When to use this letter
- An employee referred you or suggested you apply
- Someone at the company introduced you to the hiring manager
- A recruiter or mutual contact passed your name on
Referral cover letter template
For a PDF or an application form.
The letter
[Your Name]
[City, State] · [Email] · [Phone] · [LinkedIn URL]
[Month Day, Year]
[Hiring Manager's Name][Company Name][City, State]
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
[Referrer's Name], [their title] on your [team], suggested I apply for the [Job Title] role. We [how you know them, e.g. worked together at Contoso for two years], and [he/she/they] thought my experience in [area] would be a good match for what your team is building.
At [Current/Last Company], I [strongest result for this job, e.g. grew organic sign-ups threefold in 18 months with a 40-article SEO program]. I [second result or skill from the posting], which [Referrer's First Name] saw first-hand when we [shared project].
What draws me to [Company Name] is [specific reason]. I'd bring [two strengths that match the posting] to the role.
I'd welcome the chance to talk about how I could help. Thank you for your time, and thank you to [Referrer's First Name] for the introduction.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
What each paragraph does
- Names who referred you and how you know them, in the first sentence.
- States the role and why your contact thought you'd fit.
- Proves it with your strongest result for this job.
- Asks to talk, and keeps your contact in the loop.
Short email version
When your contact forwards your resume or introduces you by email.
The email
Subject: Referred by [Referrer's Name]: [Job Title] – [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
[Referrer's Name] suggested I reach out about the [Job Title] role. We [how you know each other].
I [one strong result relevant to the job]. My resume is attached, and I'd be glad to talk at a time that suits you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Tips
- Ask your contact first. Confirm they're happy to be named and how they'd like to be described.
- Put the referral in the first sentence and the email subject line.
- Say how you know them. "Former teammate" carries more weight than "met at an event".
- Still prove the fit. The referral opens the door; your results get you the interview.
- Tell your contact when you've applied and thank them, whatever happens.
More cover letter help
For the full four-paragraph structure, formatting and sending rules, see the cover letter template guide. For a finished letter in your field, browse cover letter examples by job. Your resume does the heavy lifting, so check it with the free ATS check before you send both.