The Best Examples of Referral Request Email Templates (You Can Copy Today)

Real examples of referral request email templates for common situations

Let’s start where you actually need help: the words. Below are real‑world style examples of referral request email templates you can adapt. After the templates, we’ll break down why they work and how to customize them.

1. Example of a referral request email to a close contact

This one is for people who know you well: former managers, mentors, or colleagues you’ve worked closely with.

Subject: Quick favor? Referral for [Role] at [Company]

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well and that everything at [Their Company] is going smoothly.

I’m reaching out because I’m applying for the [Job Title] role at [Target Company], and I noticed you’re connected with [Person / Team] there. This position lines up really well with my background in [2–3 key skills or achievements], especially [brief example: “leading cross‑functional projects” or “growing inbound leads by 30%”].

Would you feel comfortable referring me for this role or, if that’s easier, forwarding my resume to the hiring manager or recruiter?

To make this simple, I’ve included:

• A short 2–3 sentence blurb you can use or edit
• My resume
• A link to the job posting: [link]

Thank you for considering this. I really appreciate any help you’re able to offer.

Best,
[Your Name]
[Phone]
[LinkedIn URL]

This is one of the best examples of referral request email templates for people who already know your work. You’re respectful, specific, and you do the heavy lifting for them.

2. Example of a referral request email to a former manager

Former managers are often your strongest advocates. Here’s an example of a referral request email that acknowledges your past work together.

Subject: Could I ask for a referral for [Job Title]?

Hi [Name],

I’ve been thinking a lot about my time on your team at [Company] and how much I learned there, especially around [specific skills or projects]. I’m now exploring my next step and found a [Job Title] role at [Target Company] that’s a great fit.

Given that you’ve seen my work on [specific project or responsibility], I was wondering if you’d be open to referring me for this role. I believe my experience with [relevant skills] aligns well with what they’re looking for.

I’ve attached my updated resume and the job description here: [link]. If it helps, I can send a short summary you could use in a referral note.

Either way, I really appreciate everything I learned from you and your time in reading this.

Warmly,
[Your Name]

Among the stronger examples of referral request email templates, this one works because it reminds them why you’re a good bet, without sounding like a script.

3. Example of a referral request email to a colleague or peer

Use this when you’re asking a coworker, cross‑functional partner, or professional peer.

Subject: Referral for [Job Title] at [Company]?

Hi [Name],

I hope things are going well with you and the [team/project]. I’m currently applying for a [Job Title] position at [Target Company]. From what I’ve read and heard, it seems like a strong match for my experience in [2–3 key areas].

Since we worked together on [project or initiative] and you’ve seen my work in [specific area], I was wondering if you’d feel comfortable referring me internally or passing my resume along to the hiring team.

I’ve attached my resume and the job posting for context. If there’s any additional info that would make this easier for you, I’m happy to send it.

Thanks so much for considering it—I really appreciate your support.

Best,
[Your Name]

This is one of those examples of referral request email templates that feels friendly, not transactional, which matters a lot when you’re asking a peer.

4. Example of a referral request email to a weak tie or LinkedIn connection

This is for people you don’t know well: a second‑degree LinkedIn connection, someone you met briefly at a conference, or a person you haven’t spoken with in years.

Subject: Quick intro request for [Job Title] at [Company]

Hi [Name],

I hope you don’t mind the message. We’re connected here on LinkedIn, and I’ve followed your updates about [their role, company, or industry topic].

I’m interested in the [Job Title] role at [Company] and noticed that you work there in [Department/Team]. From the job description, it looks like a strong fit for my background in [your field or specialty], especially my recent work on [brief example].

If you feel comfortable doing so, would you be open to either:

• Referring me for the role, or
• Introducing me to the appropriate recruiter or hiring manager?

I completely understand if that’s not possible. Either way, I appreciate your time. I’ve attached my resume and here’s the job posting for context: [link].

Thank you,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn URL]

When people ask for the best examples of referral request email templates for weak ties, this kind of message stands out: it’s polite, low‑pressure, and gives them an easy out.

5. Example of a referral request email after an informational interview

You’ve already had a conversation; now you’re asking for a next step.

Subject: Thank you + quick referral question

Hi [Name],

Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me about your work at [Company]. Our conversation about [specific topic you discussed] was really helpful in clarifying what I’m looking for next.

After talking with you, I’m even more excited about the [Job Title or Team] role we discussed. If you feel it’s appropriate, would you be open to referring me for that role or sharing my resume with the hiring manager?

Here’s the posting we talked about: [link], and I’ve attached my resume as well. I truly appreciate your time and any help you’re able to offer.

Best,
[Your Name]

This is a clean example of a referral request email that builds directly on a recent conversation, which often leads to stronger referrals.

6. Example of a referral request email when you’re currently employed

You may want to be discreet if your current employer doesn’t know you’re looking.

Subject: Discreet referral request for [Job Title]

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I’m reaching out quietly because I’m exploring new opportunities and found a [Job Title] role at [Target Company] that looks like a strong next step.

Given your experience at [Target Company], I was wondering if you’d be open to referring me for the role or pointing me to the right person to speak with. I’m particularly interested in [specific aspect of the company or role] and believe my background in [relevant skills or results] is a good fit.

I’ve attached my resume and the job posting for context. I’d really appreciate it if you could keep this confidential.

Thank you for considering this,
[Your Name]

This belongs on the list of best examples of referral request email templates for a quiet job search—clear, respectful, and explicit about confidentiality.

7. Example of a referral request email to a former client or partner

If a client loved working with you, they can be a powerful referrer.

Subject: Would you be open to a referral?

Hi [Name],

I hope everything is going well with [their company or project]. I really enjoyed working with you on [project or engagement] and appreciated your feedback on [specific result or outcome].

