Asking for a referral is one of the most efficient ways to land new business or gain access to an opportunity. When someone refers you to a potential client or employer, it means they trust and believe in your capabilities. However, reaching out to that referral can be daunting, especially when it comes to crafting the perfect email. But worry not, because we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll share tips on how to write an email when you have been referred. We’ll provide examples that you can use as templates and edit as needed. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to get from referral to close. So, let’s get started!
The Best Structure for Writing an Email When You Have Been Referred
Writing an email when you have been referred can be both exciting and daunting at the same time. On one hand, having a referral can increase your chances of being noticed and considered for a job or opportunity. On the other hand, you want to make a good impression and ensure that you approach the situation with professionalism and grace.
So, what is the best structure for writing an email when you have been referred? Here are some tips and guidelines to help you craft a winning message.
1. Start with a clear and concise subject line
Your subject line is the first thing the recipient will see, so it’s important to make it attention-grabbing and specific. Use the name of the person who referred you and the purpose of the email. For example, “Referral from Sarah Smith – Introduction Request” or “Referral from John Doe – Application Follow-up”.
2. Begin with a brief introduction
Start by introducing yourself and mentioning the name of the person who referred you. This helps establish credibility and shows that you have a connection to the recipient. Keep it short, simple, and to the point.
3. Express gratitude and appreciation
Thank the person who referred you for their support and assistance. Let them know that you value their recommendation and that you are grateful for the opportunity.
4. Explain your purpose and intentions
Be clear about why you are reaching out and what you are hoping to achieve. If you are asking for an introduction or referral, explain what type of opportunity you are seeking and why you believe you would be a good fit. If you are following up on an application, mention any updates or developments that may have occurred since you last spoke.
5. Highlight your skills and qualifications
Take this opportunity to showcase your expertise and skills. Provide examples of your experience and highlight any relevant accomplishments or achievements. This can help demonstrate why you are a strong candidate for the opportunity.
6. Close with a call to action
End with a clear and specific call to action. This could be a request for a meeting, a follow-up email, or an invitation to connect on LinkedIn. Be polite and gracious, and ensure that you are respectful of the recipient’s time and availability.
7. Include a professional signature
Finally, be sure to include a professional signature at the end of your email. This should include your name, title (if applicable), and contact information. You may also choose to include links to your social media profiles or website.
In conclusion, when writing an email when you have been referred, it’s important to keep it professional, concise, and focused. With these guidelines in mind, you can craft a winning message that will grab the recipient’s attention and help you stand out from the competition.
Email Templates for Referral Letters
Referral for Job Application
Dear [Referrer’s Name],
I hope you are doing well. I was thrilled to hear that you have referred me for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. As you know, I’m extremely passionate about my career in [field], and I’m excited about the prospect of bringing my skills and experience to the [Company Name] team.
I understand that this role requires someone with excellent [skills/attributes], and I believe my background and experience matches those requirements well. I am confident that I can contribute meaningfully to the team and help the company achieve its goals.
Thank you again for your referral and support. I will keep you updated on the progress of my application.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Referral for Networking Purpose
Dear [Referrer’s Name],
I wanted to thank you for referring me to [Name] to discuss [topic]. I appreciate you thinking of me for this opportunity, and I look forward to connecting with [Name].
I’m excited about the possibility of working with [Name] to [goal/objectives]. Given my experience in [field], I believe that I can make a meaningful contribution to their work.
Please let me know if you require additional information. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Referral for Business Partnership
Dear [Referrer’s Name],
I would like to express my gratitude to you for referring me to [Name] for the potential business partnership opportunity. I am very excited to explore potential synergies between our companies.
As you may know, [Your Company Name] is focused on [mission/goal] and provides [services/products]. Given the nature of [Name’s Company Name] and their expertise in [industry], I believe that a partnership between our organizations would be a mutually beneficial opportunity.
I appreciate your help in this matter, and I am looking forward to hearing back from them.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Referral for Speaking Engagement
Dear [Referrer’s Name],
I wanted to extend my appreciation for referring me to [Name] for the upcoming speaking engagement on [topic]. As a [expert/professional in field], I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to share my experience and insights with the audience.
I’m confident that my experience and knowledge in [industry/field] will allow me to deliver a valuable and engaging presentation. I appreciate your trust in referring me for this event, and I will work hard to represent your confidence well.
