referral cover letter template

Dear Angela Morris, I am writing to inquire about the Marketing Director position, which came highly recommended to me by Bill Jeffries, Vice President of Marketing at Apple, Inc. Bill and I worked closely together for several years at Nabisco, where we tackled a variety of event coordination and digital lead generation efforts. Bill believes my marketing experience and skill for developing memorable events can have a profound impact on the marketing team and organization as a whole.

Dear Larry Smith, Bill Jeffries suggested I reach out to you regarding the Marketing Director position at Apple, Inc. I met Bill while coordinating a conference at the end of last year. We worked closely together with vendors, contracts, and design. He was able to see my ability to bring booths to life, develop innovative ideas to capture new leads, and the drive to continually improve marketing programs, which is why he’s referred me to this role on your team.

Getting a referral when you don’t know someone well can sometimes be tricky. But there are a variety of ways to be referred for a job . A connection at the company you’re applying for might inquire whether you’re interested in exploring new job opportunities. You may have an old connection on LinkedIn that you forgot about.

LinkedIn is a great tool to explore whether you know anyone at the company you are applying to. You can easily see if you know an existing connection or if one of your contacts knows someone at the company currently.

Once you choose someone to provide a referral , be sure to reach out to them before applying for the job. Ask if they are willing to give you a referral for the job. Even if you assume this person will build your credibility to the hiring manager, it’s important to check with them first. You don’t want to bombard someone at the last minute, and you certainly don’t want to tell the hiring manager that a person has vouched for you when they actually haven’t.

To do this, you can send them an email or a letter asking them for a referral. Similar to a reference letter , this will give the person you are asking a chance to look over the requirements and think about how they can best help you. This also gives them an opportunity to opt-out of a referral in case they don’t feel comfortable.

Being a candidate who is referred by someone respected in the company is a tremendous benefit for you as a job seeker. Referred candidates are often the leading source of new hires , and some employers even offer incentives to existing employers who refer new employees who were hired by their recommendation.

Even if a company doesn’t have a formal employee referral program , the human resources (HR) department typically welcomes referrals. They help to expedite the hiring process and ensure that strong candidates fill open spots on teams.

When you are referred for a job, it might feel like a lot to live up to. However, if you view it as a step up during your interview process , you will be better suited for your interview. Ultimately, having a candidate referred gives the hiring manager an authentic glimpse into the kind of employee you will be and will help them relate your experience to the position.

The person who referred you will likely be asked to provide insights into how you will fit into their company culture . However, there is no need to worry because the person who referred you would not have vouched for you if they didn’t think you were the right fit for this job.

Putting this referral in your cover letter will allow you to highlight the key skills you can bring to the position and provide specific examples of why you are the best fit for this job. Cover letters give you another area to share additional details that your resume may not include.

If you come into a company with the right type of referral and a person who can actively vouch for your work ethic, you’ll already place yourself ahead of the competition. Even if you have a vast network and land your dream job, continue to network . Ensure that you always depart work environments on good terms with colleagues and managers. You never know who you will cross paths with later in your career journey: the broader your network, the better chance you will have to name drop in the future.

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How To Mention A Referral In Your Cover Letter

Martha Nicks Career Services Provider

“My colleague XXX recommended that I contact you directly about this position ” is an easy way to name drop your referral in the cover letter. To strengthen the statement, add something about the relationship of the referral to the company.

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Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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Customizable Opening Paragraphs for Cover Letters: Referral Letters that Spring from Networking

When it comes to cover letters, have you got writer's block? Do you feel that if you could just start the letter, you'd be OK? Help is here. We have a collection of customizable opening paragraphs for cover letters. Remember Mad Libs, the fill-in-the-blank game that resulted in wacky stories? This collection is a little like Mad Libs, except that the intended result is not wacky, but serious, effective openers for cover letters.

Customizable Opening Paragraphs

Customizable opening paragraph #1:.

[ name of person from whom you learned of this job ] suggested I contact you about the [ name of position ] position you currently have open. My fresh and innovative [ type of skills ] skills, along with total [ type of proficiency ] proficiency make me the [ name of position ] you've been looking for.

