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Employee Referral Program FAQs

As of March 1, 2024, the Human Resources Division (HRD) is concluding the Employee Referral Bonus Program. Jobs posted on MassCareers on or after March 1, 2024 are not eligible for the Employee Referral Program bonus.

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How do I successfully submit an employee referral?

The bonus program is concluding and will not be available for jobs posted to MassCareers on or after March 1, 2024. In order to have qualified for the program, a referral must have been made through the MassCareers online system, by clicking on the 'Refer a Candidate' link, on the right side of the specific job posting, before the conclusion of the program for referrals made to job postings on MassCareers on or after March 1, 2024. The candidate must also have applied for the job posting using this link. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

Which secretariats are included in the Executive Departments (i.e., eligible for the referral program)? 

The following secretariats were eligible: Executive Office for Administration & Finance, Executive Office of Economic Development, Executive Office of Education, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, Executive Office of Health & Human Services, Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities, Executive Office of Public Safety & Security, Executive Office of Technology Services & Security, Executive Office of Veterans’ Services, and Massachusetts Department of Transportation. 

Can one state employee refer another state employee to a different agency? 

No, the program was designed to attract new hires not working at the Commonwealth. 

Can one state employee refer another state employee to a promotional opportunity in the same agency? 

No, the program was designed to attract brand new hires. 

Can a state employee refer a part-time state employee for a full-time position at the same or a different agency? 

No, the program was designed to attract brand new hires. 

Am I eligible for the referral payment if I refer a candidate to a position that is less than full-time? 

No, only full-time vacant positions of 37.5 or 40 hours were eligible for the referral program. 

Can a state employee refer an existing contractor to a state position? 

Existing contractors are not eligible. 

Are there any special rules for how this works in positions such as direct care where there is a continuous posting? 

No special rules. 

What is the probation period for a payout? 

9 months starting on the candidate’s start date. 

Is any portion of the program bonus paid out before the 9 months? 

All bonuses are paid after the 9-month probationary period is met. 

Do I need to be employed by the Commonwealth at the end of the 9-month probation period to receive the payout? 

Yes, you must be employed by the Commonwealth to receive your payout. 

How many employees can I refer? 

There are unlimited referrals. 

Can I refer more than one candidate? 

Yes, as long as each candidate meets the program eligibility requirements. 

Can I refer candidates for more than one position? 

Yes, as long as the candidate meets the program eligibility requirements. 

What happens if I refer an employee after they have applied? 

You can refer an employee within 14 days after they apply and prior to being scheduled for their first interview. If you refer after the 14 days and/or after the first interview, your referral will be invalid.  

For example, my referral got hired on June 15, 2022 but started on July 1, 2022. When does the probation period start? 

The probation period starts on the candidate’s start date. In this case, it would start on July 1, 2022. 

What roles are included in the referral program? 

Executive Department postings only. 

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