How to Mention a Referral in an Email: Sample Phrases and Examples

Are you tired of sending out countless emails with no response, hoping for a chance to impress a potential employer or client? Well, stress no more because I have a solution that will increase your chances of getting that desired response. The secret? Mentioning a referral in your email.

But how do you go about doing that exactly? Fear not, as I have compiled simple and effective examples for you to edit as needed. All you need to do is fill in the necessary details and watch as your email stands out from the rest.

So, whether you’re looking for a job, networking, or trying to get your foot in the door with a specific company, mentioning a referral in your email is a surefire way to make yourself stand out and increase your chances of getting a response.

Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to make a great first impression. Follow these simple steps, use the examples provided, and watch your email game soar.

The Best Structure for Mentioning a Referral in an Email Sample

When it comes to networking, nothing beats a good referral. Whether you’re trying to score a job interview or land a new client, having someone vouch for you can make all the difference. But how do you go about mentioning that referral in an email without sounding awkward or pushy? Here’s the best structure for doing just that.

1. Start with a catchy subject line: Your subject line is the first thing your recipient will see, so make it count. Try something like “Introduction from [Referrer’s Name]” or “Recommended by [Referrer’s Name]”.

2. Open with a brief thank-you: Show your gratitude for the referral right off the bat. A simple sentence like “Thank you so much for connecting us!” can go a long way.

3. Mention the context of the referral: Briefly explain how you came to know the referrer and how they fit into the situation. For example, “I had the pleasure of meeting [Referrer’s Name] at a networking event last month, where we discussed my background and career goals.”

4. Explain your interest in connecting: Let the recipient know why you’re reaching out and what you hope to gain from the conversation. Be specific and highlight any relevant skills or experience you have that make you an attractive candidate for whatever opportunity you’re pursuing.

5. End with a call to action: Encourage the recipient to respond to your email and continue the conversation. Close with a friendly sentence like “I look forward to hearing from you soon!”

By following this structure, you’ll be able to mention your referral in a way that feels natural and professional. Good luck!

Seven Samples on How to Mention a Referral in an Email

Sample 1: Referral for a Job Application

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to apply for the [Job Title], which I recently came across on your company’s website. As a highly skilled and experienced professional in the [Field], I strongly believe that my skills and experience align perfectly with the requirements of this job.

I also wanted to mention that [Referrer’s Name], who is a former colleague and acquaintance of yours, suggested that I apply for this position. He/she has only spoken highly of your company culture, work ethics, and management style, and I trust his/her judgment completely.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Best Regards,

[Your Name]

Sample 2: Referral for a Networking Opportunity

Dear [Contact’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to introduce myself and explore the possibility of networking with you in the [Industry], which I am passionate about and have been working in for the past [Number] years.

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I had the pleasure of meeting [Referrer’s Name], who is a mutual acquaintance of ours, at a recent event. He/she spoke highly of your expertise in the industry and recommended we connect to explore potential synergies between our businesses.

I would love to set up a call or meeting with you at your convenience to discuss how we can potentially collaborate and exchange ideas. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Best Regards,

[Your Name]

Sample 3: Referral for a Freelance Gig

Dear [Client’s Name],

I came across your post on [Platform Name] regarding your need for a [Type of Service] freelancer. As an experienced and highly skilled professional in the same field, I believe I would be a great fit for this project.

I also wanted to mention that [Referrer’s Name] referred me to you and spoke highly of your professionalism and attention to detail. He/she mentioned that you always seek quality over quantity, and I am sure that my work ethic and track record align perfectly with your requirements.

Please find my portfolio and testimonials attached to this email. If you have any questions or would like to discuss my services further, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for considering my proposal.

Best Regards,

[Your Name]

Sample 4: Referral for an Internship

Dear [Internship Coordinator’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Internship Position] you recently posted on your website. As a college student majoring in [Major], I am eager to gain hands-on experience in the [Industry] and contribute to your organization’s success.

I wanted to mention that [Referrer’s Name], who is a [Professional Title] at your organization, referred me to you and spoke highly of your internship program. He/she mentioned how valuable the experience has been for him/her and many of his/her colleagues, and I am excited about the possibility of learning and growing under your guidance and mentorship.

Attached you will find my resume and transcript for your consideration. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 5: Referral for a Business Partnership

Dear [Partner’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to explore the possibility of a partnership between our businesses. As fellow professionals in the [Industry], I believe we can offer a unique value proposition to our clients and create a win-win situation for both of us.

I also wanted to mention that [Referrer’s Name], who is a respected authority in our industry, recommended us to connect and explore potential synergies. He/she mentioned that your company values align with ours, and we could potentially complement each other’s strengths and offerings.

I would love to set up a call or meeting with you at your convenience to discuss how we can collaborate and leverage each other’s expertise. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Best Regards,

[Your Name]

Sample 6: Referral for a Volunteer Opportunity

Dear [Volunteer Coordinator’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in volunteering for your organization and giving back to the community. I was impressed by your mission and impact, and I believe I can make a positive contribution to your initiatives.