Check out this sample customized paragraph based on above.

JD McCoy suggested I contact you about the graphic artist position you currently have open. My fresh and innovative design skills, along with total Macintosh and PC proficiency make me the graphic artist you've been looking for.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #2:

[ name of person from whom you learned of this job ] and I have been talking about how my skills might fit at [ name of employer ]. He said he'd discussed [ content of discussion between recipient and referral person ], so I wanted to introduce myself, and tell you a little of what I've done since working with [ name of person from whom you learned of this job ] at [ name of employer ].

Check out our sample customized paragraph based on above.

Your colleague Jack Southerly and I have been talking about how my skills might fit at IBM. He said he'd discussed with you the possibility that I might assist you with some projects, so I wanted to introduce myself, and tell you a little of what I've done since working with Jack at Harris InfoSource.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #3:

[ name of person from whom you learned of this job ] [ reminder of how the recipient knows the referral person ] suggested I contact you about the [ name of position ] position you currently have open. My solid experience in [ field ] would enable me to make a significant contribution to your organization in a [ name of position ] capacity. My background in several [ types of positions ] positions further bolsters my qualifications in that I am extremely adept at providing business services of all kinds and functioning as a productive team member.

Guerline Fede of your data-entry department suggested I contact you about the Customer Support Specialist position you currently have open. My solid experience in customer service would enable me to make a significant contribution to your organization in a Customer Support Specialist capacity. My background in several "people-oriented" positions further bolsters my qualifications in that I am extremely adept at providing business services of all kinds and functioning as a productive team member.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #4:

[ Name of person from whom you learned of this job ] tells me that you are looking for a [ characteristic ] employee for the job of [ name of position ]. I offer the background and the personality to excel in this position.

Check out our sample customized paragraph based on above:

Tyra Collette tells me that you are looking for a motivated employee for the job of Customer Service Representative. I offer the background and the personality to excel in this position.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #5:

Our mutual acquaintance [ name of person from whom you learned of this job ], [ circumstances under which you know referral person ], suggested I contact you to describe the contribution I might make in [ job function ] at your organization.

Our mutual acquaintance, Dr. Tammy Taylor, with whom I am working as a postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Management Science, suggested I contact you to describe the contribution I might make in research and development at your organization.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #6:

I'm writing to follow up on a phone conversation you had with [ title and name of referral person ] about the [ name of position ] position you expect to have available in [ timeframe ]. I've developed a strong foundation in [ field ], I am highly [ characteristic ], and I stand poised to bring my skills to your fine organization.

I'm writing to follow up on a phone conversation you had with Rutgers University Assistant Director of Career Services Lylah Garrity about the retail management-trainee position you expect to have available in May 2010. I've developed a strong foundation in retail, I am highly customer-service oriented, and I stand poised to bring my skills to your fine organization.

Self-Referral Cover Letter Openers

Customizable opening paragraph #7:.

I very much enjoyed talking with you [ timeframe ] about your need to fill your firm's [ name of position ] position. My [ number of years ] years of experience as [ name of position ] at a [ description of former employer ] and as a(n) [ name of position ] qualify me well for this position.

I very much enjoyed talking with you last Tuesday about your need to fill your firm's architectural and interior-designer position. My seven years of experience as associate-in-charge of the interiors group at a New York architectural firm and as an architectural designer qualify me well for this position.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #8:

You'll find that my proven track record in [ field ] and [ field ] makes me the ideal candidate for the [ name of position ] position we discussed in [ where you talked with recipient ].

You'll find that my proven track record in sales and marketing makes me the ideal candidate for the sales position we discussed in your regional sales office in Tampa.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #9:

I very much enjoyed talking with you [ timeframe ] and appreciate your time. [ Sentence that reflects recipient's critique of your resume ]. My solid experience in [ job function ] and [ job function ] would enable me to make a significant contribution to the [ name of position ] position we discussed. My [ education or other credential ] further bolsters my qualifications.

