How to Ask for a Job Referral (With Message Templates)

5 minute read

A referral puts your resume in front of a person instead of a pile. People are often glad to refer a good candidate, and many companies reward them for it. Your job is to make saying yes take two minutes.

Who to ask

Friends, former coworkers, classmates, and alumni who work at the company.
Second degree connections: someone who knows someone there.
People in the team you are applying to, after a short, genuine conversation.

Make it easy

Send the job link and posting ID.
Attach your resume tailored to that role.
Give two or three lines they can paste into the referral form about why you fit.

Message to someone you know

Close connection

Hi [Name], I hope you are doing well! I am applying for the [Role] role at [Company] ([link]). Since you are there, would you be comfortable referring me?

In short: [two lines on why you fit]. I attached my resume and can send anything else that makes it easier. No pressure at all if the timing is not right.

Message to someone you have not met

Do not open with the ask. Ask for a short conversation about their team first, then ask about a referral only if it goes well.

New connection

Hi [Name], I am a [your role] interested in [Company]'s [team or product]. I saw your post about [topic] and would love to hear what the team is like. Would you be open to a 15 minute call this week?

After they say yes

Thank them right away and again when you hear back from the company.
Apply through their referral link or confirm they submitted you.
Tell them how it turned out, either way.