Are you looking for a way to help out your friends, colleagues, or family members in their job search? Writing an email referral is a great way to show your support and help them get their foot in the door. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of writing an email referral, including how to format it, what to include, and some examples that you can edit to fit your own needs. Let’s get started!
How to Write an Email Referral
Writing an email referral is a great way to connect someone you know with a company or organization that you think they’re a good fit for. It’s also a great way to help out your friends and colleagues by giving them a leg up in their job search.
If you’re not sure how to write an email referral, don’t worry—it’s not as hard as you might think. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Be specific. When you’re writing your referral, be as specific as possible about the person you’re recommending. Include their name, contact information, and a brief overview of their skills and experience. You should also mention the specific job or position that you’re referring them for.
- Be enthusiastic. Your referral should be enthusiastic and positive. You want to make the hiring manager excited about the person you’re recommending. Use strong language and avoid being wishy-washy.
- Be personal. If you can, try to personalize your referral by sharing a story or anecdote about the person you’re recommending. This will help the hiring manager get a better sense of who they are and what they’re like to work with.
- Proofread your email. Before you send your referral, proofread it carefully for errors. You want to make sure that it’s well-written and free of typos.
- Use a professional email address. Don’t send your email referral from a personal email address like “[email protected].”
- Include a clear subject line. The subject line should be brief and informative, such as “Referral for [Candidate’s Name].”
- Address the hiring manager by name. If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, you can usually find it on the company’s website or LinkedIn.
- Use a professional tone. Avoid using slang, colloquialisms, or profanity.
- Keep your email referral to around 300 words or less.
- Send your email referral in a timely manner. The sooner you send it, the more likely the hiring manager will remember the candidate when they’re reviewing applications.
Here’s a sample email referral to give you an idea of what to include:
Subject: Referral for [Person’s Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I’m writing to refer [Person’s Name] for the [Job Title] position at your company. I’ve had the pleasure of working with [Person’s Name] for [Number] years at [Company Name], and I can confidently say that they are a highly skilled and experienced professional.
[Person’s Name] has a strong track record of success in [relevant field]. They are a quick learner who is always eager to take on new challenges. They are also a team player who is always willing to help out their colleagues.
In addition to their technical skills, [Person’s Name] is also a great communicator and has a positive attitude. They are able to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike.
I believe that [Person’s Name] would be a valuable asset to your team. They are a hard worker who is always willing to go the extra mile. I highly recommend them for the [Job Title] position.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
By following these tips, you can write an email referral that will help your friend or colleague get the job they’re after.
Email Referral Examples
Job Applicant Referral
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I have known [Applicant Name] for [duration of time] and have had the pleasure of working with them in various capacities.
[Applicant Name] is a highly skilled and experienced professional with a strong track record of success. They are a team player who is always willing to go the extra mile. They are also a quick learner and are always eager to take on new challenges.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] would be an asset to your team and would make a valuable contribution to your company. I highly recommend them for the [Job Title] position.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Networking Referral
Dear [Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I’m writing to introduce you to [Person’s Name], who I think would be a great addition to your network. [Person’s Name] is a highly skilled and experienced [profession] with a proven track record of success.
I’ve known [Person’s Name] for [duration of time] and have had the pleasure of working with them on several projects. They are a team player who is always willing to help others. They are also a quick learner and are always eager to take on new challenges.
I believe that [Person’s Name] would be a valuable asset to your network. They are a great person to have in your corner, and I highly recommend them.
Please feel free to reach out to [Person’s Name] directly at [email address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Service Provider Referral
Dear [Friend’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I’m writing to recommend [Service Provider’s Name] for your [service] needs. I’ve been using their services for the past [duration of time] and have been extremely satisfied with their work.
[Service Provider’s Name] is a highly skilled and experienced professional who is always willing to go the extra mile. They are also very responsive and always get the job done on time.
I am confident that [Service Provider’s Name] would be able to provide you with the high-quality service that you are looking for. I highly recommend them.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Business Partnership Referral
Dear [Business Contact’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I’m writing to introduce you to [Person’s Name], CEO of [Company Name]. I believe that a partnership between your two companies would be mutually beneficial.
[Person’s Name] is a highly respected business leader with a proven track record of success. They are also a visionary thinker who is always looking for new and innovative ways to grow their business.
I believe that [Company Name] would be a valuable addition to your portfolio. They have a strong team of experienced professionals and a commitment to providing high-quality products and services.
