Finding a job can be hard. But one man found help from an unexpected source: Reddit.
It’s fair to say that the job market sucks right now. People with four degrees are struggling to get employed, and the jobs that are out there are full of red flags.
But referrals can be the most tricky part. Fortunately, Reddit has a solution.
In a video that has garnered 492,800 views, TikToker @iamzoom_ shares this hidden gem.
“So everyone knows that, [in] this economy, it’s impossible to get a job. But I legitimately just found out that you can go on Reddit and search up ‘job referral,’ and there’s a subreddit of people that work jobs, and you can click on anyone that you want, and they will give you a referral,” he says. “What?”
Some commenters shared their own fake reference stories, with one saying, “My sister bagged her job making different voices.”
“I maintained my landline for a long time and used it for ‘references,'” a second shared. “Potential employers had no idea I was giving my own recommendations.”
On the other side, a third commenter said, “I have given references to total strangers on there lmao. Gotta love Reddit.”
And a fourth added, “I just checked this out and OMG I am amazed that there is a community out there so willing to help other people land a job. It’s sad that in 2026 we all have to resort to this, but even those of us with the most impressive resumes can’t find work right now.”
While a fifth posited, “Problem here is that they can also blackmail you, but I’ve heard they also arrange referral for referral trades — that way its 2 way— keeps everyone honest…. or dishonest.”
What Is The Subreddit?
It is likely that the subreddit the TikToker is referring to is r/BeMyReference. According to the subreddit, it has 5,500 monthly visitors and was created on Dec. 9, 2020.
The subreddit at the time of writing is active. Recent reference requests include jobs like an executive assistant, a store manager, and a receptionist.
One rule involves no referrals for jobs involving children/vulnerable people. Another is no buying or selling of references, as this purportedly “goes against the spirit of this subreddit.” The subreddit also points out that, in some jurisdictions, this can be considered fraud.
There is also a disclaimer that reads, “This subreddit does not condone or enable illegal activity. It is not the intention nor purpose of this subreddit to lie, deceive, or defraud any individual or entity, nor to aid in achieving these. Our purpose is simply to create networking opportunities to find references via the internet.”
“Please bare in mind that there is always risk involved, and we will not be held liable in case of negative repercussions to you, your potential employer, or anyone involved in a transaction. […] By using this subreddit/community, you agree to adhere to the rules and guidelines we provide in this post and disclaimer.”