If you’re looking for a job, you may have heard that networking is key. One way to make use of your professional network is by including a referral in your cover letter. A referral cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of getting hired.
In this article, we’ll provide tips and examples for creating a referral cover letter that will grab a potential employer’s attention. You can also find examples of referral cover letters that you can customize to fit your needs.
Tips for Writing a Referral Cover Letter
Writing a referral cover letter requires some extra thought and effort. Here are some tips to help you create an effective referral cover letter:
1. Use a Specific Title
Use a title that clearly indicates that your letter is a referral cover letter. This will help your letter stand out from others that the employer may receive.
2. Explain Your Referral
In the first paragraph of your letter, explain who referred you and how you know them. This will give the employer context for your application and show that you have a connection to the company.
3. Customize Your Letter
Customize the body of your letter to the company and the job you’re applying for. This will show the employer that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.
4. Highlight Your Qualifications
Use the second paragraph of your letter to highlight your qualifications and how they make you a good fit for the job. Be specific and give examples of how your experience and skills match the requirements listed in the job posting.
5. Thank Your Referrer
In the closing paragraph of your letter, thank your referrer again for the referral and express your excitement about the opportunity to apply for the job.
6. Close Strong
End your letter with a strong closing statement that emphasizes your enthusiasm for the job and your qualifications. Include a call to action, such as asking for an interview or expressing your willingness to provide further information.
Examples of Referral Cover Letters
Here are seven examples of referral cover letters that you can use as a starting point for your own letter:
Referral from a Former Supervisor
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am excited to submit my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as referred by my former supervisor, [Referrer’s Name]. I had the pleasure of reporting to [Referrer’s Name] for two years while working at [Previous Company] and benefited greatly from their mentorship and guidance.
[Body of the letter]
Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my candidacy further with you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Referral from a Colleague
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as referred by my colleague, [Referrer’s Name]. [Referrer’s Name] and I have worked together at [Current Company] for the past two years, and I have always been impressed by their professionalism and expertise.
[Body of the letter]
Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my candidacy further with you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Referral from a LinkedIn Connection
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as referred to me by [Referrer’s Name], a LinkedIn connection of mine. [Referrer’s Name] and I share a network of mutual connections in the [Industry] industry, and I was impressed by their recommendation of your company.
[Body of the letter]
Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my candidacy further with you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Referral from a College Professor
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as referred by my former college professor, [Referrer’s Name]. [Referrer’s Name] taught me [Course Name] at [College Name], and I was impressed by their dedication to teaching and their knowledge of the [Industry] industry.
[Body of the letter]
Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my candidacy further with you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Referral from a Professional Organization
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] as referred to me by [Referrer’s Name], a member of [Professional Organization]. I am also a member of [Professional Organization] and am impressed by the work that your company has done in the [Industry] industry.
[Body of the letter]
Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my candidacy further with you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Referral from a Friend
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as referred to me by my friend, [Referrer’s Name]. [Referrer’s Name] and I have known each other for [Number of years] years, and they have always spoken highly of your company.
[Body of the letter]
Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my candidacy further with you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Referral from a Former Colleague
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as referred by my former colleague, [Referrer’s Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Referrer’s Name] at [Previous Company] for three years and was always impressed by their work ethic and attention to detail.
[Body of the letter]
Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my candidacy further with you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a referral cover letter?
A referral cover letter is a type of cover letter that mentions a mutual connection between the applicant and the hiring manager. The mutual connection is usually someone who is already employed by the company or who has a professional relationship with the company.
How do I mention a referral in my cover letter?
You can mention a referral in the opening paragraph of your cover letter. Be sure to mention the name of the person who referred you and how you know them. This will give the employer context for your application and show that you have a connection to the company.
What are the benefits of a referral cover letter?
A referral cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of getting hired. It also shows that you have a connection to the company and have taken the time to network and build professional relationships.
Do I need to mention the referral in my resume?
No, you do not need to mention the referral in your resume. However, you can include the name of the person who referred you in the “References” section of your resume if you wish.
Do I need to get permission from my referrer before mentioning them in my cover letter?
Yes, it’s always a good idea to ask for permission from your referrer before mentioning them in your cover letter. This shows respect for their time and privacy and ensures that they are comfortable being associated with your job search.
What if I don’t have a referral?
If you don’t have a referral, you can still apply for the job by submitting a regular cover letter and resume. However, networking and building professional relationships can be a great way to increase your chances of landing a job.
Do I need to mention the referral in my interview?
You don’t necessarily need to mention the referral in your interview, but it can be a good way to build rapport with the interviewer and show that you have a connection to the company. If the interviewer asks how you heard about the job, you can mention your referral and how you know them.
Conclusion
A referral cover letter can be a powerful tool in your job search. By mentioning a mutual connection, you can increase your chances of getting hired and show that you have taken the time to network and build professional relationships. Use the tips and examples in this article to create a referral cover letter that will impress potential employers and help you land your dream job.