Getting a job referral can greatly increase your chances of getting an interview and landing a job. Referrals allow you to bypass formal job application processes and get your resume directly in front of hiring managers. However, simply getting a referral is not enough – you need to follow up with a well-crafted referral message to sell yourself and make a strong first impression.
This article will provide tips and examples of effective job referral messages you can use when reaching out to contacts for referrals. We’ll cover how to structure your referral request email, what details to include, as well as provide sample templates you can customize for your own job search.
How to Ask for a Job Referral
Here are some best practices to follow when asking someone to refer you for a job:
- Personalize the message – Address the person by name and mention your relationship if needed.
- Be direct – Clearly state that you’d like them to refer you for a specific role.
- Mention qualifications – Highlight your relevant skills, experience and fit for the role.
- Attach resume – Include an updated resume to make their job easier.
- Follow up – Offer to discuss further over phone or in person.
- Show appreciation – Thank them for considering your request.
Job Referral Email Template
Use this template as a starting point when crafting your own job referral request email:
Subject: Referral Request – [Job Title] Role at [Company]
Dear [name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to reach out because I saw that [company] recently posted a job opening for [job title] that looks like an excellent fit based on my background.
As you know from when we worked together at [company], I have [x] years of experience in [relevant skills/experience]. In my current role at [company], I have successfully [achievements] which would enable me to thrive in this position.
I’ve attached my latest resume for you to review. I would greatly appreciate if you could refer me for this opportunity. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide to help make a strong case for my candidacy.
Thanks in advance for your consideration. I look forward to catching up more over [phone/coffee/lunch] soon. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Breakdown of Referral Email Template
Let’s look at what makes this an effective referral request email template:
- The subject line clearly states this is a referral request for a specific role.
- The first paragraph personalizes the message by addressing the recipient and mentioning your relationship.
- The second paragraph calls out the job you’re interested in and summarizes your relevant qualifications.
- Attaching an updated resume makes it easy for them to review your background.
- You offer to discuss further over phone or in person to provide more details as needed.
- The message closes by expressing appreciation for their consideration.
This covers all the key elements of an effective referral request. The person can quickly grasp what you’re asking for and why you’re qualified without having to read a long email.
Referral Email for Former Coworker
If reaching out to a former colleague, you can include more details about your previous work together. Here’s a sample message:
Subject: Job Referral Request – [Company] [Role]
Hi [name],
I hope you’ve been well! It’s been a while since we worked together at [company], but I still remember all the great times we had on [project, initiative, etc.]. I really enjoyed collaborating with you and learned a lot from your mentorship during my time there.
The reason I’m reaching out is that I saw [company] recently posted a job opening for [role] that looks like a perfect fit. As you know, I have extensive experience in [key skill/qualification] and a proven track record of [achievements relevant to role] from our time working together.
I would greatly appreciate if you could refer me for this opportunity. I’ve attached my latest resume for your review. Please let me know if there are any other materials I can provide that would be helpful for you in referring me.
It would be great to catch up over coffee/virtual chat soon! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions in the meantime. Looking forward to connecting further on this opportunity.
Best,
[Your name]
Key things to note:
- Mention your previous working relationship and any positive experiences you had together.
- Reference specific skills and achievements from your shared work experience.
- Make it easy by attaching an updated resume they can pass along.
- Offer to provide any other materials that would support your referral.
- Suggest meeting up to discuss the opportunity further.
Drawing on your positive experiences working together strengthens your case for getting a referral.
Referral Request for Former Manager
When reaching out to a former manager, focus on your accomplishments under their leadership. Here is a sample referral email to a former manager:
Subject: Referral Request – [Role] at [Company]
Dear [name],
I hope you are doing well! I wanted to reach out because I saw that [company] recently posted a job opening for [role] that looked like a great fit based on my experience working under your management.
As you know, during my time as [your title] at [company], I [key achievements, projects, and skills demonstrated]. One of the things I appreciated most about your leadership was the way you empowered me to [example of how they helped you develop specific skills]. I believe these skills would enable me to excel in the [role] position at [company].
Please find my resume attached. I would be incredibly grateful if you could refer me for this opportunity. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide to support my application.
I would love to take you out for [coffee/lunch] soon to catch up more in person. Looking forward to reconnecting further on this opportunity. As always, thank you for your leadership and support.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Things to highlight when asking a former manager for a referral:
- Key achievements, projects, and skills developed under their management.
- Ways they helped empower your growth and development.
- Why those experiences make you a strong fit for the new job.
- Offer to meet in person to discuss the opportunity further.
- Express appreciation for their leadership.
Leveraging your shared work history and highlighting their impact on your career growth can help secure a referral.
Referral Email to Someone You Don’t Know Well
If reaching out to someone you don’t know very well, focus on what you have in common and why they came to mind. Here’s an example:
Subject: Job Referral Inquiry – [Role] at [Company]
Hi [name],
I hope you are having a great week! We have [some loose connection – alumni, shared connection, used to work at same company] and I wanted to reach out about an opportunity that I think could be a great fit based on your experience at [their company].
I saw that [company] recently posted a job opening for [role] that aligns very well with my background in [relevant skills and experience]. I am particularly interested in [company/role] because [reasons why it appeals to you and matches their work].
I would greatly appreciate if you could refer me for this opportunity. Please find my resume attached for your consideration. I would be happy to chat over phone or grab coffee to discuss further.
Thanks in advance for your time and consideration. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any other information from me. Looking forward to connecting more!
Best,
[Your name]
Tips for outreach to less familiar connections:
- Note any loose connection or shared points of contact.
- Briefly explain why the role aligns with your background.
- Highlight reasons why the company/opportunity appeals based on their experience.
- Provide your resume and offer to discuss further over phone or in person.
- Thank them for simply considering the request.
Even if you don’t know them well, highlighting shared connections and interests helps strengthen your referral case.
Follow Up Email After Getting Referred
It’s important to follow up and thank the person who referred you, especially if you get an interview or job offer. Here are some examples of follow up messages:
Subject: Thank You for the Referral!
[Name],
Just wanted to let you know that I got an interview for the [role] position you referred me for at [company]! Thank you so much for passing along my resume – I really appreciate you taking the time to make the connection.
I’m excited for the interview and wanted to thank you again for the referral. I’ll be sure to keep you posted on how it goes!
Best,
[Your name]
If you end up getting the job:
Subject: Hired at [Company] Thanks to Your Referral!
[Name],
I have great news! I got the job at [company] for the [role] position you referred me for. I truly could not have done it without your referral – thank you again for putting in a good word for me!
Let me know if you’d like to grab coffee/virtual chat. I’d love to catch up more and am so grateful for your support.
Best,
[Your name]
Key elements to include in your follow up message:
- Thank them again for the specific referral.
- Update them on the interview or job offer.
- Reiterate your appreciation for their recommendation.
- Offer to meet up to continue the discussion.
Following up maintains your relationship and shows you value their support.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key takeaways for crafting effective job referral messages:
- Personalize the outreach by mentioning your relationship or connection.
- Be clear about the specific role you are requesting a referral for.
- Highlight qualifications that make you a strong fit.
- Attach an updated resume to simplify the process.
- Offer to meet in person to provide additional details.
- Follow up after receiving the referral to update them on the outcome.
Putting some thought into your referral request message can make all the difference. The examples and tips provided above should help you craft well-rounded messages that get results. Just remember to customize the templates based on your specific situation. With a personalized and thoughtful referral request, you can increase your chances of landing the job you want.
