Mastering Talent: The Power of Employee Referrals and the Network That Moves Us Forward

Recruiting Wisdom from Pam Rush, Director of Talent Acquisition at ServiceMaster® Brands

At ServiceMaster Brands, we know that great people know great people. That’s why employee referrals are one of the most effective ways we grow our team. When someone you trust recommends a candidate, it’s more than just a resume—it’s a vote of confidence. And we reward that trust: employees can earn $500 or $1,000 referral bonuses, depending on the role, for helping us bring in top talent.

We’ve also made it easier than ever to share open roles. Through our partnership with Jobvite, employees can quickly send job postings to their network via email, social media, or text. It’s fast, simple, and ensures referred candidates get the attention they deserve.

But beyond the tools and incentives, the real magic lies in the relationships we build and maintain. Recently, my colleague, who I referred to the company, Debbie Bolding shared a reflection that reminded me why networking is so powerful. As we met for some key Merry Maids® meetings at our Atlanta Support Center we talked about how our careers have been shaped by the people we’ve stayed connected to. Debbie and I have worked together at two different companies now, and she’s a big reason I’m proud to be part of the ServiceMaster Brands family. Her words stuck with me: “At a time when job changes can be frequent, who you know—and who you stay in touch with—matters.”

That couldn’t be more true. Every role I’ve ever had has been influenced by the people I’ve worked with, stayed in touch with, or met along the way. Whether you’re looking for your next opportunity or helping someone else find theirs, your network is one of the most valuable tools you have.

If you’re currently job searching, here are a few simple ways to activate your network and ask for referrals:

• ✅ Reconnect with former colleagues: Send a quick message to catch up and let them know you’re exploring new opportunities.
• ✅ Update your LinkedIn profile: Make sure your experience and skills are current and let your network know you’re open to work.
• ✅ Share your goals: Be specific about the type of role or company you’re looking for so others can help you more effectively.
• ✅ Ask for introductions: If someone you know works at a company you admire, ask if they’d be willing to refer you or connect you with someone internally.
• ✅ Use employee referral programs: Many companies, including SMB, offer bonuses for referrals—so don’t hesitate to ask if your contact can submit your resume.
• ✅ Follow up and say thank you: Whether or not a referral leads to a job, showing appreciation strengthens your relationships for the future.

So, if you’re part of the SMB team, take a moment to look through our open roles and think about who in your network might be a great fit. And if you’re outside of SMB and exploring what’s next, don’t underestimate the power of reaching out. You never know which connection might lead to your next big move.

Let’s keep moving forward…together.