Examples of Gratitude for Referral: 3 Practical Email Examples You Can Steal

Start with real examples of gratitude for referral emails

Before we talk strategy, let’s jump straight into the good stuff: real wording you can actually send.

These first three practical email examples cover the most common referral situations:

• A friend or contact referred you for a job
• A client or partner referred you new business
• A colleague or manager referred you for an internal opportunity

Each example of gratitude for referral is written so you can:

• Copy and paste quickly
• Customize a few key details
• Sound like a thoughtful, competent professional

Example 1: Gratitude email for a job referral

This is for when someone has referred you for a job opening, introduced you to a hiring manager, or passed your resume along.

Subject ideas:
“Thank you for the referral to [Company]”
“Appreciate your support with the [Role] opportunity”

Email template:
Hi [Name],

I wanted to thank you again for referring me for the [Job Title] role at [Company]. I really appreciate you taking the time to recommend me and share your perspective on the team and culture.

I’ve submitted my application and mentioned your name in my note to [Hiring Manager’s Name]. Your referral gave me the confidence to pursue this opportunity, and it means a lot that you were willing to put your reputation behind me.

I’ll keep you posted on how things progress. In the meantime, if there’s ever a way I can return the favor—whether by making an introduction, sharing resources, or supporting your work—please don’t hesitate to ask.

Thanks again,
[Your Name]

This is one of the best examples of gratitude for referral: 3 practical email examples because it hits four important points in plain language:

• You acknowledge the specific help (the referral for a defined role).
• You show you’ve taken action (you applied and mentioned them).
• You recognize the trust they extended (their reputation is on the line).
• You offer to reciprocate.

Variation: After you’ve had the interview

Hi [Name],

Quick update and another thank you for referring me for the [Job Title] role at [Company]. I met with [Interviewer’s Name(s)] on [day], and the conversation went really well. Your insights about the team and culture were spot on and helped me feel prepared.

Whatever the outcome, I’m genuinely grateful that you opened this door for me. If I can ever be helpful to you—whether by sharing my experience, making an introduction, or supporting one of your projects—please let me know.

Thanks again for being in my corner,
[Your Name]

If you’re looking for examples of gratitude for referral that work in 2024 and beyond, notice how this variation keeps things brief but specific. It acknowledges that referrals are a form of social capital—something career experts consistently highlight as part of effective networking (see, for example, resources from Harvard’s Office of Career Services).

Example 2: Gratitude email when a client sends you a referral

When a client or partner sends a new customer your way, that’s money out of their relationship bank and into yours. You want your email to feel like more than a receipt.

Subject ideas:
“Thank you for the introduction to [New Client]”
“Appreciate you recommending me to [New Client/Company]”

Email template:
Hi [Name],

Thank you so much for referring [New Client/Contact Name] to me. I really appreciate you thinking of my work for this project and taking the time to make the introduction.

I’ve already connected with [New Client/Contact Name], and we’re planning to [next step—e.g., schedule a call next week, review their needs, explore a pilot project]. I know referrals reflect your own reputation, and I don’t take that lightly. I’ll do everything I can to ensure they have a positive experience.

If there’s ever someone I can send your way or any other way I can support your goals this year, please let me know. I value our relationship and I’m grateful for your trust.

With appreciation,
[Your Name]

This is another strong example of gratitude for referral because it:

• Recognizes the referral as a sign of trust.
• Reassures the referrer that you’ll take great care of their contact.
• Opens the door for ongoing, two-way support.

Variation: When the referral turns into a signed client

Hi [Name],

I wanted to share a quick update and a big thank you. Thanks to your introduction, [New Client/Company] has decided to move forward, and we’ll be starting [project/engagement] on [date].

I’m very aware that this opportunity came from your recommendation, and I’m grateful you were willing to vouch for me. I’ll keep you posted on how things go (at a high level, of course) and make sure your trust is more than justified.

If there’s anything I can do to support your work this quarter—sharing your services with my network, writing a testimonial, or making an introduction—please don’t hesitate to ask.

Thank you again for your support,
[Your Name]

This kind of follow-up is one of the best examples of turning a simple “thanks” into long-term relationship building. It’s a practical answer if you’ve been wondering, “What are some real examples of gratitude for referral: 3 practical email examples I can use with clients?”

Example 3: Gratitude email for an internal referral or promotion

Sometimes the most important referrals happen inside your own company: a manager recommends you for a promotion, a colleague suggests you for a cross-functional project, or a senior leader mentions your name in the right meeting.

Subject ideas:
“Thank you for recommending me for the [Role/Project] opportunity”
“Appreciate your support for the [Team/Project] referral”

Email template:
Hi [Name],

I wanted to thank you for recommending me for the [role/project/opportunity] with [Team/Department]. I really appreciate you taking the time to highlight my work and skills.

I’m excited about the chance to contribute to [specific goal or initiative], and I know your support played a big part in opening this door. I’ll do my best to represent our team well and deliver strong results.

Please know that I’m grateful for your mentorship and advocacy. If there’s ever a way I can support your priorities—whether through this project or others—I’m always glad to help.

Thanks again,
[Your Name]

This internal note is a subtle but powerful example of gratitude for referral that can strengthen your reputation at work. It signals that you:

• Understand the weight of their endorsement.
• Are focused on performance, not just titles.
• Think in terms of shared goals, not just personal gain.