I would be happy to arrange a meeting between you and [Person’s Name] so that you can discuss potential partnership opportunities in more detail.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Event Referral
Dear [Friend’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I’m writing to let you know about an upcoming event that I think you might be interested in. It’s a [event name] taking place on [date] at [location].
This event is a great opportunity to [list of benefits]. I’m sure you would find it informative and enjoyable.
I’ve already purchased tickets for the event, and I would love for you to join me. Please let me know if you’re interested, and I’ll send you a link to purchase tickets.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Charity Referral
Dear [Friend’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I’m writing to ask for your support of a charity that I’m passionate about. It’s called [charity name], and they do amazing work [briefly describe the charity’s mission].
I’ve been volunteering with [charity name] for the past [duration of time], and I’ve seen firsthand the difference that they make in the lives of the people they serve.
I know that you’re a generous person, and I would be so grateful if you would consider making a donation to [charity name]. Any amount, big or small, would make a difference.
You can donate online at [charity’s website] or by sending a check to [charity’s address].
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Product or Service Recommendation
Dear [Friend’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I’m writing to recommend a product or service that I’ve been really impressed with lately. It’s [product or service name], and it’s a [briefly describe the product or service].
I’ve been using [product or service name] for the past [duration of time], and it’s made a big difference in my life. [List of benefits].
I think you would really benefit from [product or service name]. It’s a great product or service that’s worth checking out.
You can find out more about [product or service name] at [website address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
How to Write an Email Referral
A well-crafted email referral can significantly increase a job candidate’s chances of getting noticed and landing the job. Here are some essential tips for writing an effective email referral:
Keep It Concise and To-the-Point
Hiring managers are busy people, and they don’t have time to read long, rambling emails. Keep your email referral concise and to-the-point, focusing on the candidate’s most relevant skills and accomplishments.
Highlight the Candidate’s Unique Selling Points
What makes the candidate stand out from the competition? In your email referral, highlight the candidate’s unique selling points, such as their specialized skills, experience, or achievements.
Use Specific Examples
Don’t just say that the candidate is “a great employee.” Back up your claims with specific examples of the candidate’s accomplishments. For instance, you could say, “During her time at our company, [candidate’s name] consistently exceeded sales targets by 20%.”
Be Enthusiastic and Positive
Your email referral should be enthusiastic and positive. Hiring managers are more likely to be interested in a candidate if they can see that you’re genuinely excited about them.
Proofread Carefully
Before you send your email referral, proofread it carefully for any errors. This includes checking for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting issues.
Follow Up
After you’ve sent your email referral, follow up with the hiring manager to see if they’ve had a chance to review the candidate’s application. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the candidate’s success and that you’re willing to go the extra mile to help them get the job.
Additional Tips:
FAQs: How to Write an Email Referral
Q: What is important when writing an email referral?
A: Be specific and enthusiastic about the person you are referring. Provide concrete examples of their skills, accomplishments, and positive attributes.
Q: How do I make sure my email referral is effective?
A: Use a strong subject line that grabs the reader’s attention. Keep your email concise and easy to read. Use bullet points or short paragraphs to make it easy to skim.
Q: What should I include in the body of my email referral?
A: Start by introducing the person you are referring and explaining your relationship with them. Describe the person’s skills, experiences, and accomplishments in detail. Explain why you believe they would be a valuable addition to the company or organization you are referring them to.
Q: How should I end my email referral?
A: Thank the reader for their time and consideration. Encourage them to contact the person you are referring for an interview or further discussion.
Q: Should I include a call to action in my email referral?
A: Yes, include a call to action that encourages the reader to take the next step, such as scheduling an interview or contacting the person you are referring for more information.
Q: What if I don’t know the specific job or position that the person I’m referring is applying for?
A: You can still write an effective email referral by highlighting the person’s general skills and abilities. You can also mention that they are eager to learn and grow in their career.
Q: What if I’m not sure how to write an email referral?
A: There are many resources available online and in books that can help you write an effective email referral. You can also ask a friend, colleague, or family member for help.
That’s a Wrap!
Thanks so much for sticking with me through this deep dive into crafting the perfect email referral. I hope you feel armed with the knowledge and confidence to write an email that will make a positive impact on both your friend and the company you’re recommending. Remember, it’s all about being genuine, specific, and professional. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be writing killer referrals like a pro in no time.
Don’t forget to swing by again soon for more insightful tips and advice on all things career and professional development. We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences, so feel free to drop us a line in the comments section below. Until next time, happy referring!