I very much enjoyed talking with you last Tuesday and appreciate your time. As you requested, I'm submitting a revised resume that more accurately reflects my communication, people, and office skills. My solid experience in customer service and administration would enable me to make a significant contribution to the Administrative Specialist II/Customer Service position we discussed. My college degree further bolsters my qualifications.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #10:

When I spoke with you at [ occasion ], I thought about what an interesting person you would be to work for. I was very excited when [ name of person from whom you learned of this job ] suggested that I apply for the position you have available in the [ name of department ] department. It would be wonderful to work for your prestigious company, and I am ready to make outstanding contributions to your workforce.

When I spoke with you at Frank and Mary Sue Rawlinson's Fourth of July cookout, I thought about what an interesting person you would be to work for. I was very excited when Frank suggested that I apply for the position you have available in the public relations department. It would be wonderful to work for your prestigious company, and I am ready to make outstanding contributions to your workforce.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #11:

I enjoyed meeting you in [ timeframe ] when [ circumstances under which you met recipient ]. I am now approaching graduation and actively seeking a job such as the [ type of position ] position you are advertising.

I enjoyed meeting you in early March when I conducted an informational interview with your fiscal director Kim Tilbury. I am now approaching graduation and actively seeking a job such as the accounting position you are advertising.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #12:

I'm so glad I met you at the [ name, location ] career fair [ timeframe ]. Because I know that you plan to fill the [ name of position ] position quickly, I am e-mailing my resume immediately.

I'm so glad I met you at the Trinity University career fair on Monday. Because I know that you plan to fill the IT position quickly, I am e-mailing my resume immediately.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #13:

After speaking with you [ describe method ] [ timeframe ], I am clearly interested in the opportunity as a(n) [ name of position ].

After speaking with you on the phone yesterday, I am clearly interested in the opportunity as an actuarial clerk.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #14:

When we met [ timeframe ] ago [ circumstances under which you met recipient ], I was amazed how well you orchestrated the event. Now, after [ describe experience ], I am interested in applying for a position with your firm.

When we met two years ago at the Miami Boat Show, I was amazed how well you orchestrated the event. Now, after producing successful trade shows myself, I am interested in applying for a position with your firm.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #15:

Thank you for spending time on the phone with me [ timeframe ]. I am definitely enthusiastic about your upcoming opening in [ name of position ]. I am enclosing my resume and [ other relevant materials ].Sample customized paragraph based on above:

Thank you for spending time on the phone with me this afternoon. I am definitely enthusiastic about your upcoming opening in marketing. I am enclosing my resume and writing samples.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #16:

It was wonderful meeting you at [ event ]. I would never have guessed that we have so much in common, nor would I have imagined that a conversation with you would spark a career change for me.

It was wonderful meeting you at International Storytelling Weekend. I would never have guessed that we have so much in common, nor would I have imagined that a conversation with you would spark a career change for me.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #17:

Back in [ timeframe ], I wrote to you about the possibility of employment with your dynamic [ type of employer ]. [ Description of recipient's response ]. I have just learned [ vacancy you've learned of ]. I'm writing to ask you to consider interviewing me as her possible replacement.

Back in January, I wrote to you about the possibility of employment with your dynamic publication. You wrote me back an extremely nice letter. You said that with my qualifications, I should have no difficulty finding a job here. I have just learned that your arts writer is no longer with you. I'm writing to ask you to consider interviewing me as her possible replacement.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #18:

I am following up our telephone conversation of [ date ] to reinforce to you how well my background aligns with the [ name of position ].

I am following up our telephone conversation of November 20 to reinforce to you how well my background aligns with the graduate-assistant position you have open for a nontraditional student coordinator.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #19:

It was truly delightful to meet you at [ circumstance under which you met recipient ] on [ timeframe ]. [ Sentence that flatters recipient ]. I'd like to [ execute an action relevant to the targeted position ]. You mentioned at the [ circumstance under which you met recipient ] that the time has come to hire a [ name of position ]. I'm convinced I could make a significant contribution in that position.

