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Advice / Job Search / Networking

How to Ask for a Referral for a Job: An Email Template

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You’ve found your dream job at a company, and lo and behold, you know someone there! So, what now?

It’s more than appropriate to ask for a referral to the company or hiring manager—you just have to go about it the right way. Here’s an easy-to-adapt email template to use next time you need it.


Subject

Introduction to [Contact Name] at [Company Name]


Body

Hi [Contact Name],

I hope you are well. I’ve recently been applying to jobs in [industry/job type] and discovered a position that would be a great fit: [position name with link to it] at [Company Name].

I noticed that you’re connect to [Target Name], who is a [job title] at [Company Name], and was hoping that you could introduce us. If you feel comfortable doing so, your referral would mean a lot to me.

I’ve included a few lines on me below, as well as my resume, to provide context. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can provide that might be helpful.

Thank you so much in advance for your help,
[Your Name]


Pro Tips

  • Include a few lines that your contact can cut and paste, making you sound awesome, as well as a link to your LinkedIn profile and your tailored resume. It’ll make recommending you that much easier!
  • Ideally, your contacts should know you’re job hunting before you approach them. Try our “Help Me Find a Job!” email template to enlist your network in your search.