If you’re in the job market, you know that it can be challenging to get your foot in the door. One way to increase your chances of being noticed is to include a referral from a mutual acquaintance in your cover letter. In this article, we’ll explore how to craft a cover letter with a referral from a mutual acquaintance and provide you with several examples that you can edit as needed.
Tips:
To create an effective cover letter with a referral from a mutual acquaintance, follow these tips:
1. Use a Strong Opening
Your cover letter’s opening should grab the reader’s attention and make them want to keep reading. Mention the referral in the opening sentence, and explain how you know the person. This will help the reader put a face to the name and give them context for your application.
2. Explain Why You’re a Good Fit
After introducing yourself and your referral, explain why you’re a good fit for the position. List your qualifications and experience that make you the ideal candidate. Make sure to tailor your qualifications to the job description to show that you’ve done your research.
3. Customize Your Cover Letter
Each job application is unique, so make sure to customize your cover letter to the job you’re applying for. Rather than using a generic template, review the job description and company website to understand the company’s values and mission. This will allow you to tailor your cover letter to the company’s culture.
4. Keep it Concise
Your cover letter should be no longer than one page. Keep your sentences short and to the point, and avoid using jargon or technical terms that the reader may not understand. The key is to communicate your qualifications and interest in the position succinctly.
5. Proofread Carefully
Before submitting your cover letter, proofread it for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting issues. Ask a friend or family member to read it over as well. A well-written and error-free cover letter will show the recruiter or hiring manager that you’re detail-oriented and take pride in your work.
6. Follow Up
If you don’t hear back from the company within a week or two of submitting your application, follow up with a polite email. Reiterate your interest in the position and mention your referral again. This will remind the recruiter or hiring manager of your application and show that you’re serious about the position.
Examples:
Example 1: Referral from a Former Boss
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Position] role at [Company], as referred to me by [Referral’s Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Referral’s Name] for [Duration of Time] at [Company], where they served as my supervisor.
As a [Your Profession], I have [Qualifications and Experience], which I believe make me a strong fit for the role. I am particularly drawn to [Specific Aspect of Company or Job Description]. I am confident that my skills and experience will enable me to thrive in this position.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications and potential contributions to [Company].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Referral from a Colleague
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am excited to submit my application for the [Position] role at [Company], as recommended by my colleague [Referral’s Name]. [Referral’s Name] and I have worked together at [Company] for [Duration of Time], and I have always been impressed by their [Positive Trait or Accomplishment].
As a [Your Profession], I have [Qualifications and Experience], which I believe make me a strong candidate for the position. I am particularly drawn to [Specific Aspect of Company or Job Description], and I am excited about the potential to contribute to [Company] in this role.
Thank you for considering my application. I appreciate the opportunity to be considered for the position and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Referral from a Friend
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Position] role at [Company], as recommended by my friend [Referral’s Name]. [Referral’s Name] and I have known each other for [Duration of Time], and I admire [Positive Trait or Accomplishment].
As a [Your Profession], I have [Qualifications and Experience], which I believe would make me an asset to [Company]. I am particularly impressed by [Specific Aspect of Company or Job Description], and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company] in this role.
Thank you for considering my application. I appreciate the opportunity to be considered for the position and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Referral from a Professional Network
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am reaching out to express my interest in the [Position] role at [Company], as recommended by a member of our professional network, [Referral’s Name]. [Referral’s Name] and I have been connected through [Professional Association] for [Duration of Time], and I have always been impressed by their [Positive Trait or Accomplishment].
As a [Your Profession], I have [Qualifications and Experience], which I believe would make me a strong fit for the position. I am particularly drawn to [Specific Aspect of Company or Job Description], and I am excited about the potential to contribute to [Company] in this role.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further and learn more about [Company].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Referral from a Professor or Advisor
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am excited to apply for the [Position] role at [Company], as recommended by [Referral’s Name], my [Professor/Advisor] at [University]. [Referral’s Name] has mentored me in [Subject or Field] for [Duration of Time], and I have always appreciated their [Positive Trait or Accomplishment].
As a [Your Profession], I have [Qualifications and Experience], which I believe make me a strong candidate for the position. I am particularly drawn to [Specific Aspect of Company or Job Description], and I am eager to learn more about the opportunity to contribute to [Company] in this role.
Thank you for considering my application. I appreciate the opportunity to be considered for the position and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Referral from a Current Employee
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Position] role at [Company], as recommended by [Referral’s Name], a current employee at [Company]. [Referral’s Name] and I [How You Know Them, e.g., played on the same sports team, met at a professional event, etc.], and I have always been impressed by their [Positive Trait or Accomplishment].
As a [Your Profession], I have [Qualifications and Experience], which I believe would make me a strong fit for the position. I am particularly impressed by [Specific Aspect of Company or Job Description], and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company] in this role.
Thank you for considering my application. I appreciate the opportunity to be considered for the position and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions:
What should I include in my cover letter with a referral from a mutual acquaintance?
In your cover letter with a referral from a mutual acquaintance, be sure to mention the person who referred you and explain your relationship with them. You should also highlight your qualifications and experience that make you a good fit for the position and customize your letter to the job you’re applying for.
How do I ask for a referral?
If you’re looking for a referral, reach out to your professional network or former colleagues and ask if they know of any open positions that would be a good fit for you. Explain your career goals and qualifications and ask if they would be willing to introduce you to anyone in their network who may be hiring.
What should I do if my referral doesn’t know the hiring manager well?
If your referral doesn’t know the hiring manager well, they can still provide a helpful introduction. The key is to explain how you know the person and emphasize your qualifications and experience that make you a good fit for the position.
Should I mention the referral in the subject line of my email?
In most cases, it’s a good idea to mention the referral in the subject line of your email. This will help the recipient understand the context of your email and make them more likely to open it.
How long should my cover letter be?
Your cover letter should be no longer than one page. Keep your sentences short and to the point and focus on communicating your qualifications and interest in the position succinctly.
What if I don’t have a referral?
If you don’t have a referral, don’t worry. You can still submit a strong application by tailoring your cover letter and resume to the job you’re applying for and highlighting your qualifications and experience that make you a good fit for the position.
Conclusion:
Adding a referral from a mutual acquaintance to your cover letter can increase your chances of getting noticed by a recruiter or hiring manager. By following the tips and examples in this article, you’ll be able to craft a compelling cover letter that showcases your qualifications and interest in the position. Remember to customize your letter to the job you’re applying for, keep it concise, and proofread it carefully before submitting your application. Good luck!