I wanted to mention that [Referrer’s Name], who is a fellow volunteer at your organization, spoke highly of the friendly and supportive environment you have created for your volunteers. He/she mentioned how much he/she has learned and grown from the experience, and I would love to have the same opportunity.

Please find my resume and a list of skills and interests attached to this email. If you have any questions or would like to discuss potential roles, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 7: Referral for a Mentorship Program

Dear [Mentor’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to express my interest in your mentorship program and learn from your expertise and experience in the [Industry]. As a young professional trying to navigate the field, I believe your guidance and mentorship can help me accelerate my learning and growth.

I also wanted to mention that [Referrer’s Name], who is a former mentee of yours, recommended your program and spoke highly of your mentorship style and approach. He/she mentioned that your advice and insights have been invaluable in his/her career development, and I aspire to have the same impact.

If you are open to taking on new mentees, I would love to discuss further how I can benefit from your mentorship and contribute to your goals. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Best Regards,

[Your Name]

Tips for Mentioning Referrals in Email

When it comes to networking, referrals can be incredibly valuable in opening doors to new opportunities. However, it’s important to know how to mention them properly in email so as not to come off as pushy or entitled. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Be clear about your connection: When mentioning a referral in an email, be upfront about how you know the person who referred you. This shows that you have an established relationship and can help build trust with the person you are emailing.
  • Thank the person making the referral: It’s always good practice to express gratitude for the person who made the connection for you. This not only shows appreciation, but it can also help strengthen your relationship with the referrer.
  • State your purpose: When emailing someone with a referral, be clear about what you are hoping to achieve. This could be anything from setting up an informational interview to requesting a job application. Be specific and direct about your goals to avoid confusion or misunderstandings.
  • Keep it short: While it’s important to provide context and information, it’s equally important to keep your email brief. People are busy and receive countless emails each day, so make sure your message is concise and easy to read.
  • Offer value: When reaching out with a referral, consider how you can offer value to the person you are emailing. Whether it’s sharing a relevant article or offering to connect them with someone in your network, providing value can help establish a positive relationship and increase the likelihood of a response.

By following these tips, you can effectively mention a referral in an email while also demonstrating professionalism and respect for others’ time.

FAQs on How to Mention a Referral in an Email


What is a referral email?

A referral email is a message sent to someone you know in order to introduce someone else. The message aims to give credibility to the person being introduced, by the fact that they´ve been recommended by someone respected or valued.

When should I send a referral email?

You should send a referral email when you want to introduce someone you know to another person. This can happen when someone is looking for a job, pitching a product or service, or trying to make new connections.

How should I mention a referral in my email?

You should mention the referral as soon as possible in the email. You can use a subject line that includes the name of the person referring or a sentence that introduces the referral right after the greeting. For example, “Hello, John, as per Jane’s recommendation, I’m reaching out to you.”

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What should I include in a referral email?

A referral email should include a brief introduction of the person being referred, what they do, and why they are a good fit for the person being introduced. You should also include any relevant information that the recipient may need: job openings, product/service details, or contact information for the person being referred.

How can I make sure the referral email is effective?

You can make sure the referral email is effective by being clear and concise in your message, highlighting the most important points, and focusing on what the recipient would gain by following up with the person being referred. It´s also important that you explicitly ask the recipient for help or action that you want them to take on your behalf.

Why are referral emails useful?

Referral emails are useful because they can increase the chances of success when trying to establish a new connection. They can create credibility, trust, and value that would be harder to achieve otherwise. Referrals can also save time and effort when networking or looking for opportunities.

Does mentioning a referral make a difference?

Yes, mentioning a referral can make a difference because it signals that you have a valuable connection in common with the person you are reaching out to, and it also helps to establish trust and credibility faster. It´s been shown that referred candidates get hired faster, and referred businesses are more likely to succeed.

Can I mention a referral in a cold email?

Yes, you can mention a referral in a cold email. However, it’s important to make sure that you don’t come across as too pushy or salesy. You should focus on the value the person being referred can bring to the recipient, rather than on what you want to get out of the interaction.

How should I thank the person who made the referral?

You should thank the person who made the referral by following up with them and letting them know what happened as a result of their introduction. You can also offer something in return, such as a coffee or lunch, a referral to someone else, or a personalized thank you note.

What if I don´t have a referral to mention?

If you don´t have a referral to mention, you can still benefit from networking and making new connections. In this case, you can focus on introducing yourself, explaining why you are reaching out, and what you hope to achieve. Make sure you are clear and concise, and that you offer value to the recipient.

Wrapping Up

And that’s a wrap folks! You’re now armed with the knowledge of how to mention a referral in an email like a pro. Remember to keep it brief, but personalized, and don’t forget the thank you’s. I hope this sample email has been helpful in guiding you towards a successful referral request. Thanks for reading and don’t hesitate to visit us again for more tips and tricks!

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