It was truly delightful to meet you at Senator Frost's brunch on Saturday. Your sense of humor is infectious, and I'm sure it goes a long way in helping you cope with your massive workload. I'd like to help make your workload and that of your staff lighter. You mentioned at the brunch that the time has come to hire a communications manager and I know that I am the best person for the job.

About the Author

Katharine Hansen

Career Advice Expert

Katharine Hansen was the creative director and associate publisher of Quintessential Careers; she also wrote content for Quintessential Careers. She earned her Ph.D. in organizational behavior from Union Institute & University in Cincinnati, Ohio. She is the author of Dynamic Cover Letters for New Graduates and A Foot in the Door: Networking Your Way into the Hidden Job Market (both published by Ten Speed Press). She is also the author of Top Notch Executive Resumes (Career Press), and with Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D., Dynamic Cover Letters, Write Your Way to a Higher GPA (Ten Speed), and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Study Skills (Alpha).

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Cover Letter With a Referral From an Employee Example

The saying goes, "It's not what you know, but who you know"—and when it comes to getting hired, it's true. Get an employee referral, and you may have an easier time catching the hiring manager's attention.

Many companies reward their employees for referring job candidates. The fact is that hiring via referral is cheaper, faster, and more effective than hiring through job sites or recruiting.

Candidates who come recommended are often better qualified, more loyal, and a better fit for the team.

It makes sense: if you were the hiring manager, would you rather interview a candidate with no connection to the company or one that comes recommended by a current employee in good standing?

The latter person is more likely to know what it's like to work for the company – plus, the employee who referred them probably understands that their reputation is at stake. Most likely, they'd avoid referring someone who was less than qualified.

The Power of Using Employee Referrals in Your Cover Letter

According to data from Jobvite, there are significant advantages for employees who land their jobs through referral. Consider:

How to Write a Cover Letter Mentioning an Employee Referral

Employee Referral Cover Letter Template

Download the employee referral cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) and review more examples.

Sample Employee Referral Cover Letter (Text Version)

Stephanie Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 stephanie.applicant@email.com

September 1, 2018

Laurel Lee Director, Human Resources Sunnyside Group Home 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Lee,

I am writing in reference to the position of Youth Counselor at the Sunnyside Group Home. I have the pleasure of being acquainted with one of the Counselors on your staff, Eleanor Seville. Eleanor and I did our undergraduate work together at Sunnyville University and have been in touch professionally and personally since then. She let me know about the open position and recommended that I contact you.

I have been working with at-risk youths for 15 years, and have found the experience extremely rewarding. I have counseled young people with a variety of challenges, including family situations, drug use, eating disorders and behavioral issues. My experience makes me well suited to help the residents at Sunnyside learn and grow in a protected environment.

While I have experience in working with all ages, I believe that the adolescent population at your facility would benefit from the knowledge I gained during the past five years while working in Student Services at Sunnyville High School. I was recognized by the District as "Outstanding Teen Leader 2018" for the After-School Job Mentoring program I developed and implemented with the cooperation of several local businesses.

I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss what I have to bring to the position at Sunnyside. Thank you for reviewing my attached resume.

Stephanie Applicant

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Home Cover Letter Help How to Name Drop with a Cover Letter Referral

How to Name Drop a Referral in a Cover Letter

Not sure how to mention you know a mutual contact at a company? Learn how to name drop your contact and list them as a referral in your cover letter by checking out our tips, sample, and template.

Featured image for name dropping with a cover letter referral.

Listing a referral in a cover letter is when you name drop the name of somebody you know who works at a company you’re applying to. That person must agree to endorse you and consider you a good candidate for the role (otherwise, you’re essentially lying by mentioning them as a reference).

Here’s a quick guide on name dropping in a cover letter:

Infographic showing how to name drop a referral in a cover letter.

You can also look at our cover letter referral samples or use our copy-paste template for ideas of how to begin a cover letter with a referral.

Is name dropping in a cover letter OK?

