Are you struggling to write an email when you have been referred to a person or a company? You may feel lost and don’t know where to begin. Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many people find themselves in this situation and struggle to draft an email that is both effective and polite.
But don’t fret- there’s good news! It’s easier than you think to write a referral email that will get you the response you need. You just need to follow a few simple steps and you’ll be well on your way. And the best part is, you don’t even need to be a professional writer!
You can find plenty of referral email examples online that you can edit and customize to make them your own. These examples will give you a good idea of what to include in your email and how to structure it. You can also use them as a guide and tweak them as needed to tailor your message to the person or company you’re contacting.
So, give it a try. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to write an effective referral email that will get you the response you need. And with the help of online resources and examples, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this important business skill.
In conclusion, writing a referral email doesn’t have to be daunting. With a bit of research and some practice, you can quickly learn how to write a successful email that will help you make valuable connections and grow your network. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different approaches and strategies until you find what works best for you.
The Best Structure for Writing an Email When You Have Been Referred
Getting referred can be a game-changer when it comes to networking. However, to leverage this opportunity effectively, you need to craft an email that conveys your appreciation for the referral, introduces yourself and your goals, and ultimately positions you as someone worth knowing.
Following the below structure can help you write an impressive email that grabs the attention of the recipient:
1. Subject Line
The subject line of your email is the first, and often only, impression you’ll make- and as such, it needs to be attention-grabbing. Tim Ferriss recommends a subject line formula that illustrates your passion as well as your professional value. For example, if your mutual connection referred you for a job, you can use a subject line such as “Enthusiastic Marketing Professional Referred by [Mutual Connection Name]”
2. Introduction
Start your email by thanking the person who referred you. It’s critical to acknowledge the successful relationship your referrer has with your potential new connection, and establish that their recommendation is valued. Something as simple as “Hello [Potential Connection’s Name], I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to start by expressing my deepest gratitude for [Mutual Connection’s Name] recommending me to you” can work great here.
3. Explanation of Why You’re Reaching Out
At this point, be straight to the point and brief about what it is you would like to discuss. If it’s a job or internship opportunity, make sure to outline your qualifications and how they align with the application you’re submitting. If you’re networking, express what you admire in the contact’s career and ask to learn more.
4. Request
In this section, provide a clear and precise request for the encounter. Whether it’s for coffee or a phone call, suggest a particular time frame that would work or request that the contact lets you know their availability. As with any request, ensure the tone is friendly, short, and polite.
5. Sign-off
End the email by restating your appreciation for the referral and expressing gratitude for their time. Keep a positive and professional tone, and don’t forget to include your contact information for ease of communication.
In conclusion, writing an email that stands out can be challenging, but the above structure provides a clear guide. By including an attention-grabbing subject line, thanking your referrer, clearly articulating what you want to discuss, making a clear request, and signing off with a professional tone, you set yourself up to make strong connections and, potentially, open new doors for your career.
Email Templates for Referral Letters
Referral for Potential Job Opportunity
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope this message finds you doing well. I am reaching out to you because I was recently referred to your company by [Referrer’s Name]. They spoke highly of your organization and mentioned that there was a job opening that they thought I would be a good fit for. After doing some research, I am extremely interested in the position and would love the opportunity to apply.
As someone who has worked in the [Industry] field for [Number of years] years, I believe I have the skills and experience necessary to excel in the role. My most recent position as [Job Title] at [Current Company] has helped me build upon my expertise and hone my abilities in [Specific Skills]. I would be thrilled to bring my knowledge and enthusiasm to your company and contribute to your team’s success.
Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Referral for College Application
Dear [Admissions Officer’s Name],
I hope this email finds you in good health. I am writing to introduce myself as a prospective applicant who is interested in attending [College/University Name] this upcoming [Year] academic year. I have been referred to apply by [Referrer Name], who is a former student/alumnus at your institution and believes that I would be a good fit for your college.
As someone who has always been passionate about pursuing higher education, I am extremely excited about the prospect of attending [College/University Name]. I believe the coursework, facilities, and overall experience at your institution would provide me with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in my future career aspirations. In high school, I excelled in [Academic Achievements] and participated in [Extracurricular Activities] in my community.
Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Referral for Business Collaboration
Dear [Business Associate’s Name],
I hope this email finds you doing well. I have been referred to you by [Referrer’s Name] as someone who might be interested in discussing the possibility of a business collaboration. I am the co-founder of [Your Company Name] and we specialize in [Your Industry / Products or Services].
As someone who has worked in this industry for many years, I have been very impressed with your company’s track record and innovative strategies. I believe there may be potential for a mutually beneficial partnership between our organizations. We could help you with [Your Company’s Offerings] and gaining access to new markets or customers, while your company could help us with [Partnership’s Objectives] to drive our growth and excellence.
Thank you for your valuable time and consideration. I look forward to discussing this opportunity further with you.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Referral for Volunteering Opportunity
Dear [Volunteer Coordinator’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I have been referred to your organization by [Referrer’s Name] as someone who may be interested in volunteering with your team. As someone who has always been passionate about volunteering and supporting local causes, I am eager to learn more about the opportunities available to contribute to [Organization Name]’s mission.
