The Human Connection

You may have come across the termemployee referral while working through emails, reading a company newsletter or scrolling on LinkedIn. It's the process by which existing RELX colleagues refer people they know to open roles in our organisation. Through the RELX employee referral programme, you have a crucial role in continuing our recruitment success. But do you know exactly why you play such an important role and what the true benefits of the programme are?

Research consistently shows that referred candidates are often exceptionally talented, they are more likely to be engaged and more likely to stay longer. They get up to speed faster and are a stronger cultural fit. And that’s not to mention the cost benefits.

In this story we hear from pairs of employees from across the business who have been through the employee referral process together. They share their experiences from start to finish, including progress on their new jobs at RELX and how they have directly helped find talented people to help our business grow.

If you are a RELX employee, you can acess myHR here to learn more about referring someone you know. Readers outside of the organisation cannot acess the link, however we hope you find this story inspriational.

Sarah Fabius

Systems Engineering Lead, Risk

I have known about the referral programme for quite some time. I am often asked if we have opportunities and if I think there is potential for a match. Therefore, I am always looking for opportunities that may align with my network. I am always happy to refer people if it makes sense.

Daniella St Victor is actually my sister-in-law. She was looking for a new opportunity and a role with flexibility to work from home. I saw that we had an opening at one of our divisions in Canada where she lives, and it sounded like she would be a perfect fit. As someone who has been with the company for over eight years, I know about the great number of opportunities on offer for career growth that is provided and knew this would be a great opportunity for her. I was excited for Daniella to start her new career with our company. I knew at first it would be a lot of new information, but our company does a great job with training and helping you get up to speed fast.

The process of referring her was easy and I had no issues at all. The turnaround time on the bonus was even faster than I had expected. I would definitely continue to refer qualified candidates into roles at our company. Referring someone is as easy as a few clicks. There is even a referral link now that you can easily share via email or to your LinkedIn and other social media networks. Once they click the link and apply you get an email that you have a new referral. It is super easy and not time consuming at all.

Daniella St Victor

Bilingual Customer Service Representative, Legal

My sister-in-Law, Sarah Fabius, has been working with LexisNexis Risk Solutions for over eight years. She is always sharing with us her great experience within the company. Once she saw the opportunity online, she sent me a link and encouraged me to apply. I didn’t blink, God finally answered my prayers because I knew it was too good to be true. Being a mum nowadays is not easy and having to be at home to work makes it uncomplicated for all the mum's, well in my case at least.

For me, the first day I spoke to a member of the human resources team in Legal, I knew it was the perfect place for me. She was very friendly and made me feel comfortable. As for the interview, I only have one word, AMAZING. I had my first interview with Scott Bockus and the second with Angela Magruder. It didn’t feel like an interview at all.

All I can say is the people at LexisNexis Legal & Professional are very friendly. I have been with the company for four months now and this is my home. At LexisNexis they really value their employees.

Antoni Ansarov

Senior Software Engineer, CopLogic Solutions Operations, Risk

I first heard about the employee referral programme through an internal company email announcement that was sent to all employees. This was many years ago, and since then, I have referred quite a few people for roles at LexisNexis Risk Solutions and RELX. I choose to refer my candidates when I know them personally and professionally, and I can identify if they have the skills and experience necessary for the job openings they want to apply for. I also consider if they are a great fit for the company culture and values.

Whenever a candidate starts their new job role and joins RELX, I feel very happy for them. But there is also a great sense of satisfaction in knowing that I played a part in bringing a talented individual to the organisation. Most recently, I referred Cristina Tavares, who joined LexisNexis Legal & Professional as a Director of Employer Brand, and she is very happy with her role and her team. I am proud to have played a part in her professional journey.

My overall experience when referring candidates at RELX has always been positive. The process is straightforward and easy to follow. I wholeheartedly recommend the employee referral programme to others. It's a win-win situation for both the company and the referrer. Would I do it again? Of course. I just submitted a new referral last week.

Cristina Tavares

Director, Employer Brand, Legal

I was referred by a friend, Antoni Ansarov, and my overall experience during the referral process was very positive. The entire process was straight-forward, and the recruiter that interviewed me, Brandon Lowe, was very supportive. He answered all my questions and guided me through the entire process.

I would absolutely recommend the employee referral programme to all RELX employees. It is such a great way to connect with a company where you already know familiar faces, and have great feedback about the employer. As the Director of Employer Brand for LexisNexis Legal & Professional, it is now a part of my job to support the Employee Referral Programme. This is very exciting and rewarding for me because I personally know the value of this programme. Since I joined the company, I have also referred several other colleagues to opportunities with RELX.

My new role in LexisNexis Legal & Professional has been amazing. I love my team; the work environment is collaborative and my team is supportive and encouraging. I am so happy to work for a company that truly values its employees and provides excellent opportunities for growth and development. The mission to shape a more just world also resonates deeply with me, making this opportunity even more fulfilling and inspiring.

If I could describe the whole process in three words: powerful and inclusive networking.

Courtney Sneed

Director UX Research, Elsevier

I first heard about the employee referral programme by word of mouth, from day 30 working at Elsevier. I chose to refer Greg George because of his proven expertise in user research and design, his willingness to learn and grow and how he works. I sensed these all would be a great fit for both him and Elsevier.