Yes, name dropping in a cover letter is OK if you have a contact at the company or know a mutual acquaintance of the hiring manager (for example, you found out on a newsletter that they both spoke at an industry conference).

The purpose of a cover letter is to land you a job. By name dropping a referral, you boost your job-landing chances because the hiring manager will see that you come recommended by someone they work closely with and already trust.

Plus simply having a referral helps prove that you’ve got the interpersonal skills necessary to earn someone’s trust enough that they’d put their own reputation on the line and recommend you for a position.

How to name drop in a cover letter

Name dropping in a cover letter is simple. Just follow these three quick steps to mention a referral in a polite and professional way.

1. Find someone you know at your target company

If you’re writing a cover letter in response to a job ad, find out if you know someone at the same company.

The simplest way to find a connection is to use LinkedIn and search the company. If you have LinkedIn contacts at the company, you can see that information under the company’s name:

Click on the text “# connections work here” to view all of your connections and find one to message.

LinkedIn also tells you if alumni from your college work at a location:

LinkedIn page for a company showing possible college acquaintances who could act as cover letter referrals.

If your former classmates are among these alumni, you can view them all by clicking your college’s logo, and see if you know anybody:

A list of people working at a company who studied at the same college who you might be able to ask if you can name drop in a cover letter.

Then you can message or connect with anybody you know, and ask if they’re open to being a referral in your cover letter.

Facebook also offers an option to search by company. However, you already need to have a contact name . Facebook won’t let you just search by company name :

Facebook's search tool is less useful for finding mutual contacts who work at a company.

Company website

If all else fails, and you think you know that someone works at a company, you can try confirming through Google. There are two ways to use Google to search for contacts:

1. Use Google to search the company site by typing—

Replace “companywebsite.com” with the domain name. For example—

2. Search for—

to find only pages where the company and the person are mentioned together

2. Ask for permission to mention their name in your cover letter

An example of an email confirming a named referral in a cover letter

Before you name drop someone in your cover letter, asking for their permission is essential.

First, it’s polite, and you should avoid offending someone who talks to the hiring manager.

Second, by asking for their permission, they can prepare what they plan to say to the hiring manager — focusing on your accomplishments , skills for your resume , and work experience as well as what it’s like working with you (in other words, how your soft skills are).

If you forget to ask if you can drop their name, they’re likely to be surprised and not know what to say when the hiring manager speaks to them.

3. Drop the contact’s name into your cover letter opening

When you start your cover letter , briefly mention the name of your referral. Don’t explain how and why you know each other — the hiring manager can get that information from your contact, and explaining your connection takes up valuable space that you can use to highlight your various qualifications for the role.

For example, you can simply say—

My name is Wilfred Wilberforce, and your colleague, Horace Huxtable, recommended I apply for the open Bank Teller position that you’re advertising.

This introduction is simple and to the point. You introduce yourself and give the hiring manager a name in their company who they can speak to about your background.

If you’re sending an attached cover letter by email , mention your referral’s name in both the email body text and your attached cover letter because the hiring manager may —

Referral cover letter samples (× 2)

Here are two cover letter opening paragraphs with a referral mentioned, so you can see how to write your own referral cover letter:

Referral cover letter example 1

Referral on a cover letter. Text: Dear Ms. Nkosi, I’m writing to apply for the Chief of Operations position you’re advertising at ABC Tech., which was brought to my attention by my former colleague, Edgar Entwhistle. With 7 years’ experience in company operations, I […]

Referral cover letter example 2

Cover letter referral. Text: Dear Mx. Ryder, My name is Sandy Suzuki, and your Personal Assistant, Mr. Conrad Costello, recommended I apply for the open Certified Public Accountant role at XYZ Corp. As an experienced CPA with an MBA, I […]

Referral cover letter template

Copy and paste this cover letter template opening to start your cover letter containing a referral the right way:

Template for Name Dropping in a Cover Letter

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx.] [Hiring Manager’s Last Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I was approached by [Contact’s Name], who told me about your open [Role Name] position at [Company Name]. I’m writing to submit my application for the position because […]

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Written by Samuel Johns, CPRW

Samuel Johns is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and career counselor on the RG team. He has helped countless job seekers craft high-quality resumes and cover... more

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How To Include a Referral in Your Cover Letter?

