf (I can draft it!) and see if she'd be up to chat with me?

Here are some critical elements of this message:

• Explaining why the fit is good. Why should your friend connect you to this person? Explain what makes this connection worthwhile.
• Offer to draft the message. Don't simply ask to be connected. Instead, offer to draft a quick message that your friend can send on your behalf. This starts a "Double opt-in" process—Leslie will have to confirm she would like to connect with you before the connection is made. Offering the request this way makes it easier for the friend to actually send the request.

After the Referral

Regardless of a referral, you should still apply for the role on Netflix's Careers page. The referral will augment your application but not replace it entirely.

Netflix often asks for a resume, a description of how the referrer knows the candidate, and other role-specific information.

You can work with your referrer to fill in the information and gaps.

Once they've referred you, you'll get a confirmation, and a recruiter may contact you.

After a recruiter reaches out, you can focus on the phone screen with the recruiter, which will usually be a conversation about your resume and background before you get to the interview stage.

Netflix Interview Process

The Netflix interview process typically takes about three weeks and involves:

• A call with a recruiter,
• A screening with a hiring manager,
• A technical screen,
• An extensive onsite interview.

Netflix doesn't consider itself a family like some tech companies. Instead, they view themselves as a high-performing sports team.

They often refer to their employees as a "dream team."

Netflix is a diverse engineering-focused company, meaning most roles and interview loops will focus on your technical knowledge or your ability to integrate with engineering teams.

You can interview with several Netflix teams simultaneously, potentially improving your chances of receiving a job offer.

The interview process isn't centralized, meaning different teams or roles may not follow predictable formats. To get hired, you must perform well in every interview round, as the hiring team must make a unanimous decision about you.

More Resources

Ready to ace your Netflix interview? Check out these other resources from Exponent:

• Top Netflix interview questions
• Practice behavioral and technical interviews with peers
• Netflix interview guides
• Behavioral interview course