Thank you for your support and help in advancing my career.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Referral for Internship Position
Dear [Referrer’s Name],
I am writing to express my appreciation for referring me to the [Internship position] at [Company Name]. I was grateful to see such a great opportunity presented to me.
I believe that the [Internship position] will give me the chance to gain the necessary experience to further my career in [field]. I am excited at the chance to learn from [Company Name] experts and help the team achieve their goals.
Once again, thank you for your referral. I will keep you updated on my progress.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Referral for Volunteer Position
Dear [Referrer’s Name],
I’m writing to thank you for referring me to the [Volunteer position] at [Organization Name]. I have always been passionate about [cause] and would like to contribute to this organization’s efforts.
I’m impressed with the work that [Organization Name] is doing and would be thrilled to help in any way that I can. I believe that this position will provide me with a valuable opportunity to learn new skills while making a difference in [cause].
Please let me know how to proceed with the application process, and thank you again for your referral.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Referral for Education Program
Dear [Referrer’s Name],
Thank you for referring me to the [Education Program] at [Institution Name]. I am incredibly excited about the chance to further my knowledge and skills in this field.
Through this program, I hope to enhance my skills in [area of interest] and broaden my perspective on [field/industry]. I am eager to learn from the experts at [Institution Name] and contribute to the program.
Thank you for your support in this matter, and I will keep you informed about my progress.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing an Email When You Have Been Referred
A referral is a powerful tool when it comes to networking and job searching. However, it’s important to handle the opportunity with care. When writing an email after being referred, follow these tips:
1. Show Appreciation
Start with expressing your gratitude towards the person who referred you. Thank them for the opportunity and their time. This will make them feel valued and create a good impression before you even start discussing your requirements.
2. Introduce Yourself
Provide some information about yourself that shows your background and the reason for your interest in the referral. This will help the person on the other end understand what you are looking for and how they can help you.
3. Highlight Your Qualifications
Showcase your skills and qualifications that are relevant to the opportunity you are referring to. Talk about your experience, education, or any relevant certifications you hold. This will give a detailed idea about your potential as a candidate to the person on the other end.
4. Be Clear About Your Needs
Be clear about what you need from the referral. If you are looking for a job, talk about the job title, company you are interested in, and what qualities you would need to get selected. If you are asking for some other help, be specific about what you want and how you believe the person on the other end can assist you.
5. Wrap up Professionally
End your email in a professional tone, thanking the person again for their time and effort. It’s always wise to end your email with an open question, asking for a follow-up meeting or call because it will demonstrate that you are proactive and willing to take the next step. Make sure you sign off with your name, contact information and any other relevant details.
Follow these tips and make your email effective, engaging and worthy of the person’s attention.
FAQs: How to Write an Email When You Have Been Referred
What should I include in the subject line of my email?
Your subject line should mention the name of the person who referred you and the reason for your email. For example, “Referral from John Smith for Marketing Coordinator Position.”
How should I greet the person in my email?
You should address them by their formal title (Mr. or Ms.) or by their first name if indicated by your referral source. Also, make sure to mention your referral connection in the opening of your email.
What should I say in the body of my email?
You should briefly introduce yourself and your referral source, express your interest in the job or opportunity you are inquiring about, and highlight your relevant skills and experience.
Should I attach a resume or cover letter?
It’s best to ask your referral source if they want you to attach your resume or cover letter to the email or if they prefer to forward the email with your contact information.
How long should my email be?
Your email should be concise and to the point, but include enough information to showcase your skills and interest in the opportunity.
What should I do if I don’t hear back after sending my email?
You can follow up with a polite email after a few days to check if they have received your email and if there is anything else they need from you.
What should I do if my referral source doesn’t have the contact information for the person I want to reach out to?
You can try searching for the person’s email address online or using LinkedIn to send a message.
How soon should I send the email after being referred?
You should aim to send your email as soon as possible after being referred. This shows that you are proactive and interested in the opportunity.
Should I follow up after the initial email?
You can follow up after a few days if you haven’t heard anything back to check if they have any questions or if there is anything else they need from you.
Is it okay to mention the referral source in a follow-up email?
Yes, it’s okay to mention the referral source in a follow-up email to remind the recipient of your connection.
Wrapping It Up
And that’s it, folks! Hopefully, these tips will help you write a killer email when you’ve been referred. Remember to keep it brief, be specific, and show your gratitude for the referral. Don’t forget to proofread before hitting send! Thanks for taking the time to read this article and if you enjoyed it, be sure to check back for more helpful tips. Cheers!