Including a referral in your cover letter can help get your resume noticed by the hiring manager. It shows that you have a personal connection to someone who can vouch for your skills and abilities. A referral from a colleague or past employer can be a great way to get your foot in the door with a new company.

It’s been shown that referral hires are more likely to stick around at their new job, have higher performance ratings, and are often paid higher salaries than non-referral hires.

The benefits of including a referral in your job application are well worth the effort it takes to obtain one. In fact, according to a report from Jobvite, 59% of job seekers say referrals are their preferred way to find jobs online.

But how do you know whom to ask for a referral? And how do you include one in your cover letter? This guide will walk you through how to ask for and include a referral so you can land that interview.

What is a Referral Cover Letter?

A referral cover letter is a letter that you send to a potential employer with your resume. It is a recommendation from someone within the company that can act as a personal endorsement for you and your job application. The letter includes the name of someone who has referred you to the company. This can be a friend, family member, or professional contact. The referral cover letter is a way to get your foot in the door and stand out from the competition.

Why Should You Use A Referral in your Cover letter?

A referral gives you credibility, as it’s basically an insider saying that you are qualified for the position and would be a good fit. People trust recommendations from people they know, so this person essentially vouching for you makes a huge difference.

According to a recent study from the University of Minnesota, including a referral in your cover letter can dramatically increase your chances of getting an interview . The survey found that applicants who included referrals within their letters were interviewed at twice the rate of those who didn’t include referrals.

There are a few other reasons why you might want to include a referral in your cover letter.

Is name dropping in a cover letter OK?

Name-dropping does not come easily to everyone, but a referral cover letter is one place where it can work in your favor. Referrals are powerful because they involve an introduction from a known and respected individual. When you can name-drop a referral, it gives the hiring manager an additional reason to trust your qualifications and consider you for the job.

It’s important to be subtle when you’re name-dropping in your cover letter. You don’t want to come across as arrogant or entitled. Instead, focus on how your referral can vouch for your skills and abilities.

How to Ask for a Referral?

You have spent a lot of time perfecting your resume and tweaking your cover letter to match the job description. You have done everything you can think of to make sure that when recruiters read your documents they will be impressed by what they see, but there is one more thing that you need to consider: who are you going to ask for a referral?

1) Choose Professional Contacts over Personal:

When you can, choose someone who is a professional contact, not a personal one. You want to make sure that whoever you ask to be your referral has experience working with you or working with your work, so they can speak about the kind of contributions you make and the results those contributions produce.

2) Check with your Contact before dropping their name in a Cover letter:

Whoever it is, definitely check in with them before moving forward. At the very least, give them a heads up so they aren’t caught off guard if indeed that company does call them for any reason. Ideally, you will ask them if they would be comfortable giving you a referral and then send them a copy of your resume and cover letter so they can be prepared for what to expect if/when called upon by the company.

3) Search through Networking Platforms:

If you don’t have any connections in the company for the job you are applying for then you can use a mutual contact. A mutual contact is someone that you know and the hiring manager knows. You can do this by searching for them on LinkedIn, search through Facebook, Company Website other Professional Forums the contact may be present.

4) Reach out to them via Email:

The best way to ask for a referral is by email . You should explain why you are contacting them and why you want them to refer you, if possible. For example: “I worked on your team last year and our group won an award.” It’s also important to thank them for their time.

5) Apply via an employee referral program?

If you’re applying to a large company, they may have an employee referral program. This is a program where employees can refer candidates for open positions within the company. If you’re lucky enough to know someone who works for the company, be sure to ask them if they can refer you for a position as it is beneficial for both of you.

How To Include A Referral In Your Cover Letter?

When you’re including a referral in your cover letter, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

1) Include the Referral Information in Your Opening Paragraph

One way to include a referral in your cover letter is to use it as part of your opening paragraph.