I’m currently applying for a [Job Title] role at [Target Company], where I’d be doing similar work in [brief description]. Since you’ve seen the impact of my work firsthand, I wanted to ask if you’d feel comfortable referring me or providing a short internal recommendation.

I’ve attached my resume and the job description: [link]. If you’d like, I can send a short summary you could adapt for a referral note.

Thank you again for the opportunity to work together, and for considering this.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

This is one of the more underused examples of referral request email templates, but it can be incredibly effective if you’ve delivered strong results.

8. Short LinkedIn message example for a referral request

Sometimes you don’t need a long email—especially on LinkedIn.

LinkedIn message:

Hi [Name], thanks for connecting. I’m interested in the [Job Title] role at [Company] and noticed you’re on the [Team/Department]. Based on the description, it looks aligned with my experience in [your field/skills].

If you’re comfortable with it, would you be open to referring me or pointing me to the right recruiter? No worries at all if that’s not possible. Here’s the posting for context: [link].

Thank you either way!

Even though it’s short, this still fits into our set of real examples of referral request email templates because the structure and tone are the same.

Why these examples of referral request email templates work

Across all these examples of referral request email templates, a few patterns show up that you can reuse in any situation.

They make it easy for the other person

People are busy. If your email feels like work, it will sit in their inbox. The best examples:

• Include the job link and your resume
• Offer a short blurb they can copy or adapt
• Keep the ask clear and specific

You’re not just asking for a favor; you’re packaging it so it takes them two minutes instead of twenty.

They give context, but stay focused

Notice how each example of a referral request email gives just enough background:

• How you know the person (or why you’re reaching out)
• Why this job is a fit
• What exactly you’re asking them to do

You’re not telling your life story. You’re giving just enough detail so they feel comfortable putting their name behind you.

They are polite, but not apologetic

Many people write referral requests like they’re apologizing for existing. These templates are different. The tone is:

• Respectful of their time
• Confident in your value
• Clear that “no” is an acceptable answer

That balance makes it easier for people to say yes—and also protects your own confidence if they say no or don’t respond.

How to customize these examples for your own referral emails

Think of these examples of referral request email templates as starting points, not scripts you must follow word‑for‑word. Here’s how to make them sound like you.

Swap in 1–2 specific achievements

Instead of saying, “I have experience in marketing,” try:

“In my current role, I led a campaign that increased qualified leads by 27% over six months.”

Or instead of, “I worked on product launches,” you might write:

“I helped launch two new features that boosted monthly active users by 15%.”

Specifics make it easier for your contact to feel confident referring you.

Match the tone to the relationship

For a former manager you’re close to, you might be more informal:

“I’d love your honest take—do you think this role looks like a good next step for me?”

For a weak tie, stay a bit more formal and give them an easy out:

“If this isn’t something you’re able to do, I completely understand and appreciate your time.”

The underlying structure of the examples of referral request email templates stays the same; you just dial the tone up or down.

Keep timing and follow‑up in mind

Modern hiring moves fast, but people’s inboxes are still overflowing. A simple approach:

• Send your referral request soon after you see the job posting
• If you don’t hear back in 5–7 business days, send a short, polite follow‑up

For example:

“Hi [Name], just bumping this up in case it got buried. No pressure at all—just wanted to see if a referral might be possible. Thanks again for considering it.”

You don’t need more than one follow‑up. If they don’t respond after that, move on and protect your energy.

Why referrals still matter in 2024–2025

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth sending these emails at all, it helps to know how hiring still works.

Many employers continue to rely heavily on employee referrals because they tend to:

• Reduce hiring time
• Increase the chance of a good fit
• Lower turnover after hiring

Research from organizations like the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Society for Human Resource Management has highlighted how referrals can shape who gets access to opportunities. That’s part of why more companies are now trying to balance referral programs with broader outreach and fair hiring practices.

For you as a job seeker, this means two things:

• Referrals can absolutely boost your odds of getting an interview
• You should still apply through official channels and make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile are strong

For guidance on building skills and navigating careers more broadly, resources like the U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop (careeronestop.org) and university career centers (for example, Harvard’s Office of Career Services at ocs.fas.harvard.edu) offer helpful advice on networking and job search strategies.

Quick checklist before you hit send

Before you send any of these examples of referral request email templates, run through this short checklist:

• Did you spell their name and company correctly?
• Did you include the job link and your resume?
• Did you clearly state what you’re asking for (referral, intro, or both)?
• Did you give them an easy way to say no?
• Does the email sound like something you would actually say?

If you can answer yes to those, you’re in good shape.

FAQ: Referral request emails

How long should a referral request email be?
Aim for 150–250 words. The examples of referral request email templates above hit that range: long enough to give context, short enough to respect their time.

Is it okay to ask someone I barely know for a referral?
Yes, as long as you’re honest about the connection and give them an easy out. Use the weaker‑tie example of a referral request email and avoid pretending you’re close if you’re not.

Should I send my resume with my referral request?
Almost always, yes. Attach your resume and include the job link. That’s why the best examples of referral request email templates always reference both.

What if they say no—or don’t respond?
Thank them if they say no, and don’t push. If they don’t respond, one polite follow‑up after about a week is enough. Then move on. Networking is a long‑term habit, not a one‑time transaction.

Can I reuse the same template for multiple people?
You can reuse the structure, but customize at least a few lines for each person. The real examples of referral request email templates in this guide are designed to be flexible, so you can swap in details about your relationship, your achievements, and the specific role.

If you treat these templates as a starting point—and add your own voice—you’ll be miles ahead of most applicants who either don’t ask for referrals at all, or send vague, confusing messages that are easy to ignore.