When Greg first started his new job role and joined Elsevier, I felt excited. Like Christmas morning. He was unwrapping the gift of Elsevier, and Elsevier was unwrapping the gift of Greg. The overall experience when referring a candidate at RELX is easy, simple, and straightforward.

Gregory George

Senior UX Designer I, Elsevier

Courtney Sneed and I began our careers in user experience (UX), together on the same team in 2012. I faced hardship during the pandemic and reached out to her. The result was me joining the user research mentorship group she was starting.

When I lost my job due to the industry-wide mass layoffs, she connected me with Alan, a phenomenal Elsevier recruiter, since Elsevier was my top choice. Thankfully I came on board at Elsevier in October, fulfilling a five year dream of working at this company. It made me feel more secure and encouraged that I had people vouching for me because I wanted the job. It was the best kind of experience: invisible. It was seamless and I didn't have to jump through hoops. The whole process was easy, helpful and encouraging.

Jonathon Woods

Director Communications, Legal

I learned about the employee referral programme from my work with the HR team and my manager's encouragement to find candidates for our team's vacancies. I decided to refer Kimberly Baker because I knew her professional background and career goals, and I thought she would be a great match for LexisNexis Legal & Professional.

I was happy to see Kim join the business and thrive in her role, as well as receive positive feedback and recognition from her colleagues. It has been really cool to work alongside her and observe how she is seen as a valuable resource for the Law360 team. The process was simple, but I would advise people to follow the myHR steps to officially refer someone, rather than simply talking to them or passing on their resume.

The process was beneficial, efficient and rewarding.

Kimberly Baker

Director, Human Resources, Legal

Jonathon Woods caught wind of an HR opening at Lexis and, knowing my skills and drive, thought it would be the perfect fit. His warm referral was more than just a green light; it felt like a personal endorsement.

Applying was seamless, and soon I found myself part of Lexis! This quick journey, fueled by word-of-mouth and genuine belief, landed me in a new role that's exceeding expectations. The new position, the supportive team, the gratitude for joining – it's been an all-around win. And if I had to rewind, I'd hit the 'apply' button without hesitation.

Dinesh Sureshkumar

Senior Quality Test Engineer, Elsevier

I always bring my whole self to work. I have an environment where I can learn and enjoy, and an environment where the organisation provides me with good opportunity and benefits. Therefore, I wanted to share the same environment to known buddies, so they also benefit and can be part of the organisation’s success. During induction and referral emails that are sent out, I heard about the employee referral programme.

It was truly amazing to see my referral, Harish Sureshkumar, start their new job. Plus, I was happy to hear good feedback from them too. The entire process was hassle free and a special mention to the human resources team for helping the candidate at the earliest. It was truly efficient and hassle free.

Harish Sureshkumar

Software Engineering Lead, Elsevier

I felt delighted and honoured to be referred for a job role by Dinesh Sureshkumar. The overall experience was highly positive, and the onboarding process was smooth and straightforward. I would certainly do it again, and I would gladly recommend it to others.

The new job is progressing well. I am grateful to my direct manager and the entire team for their guidance and warm welcome. The entire experience has been efficient, supportive and gratifying.

These people have also benefited from the programme, by being referred for a role.

Kaylee Savvaides

Marketing Associate, RX

I first learned about my current position through a referral from Steve McCullough, a close family friend, who recommended me for the Marketing Associate role at RX. This referral instilled a confidence in me that I hadn't felt while applying for other jobs.

The hiring process, in my case, was swift, as I joined just before an event. Despite the speed, I didn't feel rushed or overwhelmed. The department did an excellent job making me feel welcome, offering all the necessary help and resources. I wholeheartedly recommend the referral process to others.

I thoroughly enjoy my current role. When I graduated, I envisioned a job in marketing or events with a company that prioritised a positive company culture and allowed for hybrid working and travel. RX not only met these criteria but exceeded my expectations. I am passionate about my work here and look forward to advancing my career with the company.

Summing up my experience in three words: efficient, supportive, and empowering.

Thomas Genault

Marketing Manager, RX

During my last professional experience, I worked with two former colleagues who were subsequently hired by RX. At the beginning of the year, they told me that a position was open on their team at RX and that it would be a good idea for me to apply. So I did, and went ahead with the application.

Once I had sent my CV to my former colleagues to apply for the job, shortly after I received a call from human resources offering me an interview with the manager. Following the interview, I quickly then received feedback that my application had been accepted. Clearly, the process was very quick and simple.

Currently, my new job is going very well. I started three weeks ago, and the integration process went very smoothly. Also, having the chance to get to know several people in the team has helped me in my integration process. The process has been fast, efficient, committed.

Apply. Refer. Share. Engage.

As mentioned by those who have been through the referral process firsthand, employee referrals really do make a difference at RELX.

Through the employee referral programme, you can directly help RELX find great candidates. You can refer high-quality candidates who match the company's culture and needs because you are familiar with the business and have an understanding of the skills and knowledge required for a role. As a result, recommendations by current employees increase the chances of hiring a candidate who is sufficiently prepared, experienced, and worthy of the position.

If you know someone with just the talent RELX needs, and they are happy to be referred, we would love them to apply. And when you do refer them, it is appreciated. That’s why when you successfully refer someone for a role, you might even receive a reward for your efforts.