Having researched your organization, I am impressed by the valuable work you have done. I understand that you are in need of volunteers in [Specific Volunteer Opportunities]. I have [Number of years] years of experience in [Related Volunteer / Work Experience] and I am confident that my skills and passion can effectively support your team’s objectives.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon and to be able to contribute to your cause.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Referral for Mentorship Program
Dear [Mentorship Program Director’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I have been referred to you by [Referrer’s Name] as someone who may be interested in joining your mentorship program. As a [Student / Professional in Your Field] who is looking to gain insight and guidance from an experienced mentor, I am very interested in participating in this program.
As someone who is deeply passionate about [Your Career or Aspirations], I believe the mentorship program would be incredibly valuable in helping me grow and develop my abilities. I am excited about the prospect of networking with experienced professionals like yourself and gaining skills in [Your Skills / Areas of Interest].
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing more information about your program soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Referral for Freelancing Opportunity
Dear [Hiring Manager / Recruiter’s Name]
I hope this email finds you doing well. I have been referred to your company by [Referrer’s Name] as someone who may be interested in a freelancing opportunity. After reviewing your company’s website and browsing its social media channels, I am impressed with the work you do in [Your Industry] and would love to contribute my experience and knowledge to your team.
As someone who has worked in [Your Industry] for [Number of years] years, I have worked on several projects that have allowed me to develop strong skills in [Your Skills / Areas of Interest], and I have also improved my proficiency in [Tools / Technologies you are skilled in]. I am confident these skills can contribute significantly to your team’s projects and goals.
Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing back from you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Referral for Scholarship Application
Dear [Scholarship Committee’s Name],
I hope this email finds you in good health. I am writing to introduce myself as a prospective scholarship applicant. I have been referred to apply by [Referrer’s Name], who is a former [Teacher / Colleague] at my school and believes that I am an excellent candidate for your scholarship.
As someone who has always had a passion for [Area of Interest], I am extremely excited about the prospect of attending [College/University Name] and pursuing a career in [Your Career Aspirations]. I am currently enrolled in [Your Level of Education] and have maintained a high GPA in [Your Academic Achievements]. Beyond academics, I have also participated in [Extracurricular Activities] and volunteered for [Community Involvements].
Thank you for considering my application, and I hope to hear back from you soon.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
How to Write an Email When You’ve Been Referred
Writing an email after being referred requires a touch of finesse, as the person referring you is lending you credibility and trust you need to maintain. To make the most out of this opportunity, here are some tips that you should consider:
Introduce Yourself
Begin by introducing yourself, which includes your name, your occupation, and your reason for writing. This way, you help the recipient know what to expect in the email and establish rapport by building a human connection.
Establish Why You’re Writing
Mention that you have been referred to this person or company and give the source of the referral. This builds an instant rapport and lends you credibility. Next, state the purpose of the email and what you’re looking to achieve. Be succinct, clear, and concise, as people are often busy and are more likely to set time aside if they see value in an email.
Be Clear and Specific
Whether you’re sending a query, asking for a job, or requesting an informational interview, be specific about what you want to achieve. This will help the recipient understand what you’re asking for and allow them to respond in a more targeted manner. Consider doing your research on the company or individual to whom you’re writing, as this could help you tailor the email in a way that speaks to their interests and needs.
Thank the Referrer
Don’t forget to show gratitude to the person who referred you. Make sure you mention their name in the email and express your appreciation. This helps you build credibility and trust with the person you’re writing to. You can also ask if there’s anything you can do to repay the favor and deepen the relationship.
Close with a Call-to-action
Finally, close your email with a call to action that’s clear, polite, and professional. Restate your goal and ask if there’s anything else the recipient might need from you. Remember to keep your email brief and to the point, as people often have tight schedules.
In conclusion, crafting an email after being referred can be quite daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these simple tips, you can increase your chances of getting the response you’re looking for, building relationships, and opening doors to new opportunities.
FAQs about Writing Referral Emails
How do I start the email when I’ve been referred for a job?
Begin with a brief introduction, mentioning the name of the person who referred you, and thanking them for referring you to the job.
What should I include in the subject line of the email?
Make sure to include the name of the person who referred you, the job title and the company name in the subject line of the email.
How long should the email be?
Your email should be brief and to the point. It should not exceed more than 2-3 paragraphs or 5-7 sentences.
How do I customize the email when I’ve been referred for a job?
Read through the job description and tailor your email to highlight the relevant skills, experiences and achievements that make you the best fit for the job. However, ensure you don’t misrepresent your skills, experiences or achievements in any way.
What should I avoid doing when writing a referral email?
Avoid sending generic or copy-paste emails, which do not mention the name of the person who referred you. Don’t exaggerate your skills or experience, as it may lead to false expectations from the recruiter, and stay away from giving negative comments about your current employer.
Should I attach my resume to the referral email?
Yes, attach your most updated resume and highlight your qualification and experiences in the email, despite the fact that you might have submitted one already.
How can I close the email on a strong note?
Close the email by thanking the person who referred you once again and expressing your eagerness to be considered for the position. Use a strong closing statement, such as ‘looking forward to hearing from you soon,’ and ensure your contact information is correct.
Wrapping Up
And that’s how you write an email when you have been referred! Remember to always make a good first impression, show your gratitude for the referral, and be specific about your background and qualifications. By following these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful professional network. Thanks for reading, and come back again soon for more tips on acing your job search!