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Summary. To craft an effective thank-you letter for a reference, greet the reference writer by name, express sincere gratitude for their support, and highlight the importance of their endorsement. This can be sent as an email or a handwritten note, depending on the context.
In today’s competitive job market, references have become a crucial component of your job application. While your resume outlines your skills and experiences, references can provide deeper insights and personal endorsements that set you apart from other candidates.
In a world where resume embellishments may occur, professional references serve a vital role in confirming the accuracy of your resume claims and validating your qualifications. After receiving a reference, it’s essential to express your appreciation. This article will guide you through the process of writing a thank-you letter for a reference, complete with examples.
Key Takeaways:
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Thanking someone for their reference is not only courteous but also strengthens your professional relationships.
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A thank-you email is generally appropriate, but a handwritten note is preferred if the reference was obtained in person or if the reference writer enjoys receiving physical correspondence.
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Your thank-you email should feature a clear subject line, express your gratitude, and acknowledge the significance of the reference.
Why It’s Important to Say Thank You
Politely requesting favors is an essential professional skill, and expressing gratitude after receiving help is a vital part of that process.
Thank-you letters are a common courtesy in the professional realm, whether you’re acknowledging an academic reference or a professional one. Here are several reasons why sending a thank-you email for a reference is a smart move:
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It demonstrates integrity. Integrity—the commitment to doing the right thing—is one of the most valued traits in the workplace. Kind gestures like these show that you are considerate and value others’ contributions.
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It’s simply polite. Your reference writer took time out of their busy schedule to assist you, and acknowledging their effort is essential. Remember, others’ time is just as valuable as your own, and a genuine thank you is the courteous response.
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It helps to strengthen your network. Building a robust professional network is crucial for career advancement. Regularly expressing gratitude fosters positive relationships that can open up future opportunities.
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It’s quick and easy. Sending a thank-you email is a simple task that can often be completed in under five minutes. It’s an efficient way to show appreciation without requiring too much time.
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It’s a small gesture with significant impact. While quick to write, a thank-you note is often highly valued by the recipient, making them feel appreciated for their support.
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It increases the likelihood of future recommendations. Showing gratitude to someone you wish to keep as a reference is vital for ongoing support.
Keep in mind that their endorsement is based on their perception of your skills, work ethic, and character.
What an Email Reference Thank-You Letter Should Include
Having already navigated the process of requesting a reference letter, the next step is writing the thank-you letter.
When composing a thank-you email for a reference, keep the following guidelines in mind:
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Proper formatting. Use appropriate email formatting and conventions to maintain professionalism and readability. Always proofread your email for grammar and spelling errors.
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A subject line that includes your name and mentions the reference. Given the volume of emails your reference writer likely receives, a clear subject line helps ensure your email is noticed and not overlooked.
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Your greeting, addressed directly to the reference writer. Typically “Dear [name],” but it could be less formal based on your relationship. Ensure you spell their name correctly to avoid any missteps.
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Your expression of gratitude for the reference. Clearly state your thanks; this is the main purpose of the email.
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Acknowledgment of the impact of the reference. Acknowledge how significant their support was, as it can genuinely influence hiring decisions.
Recognizing their contribution can boost their morale and reinforce the value of their assistance.
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Your closing. Choose a closing that matches the tone of your email, such as “Regards,” “Sincerely,” or “Best.”
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Your signature. Include your full, typed name as the email signature.
Once you have these elements in place, writing thank-you emails becomes straightforward.
3 Examples of Emails Thanking Someone for Being a Reference
Here are sample emails to inspire your thank-you notes. Adjust the greeting, closing, and tone to suit the formality of your relationship.
Thanking a Reference with a General Update Email Example
Subject: [Liana Moore Reference]
Dear Elliot,
I want to sincerely thank you for the reference you provided for the digital marketing strategist position at Lind LLC. I met with the hiring manager Liz Hurley earlier today and had an excellent interview. She mentioned I should expect to hear back from her within a week.
Your support was invaluable, and I believe your endorsement was a key factor in securing this interview, as your reputation carries significant weight in this industry.
Thank you once again.
Best regards,
Liana Moore
Thanking a Reference When You’ve Landed the Job Email Example
Subject: [Roger Hamish — Thank You for the Reference]
Hi Alicia,
Thank you so much for the reference you provided to Larkin Ltd on my behalf. I wanted to share the good news that I was offered the position today!