Variation: When a senior leader quietly advocated for you

Hi [Name],

I recently learned that you spoke up on my behalf regarding the [promotion/opportunity/project], and I wanted to thank you directly. I know you have many demands on your time and attention, so I’m especially grateful you chose to support my growth.

I’m committed to making the most of this opportunity and contributing meaningfully to [team/organization] priorities. If there’s ever a project where my skills could be useful, or any way I can support your initiatives, I’d be glad to help.

Thank you again for your advocacy and trust,
[Your Name]

This variation reflects a broader trend in 2024–2025: internal sponsorship and advocacy are increasingly recognized as key drivers of career advancement, especially for underrepresented professionals (a point often discussed by organizations like the U.S. Office of Personnel Management in their leadership development resources).

How to write your own examples of gratitude for referral emails

Now that you’ve seen three core templates, let’s break down the pattern behind these examples of gratitude for referral: 3 practical email examples so you can write your own on the fly.

1. Name the specific referral

Instead of a vague “Thanks for your help,” call out exactly what they did:

• “referring me for the Senior Analyst role at [Company]”
• “introducing me to [Name] at [Company]”
• “recommending me for the [Internal Project] initiative”

Specificity makes your gratitude feel real, not generic.

2. Show you took action

People like to know their effort wasn’t wasted. Add a short line about what happened next:

• “I’ve submitted my application and mentioned your name to [Hiring Manager].”
• “We’ve scheduled a call next week to discuss their needs.”
• “I’ve accepted the opportunity and will be joining the project in May.”

These details turn your note into one of those practical, real-world examples of gratitude for referral that people remember.

3. Acknowledge the trust involved

Referrals always carry risk. Say that you see and respect that:

• “I know referrals reflect on your reputation, and I don’t take that lightly.”
• “I really appreciate you putting your name behind me for this role.”
• “I’m aware that your recommendation helped open this door, and I’m grateful.”

This kind of language aligns with what many leadership and ethics programs emphasize about professional integrity (you’ll see similar themes in materials from organizations like NIH’s training resources).

4. Offer to reciprocate (specifically)

Instead of the vague “Let me know if I can ever return the favor,” give a few concrete ideas:

• “Whether by making an introduction, sharing your work with my network, or supporting one of your projects…”
• “I’d be glad to write a testimonial or recommend your services to others.”
• “If there’s a project where I can lend a hand, I’m happy to help.”

This turns your note into a two-way street, not a one-sided ask.

5. Keep it short, human, and timely

You don’t need a long essay. Most of the best examples of gratitude for referral are 5–10 sentences. Focus on:

• Sending it within 24–48 hours of the referral or update.
• Using natural language you’d actually say out loud.
• Avoiding over-the-top flattery.

Career advisors often point out that timely, specific follow-ups are a simple but powerful networking habit (a theme echoed in many university career center guides, such as those from MIT Career Advising & Professional Development).

Additional real examples of gratitude for referral lines you can plug in

If you like mixing and matching, here are extra sentence-level examples of gratitude for referral wording you can drop into any email:

• “Your referral came at the perfect time, and I’m genuinely thankful you thought of me.”
• “I know you have many people in your network, so it means a lot that you recommended me for this opportunity.”
• “Your introduction made it much easier to start the conversation with [Name], and I appreciate that.”
• “I’m grateful for your ongoing support and the confidence you’ve shown in my work.”
• “Thanks for being someone who not only gives advice but also takes action on behalf of others.”
• “I value our relationship and don’t take your recommendation for granted.”
• “Your support has had a real impact on my career trajectory, and I won’t forget it.”
• “I hope I can pay this forward to others the way you’ve done for me.”

These short lines can turn a plain email into one of your own best examples of gratitude for referral: 3 practical email examples—personalized and authentic.

FAQ: Short answers about gratitude for referral emails

Q: What are some quick examples of gratitude for referral subject lines?
Some simple, effective subject lines include: “Thank you for the referral,” “Appreciate your recommendation,” “Thanks for introducing me to [Name],” and “Grateful for your support with the [Role/Project] opportunity.” Keep it clear and straightforward so the person knows exactly what your email is about.

Q: When should I send a thank-you email for a referral?
As soon as possible—ideally within 24–48 hours of the referral or introduction. If there’s a major update later (like getting an interview, landing the job, or signing the client), send a second brief thank-you email with the update.

Q: Can you give an example of a very short gratitude for referral email?
Yes:

“Hi [Name],

Thank you again for referring me to [Name/Company] for the [role/project]. I’ve connected with them and truly appreciate you thinking of me and putting your name behind the introduction.

Best,
[Your Name]”

This ultra-short note still follows the same pattern you’ve seen in the longer examples of gratitude for referral: 3 practical email examples above.

Q: Should I mention the referral in my email to the hiring manager or new client?
Yes, typically you should—briefly and respectfully. Something like, “I was referred by [Name], who suggested I reach out regarding the [Role/Project].” This helps the recipient understand the context and can increase the chances they’ll pay attention to your message.

Q: Is it appropriate to send a small gift in addition to a gratitude email?
It depends on the relationship and any company policies. In some corporate or government settings, gifts above a small value may be restricted (for example, U.S. federal employees follow specific ethics rules, which you can read about on sites like ethics.gov). When in doubt, a thoughtful email and ongoing professional support are usually more than enough.

Use these examples of gratitude for referral: 3 practical email examples as a starting point, not a script you must follow word-for-word. Swap in your own voice, add one or two specific details, and send it promptly. You’ll stand out as someone who not only benefits from referrals—but truly respects them.