Best examples of follow-up email examples for job referrals

Real‑world examples of follow-up email examples for job referrals

Let’s skip the theory and go straight to what you actually need: words you can send.

Below are several examples of follow-up email examples for job referrals in different situations. You can copy, tweak, and send. I’ll add short notes after each one so you understand why it works.

1. Follow-up after someone agrees to refer you (initial confirmation)

Subject: Thanks again for offering to refer me

Email:

Hi [Name],

Thank you again for offering to refer me for the [Job Title] role on the [Team Name] team at [Company]. I really appreciate your support.

As promised, here’s a quick summary you can use for the referral form or a note to the hiring manager:

• Role: [Job Title]
• Link: [Job posting URL]
• Why I’m a fit: [1–2 short bullets with skills or experience]

My resume is attached as well. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can share to make this easy for you.

Thanks again,
[Your Name]
[Phone]
[LinkedIn URL]

Why this works:
You’re making their life easier. In 2024–2025, a lot of referrals happen through quick internal forms or Slack messages. Giving them ready‑to‑paste bullets increases the odds they actually follow through.

2. Follow-up if you haven’t heard back after they said they’d refer you

Subject: Quick check‑in on referral for [Job Title]

Email:

Hi [Name],

Hope your week is going well. I wanted to quickly follow up on the referral for the [Job Title] position at [Company]. No rush at all — I know things get busy — I just wanted to see if you were still comfortable submitting it.

Here’s the job link again for convenience: [Job posting URL]. If it’s easier, I can also draft a short note you can customize.

Either way, I really appreciate your time and support.

Best,
[Your Name]

Why this works:
You’re giving them an easy out and a gentle nudge. No guilt trip, no pressure. This is one of the best examples of a polite follow-up email that still moves things forward.

3. Follow-up after your referral has been submitted

Subject: Thanks for the referral, [Name]

Email:

Hi [Name],

I wanted to say thank you again for submitting the referral for the [Job Title] role at [Company]. I know that putting your name behind someone is a big vote of confidence, and I don’t take that lightly.

I’ve applied through the official posting as well and will keep you posted on how things go. If I move forward in the process, I’d love to ask you a few questions about the team and culture so I can prepare thoughtfully.

Really appreciate your support,
[Your Name]

Why this works:
You’re acknowledging that a referral is a favor, not a transaction. You’re also opening the door for future contact without asking for anything right now.

4. Follow-up to your referrer after an interview

Subject: Quick update — interviewed for [Job Title]

Email:

Hi [Name],

Just a quick update to say thank you again for referring me for the [Job Title] role. I had my [phone/video/on‑site] interview with [Interviewer Name or “the hiring manager”] on [Day].

The conversation went well — we discussed [1–2 topics, like “my experience leading cross‑functional projects and how I’d support the upcoming product launch”]. I’m even more excited about the role after learning more about the team.

I’ll keep you posted on next steps. Thanks again for opening the door for me.

Best,
[Your Name]

Why this works:
People like to know their help mattered. This is an example of a follow-up that strengthens the relationship, even if you don’t get the job.

5. Follow-up when you didn’t get the job, but want to keep the relationship

Subject: Thanks again for your support

Email:

Hi [Name],

I wanted to let you know I heard back about the [Job Title] role. They decided to move forward with another candidate.

Even though it didn’t work out this time, I really appreciate your referral and the time you took to support me. I enjoyed learning more about [Company] and would be interested in future roles there.

If you’re open to it, I’d love to stay in touch here and on LinkedIn. And if I can ever be helpful to you or your team, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thanks again,
[Your Name]

Why this works:
Rejections are normal, especially with the competitive job market in 2024–2025. This is one of the best examples of turning a “no” into a long‑term connection.

6. Follow-up to ask for a referral from a former coworker

Subject: Quick favor re: [Company Name] role

Email:

Hi [Name],

Hope you’ve been doing well and that things at [Their Company] are going smoothly.

I came across a [Job Title] opening on your team at [Company] and it looks like a strong match for my background in [your field or key skill]. I’ve applied online, but I know referrals can really help applications get seen.

If you feel comfortable, would you be open to referring me? I’ve attached my resume and here’s the posting: [Job posting URL]. I’m happy to send a short blurb you can use in a referral note to make it easy.

If you’re not able to refer me, no worries at all — I completely understand.

Thanks for considering it,
[Your Name]

Why this works:
You’re not assuming they’ll say yes. You’re giving them room to decline, which actually makes people more likely to help.

7. Follow-up after a cold LinkedIn referral request

Subject: Thank you for considering my referral request

Email:

Hi [Name],

Thanks again for connecting on LinkedIn and for considering my request regarding the [Job Title] role at [Company]. I know you probably get a lot of messages, so I appreciate your time.

As a quick follow‑up, here’s a short summary you can use if you decide to refer me:

• Background: [X years] in [field]
• Key skills: [Skill 1], [Skill 2], [Skill 3]
• Why [Company]: [1–2 sentences]

Here’s the job link again for reference: [Job posting URL].

Thank you again for your consideration,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn URL]

Why this works:
Cold outreach is harder, but still common in 2024–2025 as people leverage LinkedIn more heavily. This is an example of a follow-up email that respects their time and lowers the effort required.