2) Explain How they know you

The person who referred you will likely have given the hiring manager some context about how they know you. But if they haven’t, or if your connection is weak (you met them once at an event), it’s important to explain how you know each other.

3) Why are they providing this Recommendation

Include a few sentences about why they are qualified to speak about you. For example, if a former manager is recommending you for a position, mention this fact, as well as what your relationship has been like and how long they have known you.

Here’s an example of an introductory paragraph with a referral :

“I am interested in the Marketing Manager position at XYZ Company. I was referred to the position by my friend, Sarah, who knows someone at XYZ Company. Sarah has told me great things about the company and she thinks I would be a perfect fit for the position. I have attached my resume and the job listing to this email. I would appreciate if you could keep me in mind for the position. Thank you for your time and consideration.”

Asking for a referral can help you get your resume noticed and land the job you want. Just be sure to follow these tips and examples so that you can do it correctly.

Examples of adding a referral to your cover letter:

Referral cover letters are structured similarly to application cover letters, but they usually include an additional paragraph that explains how you were referred to the position by someone in your network. Below, you’ll find examples of referral cover letters that indicates who the applicant was referred by, along with tips for writing a referral cover letter sample.

**Adding a referral in the body of your cover letter:**

“Dear Ms. [last name], [Referral source] recommended I reach out to you about the position of [job title]. I have a great deal of experience [briefly describe your relevant experience] and would love to work with you and your team. I am available for an interview at any time that is convenient for you, and I can be reached by phone at [your phone number], or by email at [your email address].”

In the first paragraph of your cover letter, you should mention a mutual connection or referral who suggested that you reach out. Mentioning this person (or people) upfront will give you an instant connection with the hiring manager.

“I’m reaching out because [Name of Mutual Acquaintance] suggested I connect with you. She knew me from my work with [Company Name or Project], and she mentioned that you’re looking for someone to fill your opening for a [Name of Position].- “I am interested in the position of Social Media Manager at GHI company. I was referred to this position by my friend, Tina, who is the Social Media Manager at GHI company.”

Mention the referral in your first paragraph. Use words like “encouraged,” “recommended” or “referred.”

“I was encouraged by [referrer’s name] to apply for the [position name] role at [company name].”

“I was referred by [referrer’s name] to apply for the [position name] role at [company name]. They told me that you’re looking for a [skill-set/role-specific knowledge].”

“Dear [Name],

I am writing to apply for the position of [position] at [company]. I was referred to the role by my friend and former colleague, [Name], who is currently working in the [department] at [Company]. I understand you are currently seeking candidates to fill this position.

I have been following company developments for several years, and I believe that my experience as a [job title] would be beneficial to your team.”

Referral Cover Letter Sample (Text Version)

Dear [Name],

I am reaching out to you in regard to the [job title] position with [Company name]. I believe my experience in [industry] and role as a [role title] is a good match for this position.

[Name of contact, mutual friend, or colleague] recommended that I contact you and submit my resume because they know I am interested in finding a new opportunity with an outstanding company such as yours. I have been working in [industry] for the last [x years/months], and have developed many of the skills necessary for the role of [job title].

I look forward to hearing from you to discuss how my experience fits your needs. Please feel free to reach me at [phone number] or via email at [email address]. Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Your name]

Referral Cover Letter Email

Dear [Recruiter Name]

I’m writing to apply for the [position name] position advertised on LinkedIn. I met [name] at an event last month, and they suggested I reach out to you directly. We discussed my background in [field], and how it would make me a great fit for this role.

If you have any questions about my experience or candidacy, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I’ll follow up with you next week to see if you need any additional information from me, or if we can arrange a time for us to talk.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Email Subject Line for sending a Referral Cover Letter :

Tips for Writing a Referral Cover Letter

Related Resume & Cover Letter Articles

IMAGES

Referral Cover Letter
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Referral Cover Letter
Professional Referral Cover Letter
Referral Cover Letter Template in Word and Pdf formats
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