For many international students looking for IT jobs in North America, Salesforce is a company they would like to work for. Compared to applying directly through the careers site, getting an internal referral can help your resume reach a recruiter faster and increase your chances of being noticed. This is especially helpful if you don’t have much local work experience.
The first step toward getting a referral is preparing a simple and clear English resume. You should focus on your technical skills and project experience, especially if they relate to cloud computing, CRM tools, Java, or the Apex language. If you’ve earned Salesforce certifications or built anything using the Salesforce platform, be sure to include that. Also explain how your work added value, like improving speed, fixing issues, or making a process more efficient.

To find someone who can refer you, try LinkedIn or your school’s alumni network. Start by searching for people who work at Salesforce and have a similar background or connection with your school or industry. When you message them, keep it short and polite. Tell them who you are, what role you want to apply for, and why you’re interested in Salesforce. Include your resume and avoid sending the same message to everyone—personalizing it a little helps your chances.
If someone agrees to refer you and your resume gets selected, you might be invited to interviews. The Salesforce interview usually includes algorithm and data structure questions, and sometimes object-oriented design or basic system design. You can prepare by practicing common coding problems and learning about Salesforce’s products. During the interview, it helps if you can connect your answers to real problems or business needs.
Getting a referral doesn’t guarantee an interview, but it improves your odds. As an international student, it’s important to keep building your network, update your resume, and keep practicing your technical skills. A referral into Salesforce can be a great way to gain experience and open up career opportunities. With steady preparation and a positive approach, you’ll be better ready when the opportunity comes.