8. Follow-up to a referral inside your current company

Subject: Internal referral for [Job Title] — quick follow‑up

Email:

Hi [Name],

Thanks again for agreeing to refer me for the internal [Job Title] role on the [Team Name] team. I submitted my application in the internal system on [Date] and wanted to follow up in case you needed my resume or a short blurb.

I’m especially interested in this role because [1–2 sentences about fit and goals]. If it helps, I’m happy to draft a quick note you can send to the hiring manager.

Really appreciate your support,
[Your Name]
[Current Role] | [Department]

Why this works:
Internal moves are a big part of career growth, especially as companies try to retain talent. This is one of the real examples of follow-up email examples for job referrals that works well in large organizations with internal job boards.

How to use these examples of follow-up email examples for job referrals

You don’t need to memorize scripts. Think of these as building blocks. Most of the best examples share a few patterns:

• They’re short — usually 150–200 words or less.
• They restate the role and include the job link.
• They make it easy for the referrer to help (bullets, summary, attached resume).
• They give the other person an easy way to say no.

If you’re wondering how often to follow up, current hiring data can help. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that openings and hiring rates have stayed competitive in recent years, which means recruiters are often overloaded and slow to respond. You can browse up‑to‑date labor market trends at bls.gov.

In that environment, a polite follow-up is not annoying — it’s normal. Many recruiters and hiring managers have publicly shared (through blogs and interviews) that they appreciate clear, respectful nudges.

Timing tips: when to send a follow-up after a job referral

To get the most from these examples of follow-up email examples for job referrals, pair them with good timing:

• After someone agrees to refer you: follow up the same day or within 24 hours with your resume and summary.
• If they haven’t submitted the referral yet: wait about 5–7 days before sending a gentle reminder.
• After they submit the referral: send a thank‑you within 24 hours.
• After your interview: send an update to your referrer within 1–2 days.
• If you’re rejected: follow up within a week to thank them and keep the door open.

According to research on networking and professional communication from universities like Harvard and other career centers, thoughtful follow-ups can strengthen relationships over time — even when a specific opportunity doesn’t work out.

Writing style: making your follow-up sound like you

You can use any example of a follow-up email here as a starting point, but you’ll want to adjust:

• Formality: Match the relationship. A former manager probably gets a slightly more formal note than a close coworker.
• Length: If they’re very busy or senior, lean shorter. Two short paragraphs and a couple of bullets are usually enough.
• Details: Mention one specific thing you talked about — a project, a team, or a shared interest. That keeps it from sounding like a generic template.

If you’re not sure how your tone is coming across, you can:

• Read it out loud. If you’d never say it that way, rewrite it.
• Ask a friend to glance at it for clarity.
• Compare with real examples from reputable university career centers, like MIT’s Career Advising & Professional Development or similar pages.

You’re aiming for polite, clear, and human, not stiff or overly formal.

Common mistakes to avoid with follow-up email examples for job referrals

Even the best examples can go sideways if you copy them without thinking. Watch out for these mistakes:

Sounding demanding.
Phrases like “Please submit this by Friday” or “I need to know today” can feel pushy. Instead, use language like “if you’re comfortable” and “if your schedule allows.”

Forgetting the job link.
Make it easy to help you. Every example of a good follow-up email includes the job posting URL and the exact job title.

Sending too many follow-ups.
One reminder after a week is fine. A second, weeks later, might be okay if you have a strong relationship. More than that starts to feel like pressure.

Ignoring time zones and work hours.
If your referrer is in another country or works non‑traditional hours, send your follow-up at a time that’s reasonable for them, not just you.

Not saying thank you.
Every one of the best examples of follow-up emails for job referrals includes a clear, sincere thank‑you. People remember gratitude.

FAQs about examples of follow-up email examples for job referrals

Q: Can you give an example of a very short follow-up email for a referral?

Yes. Here’s a minimalist version:

Hi [Name],

Just a quick note to thank you again for offering to refer me for the [Job Title] role at [Company]. Here’s the job link: [URL], and my resume is attached. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can share.

Really appreciate your help,
[Your Name]

This is one of the real examples that works when you know the person well and don’t need a lot of context.

Q: How long should I wait before sending a follow-up after someone agrees to refer me?

Ideally, send your first follow-up (with your resume and summary) the same day or the next day. You’re not “reminding” them yet — you’re giving them the info they need while the conversation is still fresh.

Q: Are there best examples for following up if the referrer is a senior leader?

Yes. Keep it shorter, more formal, and very respectful of their time:

Hi [Name],

Thank you again for offering to refer me for the [Job Title] position. I’ve attached my resume and included the posting link here: [URL]. I’ve also summarized my fit in two brief bullets below in case it’s helpful for your note.

I appreciate your time and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

This style works well for executives or directors.

Q: Do I need different examples of follow-up email examples for job referrals in 2024–2025 compared to a few years ago?

The basics are the same: be clear, polite, and grateful. The main difference now is that more communication happens through LinkedIn and internal chat tools. You can adapt any email example into a short LinkedIn message or Slack DM by trimming it down and removing formal sign‑offs.

Q: Is it okay to follow up if I never heard back from my referrer at all?

Yes, once. A simple, friendly note after about a week is reasonable. If they still don’t respond, assume they’re not able to help and move on. You can always look for other contacts at the company.

Using these examples of follow-up email examples for job referrals as templates, you can build your own messages that sound natural and confident — without staring at a blank screen for an hour. Start with the scenario that fits you best, personalize a few lines, and hit send. Your future self (and your job search) will thank you.