I truly appreciate your support, and I know your positive recommendation played a significant role in this opportunity.
Many thanks,
Roger Hamish
Thanking an Academic Reference Email Example
Subject: [Reference, Mia Thorne]
Dear Ms. Stone,
Thank you for the recommendation letter you provided for my college applications. I am thrilled to share that I have been accepted to three colleges so far and awarded a scholarship to one of them.
I could not have achieved this without your support, and I am truly grateful for your assistance throughout this process.
If there’s any way I can return the favor, please let me know!
Sincerely,
Mia Thorne
When Not to Send an Email
While writing a thank-you email is usually advisable, there are situations when it may not be necessary:
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The reference was collected in person. Express your thanks in person at that moment. A follow-up email is not required if you’ve already conveyed your gratitude in person.
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The reference was given on paper. In this case, a handwritten note is more appropriate. If the reference was a physical letter, consider writing a physical thank-you note as well.
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The person prefers physical thank-you notes. If your reference writer is accustomed to sending handwritten notes, reciprocating in kind can show your appreciation effectively. A handwritten note is often regarded as a meaningful gesture.
Reference Letter Thank You FAQ
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How do I thank someone and appreciate them?
You can express your appreciation by saying things like, “I appreciate your time,” or “Thank you so much for your support.” Another good option is, “I truly value the confidence you have in me.”
These are simple yet effective ways to show your gratitude for a letter of recommendation or any other assistance.
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Should I say thank you to my reference?
Yes, it is always a good practice to thank your references. Taking a few minutes to write a thank-you letter can significantly impact your professional relationships.
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What are other ways to end my thank-you letter?
If you would prefer not to use “thank you,” consider signing off with phrases such as:
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“Best regards”
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“Sincerely”
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“Thanks for everything”
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“With appreciation”
These alternatives offer a professional touch to your thank-you note.
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Should you thank someone for being a reference?
Absolutely, thanking someone for serving as a reference is essential. They invested time and effort into your application, and it’s courteous to acknowledge their support.
Expert Opinions
How To Write A Thank-You Letter For A Reference
Amy Sanchez
Executive Career and Leadership Coach
Swim Against the Current
Taking the time to write a thank-you letter, while seemingly basic, is a gesture that many overlook. It’s crucial for nurturing valuable relationships and acknowledging the efforts of those who support you.
Once you’ve landed your next role, it’s also considerate to inform the person who wrote your recommendation. Sharing your success can foster goodwill and potentially open doors for future collaborations.
How To Write A Thank-You Letter For A Reference
Yuleni Pulido
Professional Resume Writer
I always advise my clients to send a thank-you letter within 24 hours after an interview. If the interview takes place on a Friday, I suggest waiting until Monday afternoon. This timing increases the likelihood that your email will stand out in the recipient’s inbox after the weekend.
Use your thank-you letter as an opportunity to reinforce the points of connection you had during the interview, and address any areas that may need clarification.
How To Write A Thank-You Letter For A Reference Tips
Swanee Griffin
Owner and Principal Career Consultant at Artistry Resume Writing Service
As a Resume Writer and Career Coach, I can attest that taking a moment to say “thank you” is less common than one might expect. This simple act can distinguish you in a professional landscape and help you forge lasting connections. Thank you letters can lead to networking opportunities, invites to professional events, and more. Moreover, consider highlighting their contributions on LinkedIn by providing them with a personal recommendation in return.
How To Write A Thank-You Letter For A Reference From An Expert
Danny MacIntyre
Executive Career Coach and Resume Writer
“Saying thank you is more than good manners; it’s a good practice.” – Alfred Painter
When writing your thank-you notes, be specific about key moments from the interview. This approach can remind interviewers of why they appreciated you. Also, I recommend sending your thank-you note the same day as your interview; decisions are often made quickly after the interview process, and you want to ensure your note arrives while the conversation is still fresh.
References
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Adobe – How to Write a Thank You Note for a Recommendation
Author
Conor McMahon is a writer for Zippia, with previous experience in the nonprofit, customer service and technical support industries. He has a degree in Music Industry from Northeastern University and in his free time he plays guitar with his friends. Conor enjoys creative writing between his work doing professional content creation and technical documentation.
