How To Write A Referral Email (With Examples)

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A referral email helps to open doors to new opportunities for an applicant. Referrals are a great networking tool and a way to help expand your network so that your career will grow.

These emails also help to save time for a hiring manager when it comes to filling a position. It cuts out part of the hiring process and can help reduce the number of candidates to be reviewed.

In this article, we will go over why they are important, how to write a referral email, provide an example and template of a referral email, as well as some tips to help get you started.

Key Takeaways:

• Include your referrer’s name and the purpose of the email in the subject line to catch the reader’s attention.

• Include the reason for the email and your relationship with the referrer’s name in the first couple of sentences of the email.

• Send a follow-up with the person who referred you, thanking them for their effort and thinking of you.

• Keep the email professional and proofread before submitting it.

What Is a Referral Email?

A referral email is a letter or document that businesses use to find a potential new employee through their existing employee base. Referral emails are networking requests by professionals who are looking for available job openings and referrals sent to employers.

Employers can also send referral emails to their employees when they are hiring candidates for a position. They do this because their employees may have a recommendation for a candidate, which can eliminate part of the hiring process.

How to Write a Referral Email

A referral email should be short and to the point. Here are the steps in writing one:

1. Create a strong subject line. Your subject line should catch the reader’s attention. This will be the first thing that they see and is a crucial part of the email. Keep your subject line short but with enough information that your reader will know what to expect when they open it. Be sure to add the referrer’s name in the subject line.

2. Format it like a business letter. This letter should be professional and formatted like a business letter. Keeping it professional will help leave a great first impression. Include your contact information in the body of the email.

3. Emphasize your mutual contact. Hiring managers will be more likely to read your email if they are familiar with the person that referred you. Mentioning their name in the subject line is a great way to catch the hiring manager’s attention. Be sure to also include it in the first line of the email.

4. Be straightforward. You want to state the reason for the email in the first sentence of the email. You don’t want to bury the reason and make the reader wonder why they are reading the email.

5. Give them direction on what to do next. After introducing yourself, mention your current position and what you hope to achieve with the email. Be sure to end the email by letting the reader know what you expect them to do next.

6. Thank the recipient. As mentioned before, first impressions are important, so be sure to thank your recipient for their time. This lets them know that you value their time and shows your appreciation for their consideration.

Referral Email Template

Referral Email Example

Tips for Writing a Referral Email

• Be concise. Don’t make your email long. Only include information that is necessary. The recipient won’t want your entire employment history or extensive information on how you know your contact.

• Reference the job description. This may not be an option for all referral emails, but if there is already a job posting, be sure to reference it. This will also help you understand what the company wants from candidates with the skills and qualifications.

• Research the company beforehand. It’s a good idea to know a little bit about the company before you send the referral email. You should understand a little bit about the company’s mission and values before wanting to work for them.

• Proofread. Sending an email with spelling and grammar mistakes will look unprofessional and make the hiring manager pass over your email. Take a few minutes and read over your letter to catch any of these mistakes before you send out the email. You should also double-check that the recipient’s information is correct.

• Send a follow-up. Send a follow-up to the mutual contact who referred you. Send them a thank-you note for their time and effort and for thinking of you.

• Use examples. Including examples as to why you would be a good fit will help the recipient understand your background. You should include your position, how long you have been at the company, and any other experience you may have.

• Include your contact information. Be sure to leave your contact information at the end of the email, so the hiring manager is able to contact you later on. Include your phone number and a valid email address.

• Attach your resume. When you are looking for a job, it’s important to attach your resume. It will help save a step in the future if the hiring manager is interested in you. This will allow them to review your employment history and make sure that you are qualified for the position before reaching back out to you.

Referral Email FAQ

1. What is the difference between a reference and a referral?

   A referral is a recommendation that an individual makes, and a reference is a person who can vouch for another person’s abilities in a work environment. A referral can be used in different settings, such as a workplace and in a company’s sales structure. A reference can come from work, academic, character, and client references.

2. Who can write a referral letter?

   A referral letter should be written by someone you have worked closely with, such as a colleague. Other people who can write this letter include a supervisor, teacher, client, or professor who is well-acquainted with you.

   This person should be able to write about your qualities, skills and characteristics. You do not want anyone who is not able to write about you personally.

3. Does a referral get you an interview?

   No, a referral does not guarantee you will get an interview. Hiring managers will see hundreds of resumes, so there is no guarantee that your resume will be picked over others because of a referral. It’s important to make your resume stand out to help you get noticed over the others.

4. Is it easier to get a job with a referral?

   Yes, it is easier to get a job with a referral. While a referral does not guarantee you an interview or a job, you are more likely to get a job through a referral. Referrals are powerful because a hiring manager will take your resume into consideration because of their trust in the person that referred you.

5. Can a friend be a referral?

   A friend can be a referral, but make sure they are able to show why you are qualified for the position. Their name and reputation are being put out there, so be sure that they are able to vouch for you. A friend should only be a referral if they are in the industry that you are going in and they are well-established in it.

References

1. Western Oregon University – How to Request letters/Referrals

Author

Taylor Berman

Taylor is a freelance writer from Pennsylvania. Taylor got into writing because she enjoys writing articles that help people and loves creating stories that inspire. She earned a bachelor's degree in journalism and public relations with an interest in communications media from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.