How to Refer Someone for a Job (2 Referral Letter Examples)

Last Updated on July 5, 2026 by Status.net Editorial Team

• Understanding the Referral Process Part 1
• Preparing to Make a Referral Part 2
• Writing a Referral Letter Part 3
• Example of a Referral Letter Part 4
• Short Referral Messages for Text, Email, or LinkedIn Part 5
• Following up After the Referral: Example Follow-Up Email Part 6
• Submitting the Referral Part 7
• Helping Your Referral Mention the Connection in Their Application Part 8

When you know someone who’s a great fit for a position within your company, referring them for the job can be beneficial for both your acquaintance and your employer. Referring a colleague or friend means taking the responsibility of connecting two parties—you trust that your referral is competent and your employer trusts your judgment. You’re essentially vouching for the candidate’s skills and character, and this can enhance your reputation if your referral is successful.

There are several ways to refer someone for a job, such as through an internal referral program or by directly introducing them to a hiring manager. An effective referral often includes a personal endorsement, which can be a written recommendation or a casual conversation with your supervisor about why you believe the candidate is a good match.

Part 1Understanding the Referral Process

Referring someone for a job means you’re vouching for their qualifications and fit for a position within a company you’re familiar with. This often enhances the chance of your referral getting an interview because your endorsement adds a level of trust.

Step by Step Guide:

1. Identify the Opportunity: First, you need to find a role that matches your referral’s skills and experience. Look for job openings within your organization that align with their background.
2. Review the Job Description: Carefully read the job description so you can detail how your referral’s expertise meets the requirements. Include specific examples such as, “Your proficiency in graphic design software directly aligns with the senior graphic designer role.”
3. Submit the Referral: Use your company’s referral program, which usually includes a form or email submission. Mention how you know the person and describe their qualifications. For instance, “I worked with Jane Doe on a project management software implementation that was highly successful.”
4. Follow up: After you submit your referral, touch base with both your referral and the hiring manager. A simple message like, “I wanted to confirm you received my referral of John Smith for the marketing coordinator position,” keeps the process moving.

Reminders and Tips:

• Ensure your referral is aware you’re recommending them and have their updated resume.
• Highlight how their accomplishments could benefit the current needs of your organization.
• Be honest about your referral’s capabilities to maintain your own credibility.
• If your referral is hired, check in with them to maintain your professional relationship.

What Is an Employee Referral Program?

Many organizations formalize this process through a structured employee referral program. These programs encourage current employees to recommend people from their own networks for open roles, often rewarding a successful referral with a bonus once the new hire completes a set probation period, commonly around 90 days.

Employers invest in these programs because referred candidates tend to be hired faster, stay longer, and typically arrive with a clearer sense of the company culture than candidates sourced from a general application pool. A typical program includes:

• A dedicated portal or form where you submit the candidate’s resume and contact details.
• A short questionnaire asking how you know the candidate and why you believe they’re a fit.
• A tracking system so you can check the status of your referral as it moves through the pipeline.
• A bonus structure, often paid out in installments tied to the new hire’s tenure.

What Does “Referrer” Mean on a Job Application?

When you see a “referrer” field on an application or internal form, it refers to the person making the recommendation, meaning the employee submitting the referral, rather than the candidate applying for the job. Some forms ask for the referrer’s name, job title, and department, since eligibility for a referral bonus sometimes depends on the referrer’s tenure or team.

Filling this out accurately matters. Incorrect referrer information can delay a bonus payment or make it harder for the recruiting team to properly credit your referral if the candidate is hired.

Part 2Preparing to Make a Referral

When getting ready to refer someone for a job, you want to be sure they’re a good fit for the position and that you have all the necessary details at hand.

Evaluating the Candidate’s Suitability

Before you put your reputation on the line with a referral, take some time to think about the candidate’s qualifications. Assess their skills, experience, and work ethic to ensure they match what the job requires. For example, if the job demands someone with expert coding skills, confirm that your candidate has relevant projects or work history they can showcase. Also, consider their soft skills, such as communication and teamwork, because these are just as important to succeed in most roles.

You don’t need to have worked directly with someone to refer them credibly. If you know a strong candidate from a different team, a previous employer, or a professional group, you can still make a solid referral. Even a trusted colleague from a past job rather than a current teammate can be worth recommending, provided you can speak specifically to their skills and work ethic. Be upfront about the nature of your connection so the hiring manager can weigh your endorsement appropriately, and loop in a mutual colleague who can speak to the person’s work more directly if you’re able to.

Gathering Relevant Information

Having a thorough understanding of the job description helps you articulate how your candidate’s background aligns with the position. Make a list detailing the job’s requirements, the company culture, and any specific qualifications your candidate should meet. You’ll also need up-to-date information from the candidate themselves, such as their latest resume, a list of their skills and accomplishments, and why they are interested in this particular company or role. This preparation ensures you can provide a strong and informative referral.

If your candidate doesn’t have an updated resume ready, don’t let that stall the process. Ask them to send you a short written summary of their recent roles and accomplishments, or point them to their LinkedIn profile as an interim substitute. Many referral programs accept a LinkedIn URL in place of a formal resume, though it’s worth confirming your company’s specific requirements before you submit.

Part 3Writing a Referral Letter

When you write a referral letter, your goal is to introduce a colleague or friend to a potential employer in a way that highlights their suitability for the position.

Structuring the Referral

Begin your letter by addressing the hiring manager directly, if you know their name, or use a general greeting such as “Dear Hiring Manager.” Start with introducing yourself and how you are connected to the person you’re referring. It’s important to mention your own experience or position to establish credibility. Follow this with a clear statement about why you are writing.

Then, divide the body of the letter into paragraphs where you discuss the candidate’s qualifications. It’s a good idea to conclude with an invitation for the employer to contact you for further information, providing your contact details.

A strong opening line sets the tone for the rest of the letter. Consider one of these approaches:

• State your purpose immediately: “I’m writing to recommend Jane Doe for the Marketing Coordinator position at [Company].”
• Establish your relationship first: “I’ve worked alongside Jane Doe for three years on our product marketing team, and I’m glad to recommend her for…”
• Lead with a specific endorsement: “Few colleagues have impressed me as consistently as Jane Doe, which is why I’m recommending her for…”

Whichever opening you choose, get to the point within the first sentence or two. Hiring managers often skim referral letters, so burying your recommendation in a long introduction can weaken its impact.

Highlighting Key Qualifications

In this portion of the letter, your focus is on the candidate’s key qualifications. List specific skills, experiences, or accomplishments that relate directly to the job they’re applying for. Use concrete examples; for instance, if you’re recommending a marketer, you might mention a successful campaign they ran which led to a 30% increase in website traffic. Tie each qualification back to the job requirements.

A few phrases tend to work well here, and you can adapt them to your candidate’s specific strengths:

• “[Name] consistently delivered [result] while managing [responsibility].”
• “In the time I worked with [Name], they were known for [specific skill or trait].”
• “[Name]’s experience with [tool or process] directly matches what this role requires.”
• “I saw [Name] handle [a challenging situation] with [quality], which stood out to me.”

Referral Letter, Recommendation Letter, or Reference Letter?

These three terms often get used interchangeably, but they serve slightly different purposes:

• Referral letter: Written by someone connected to the company, often an employee, to recommend a candidate for a specific, current opening. It’s usually shorter and submitted alongside the candidate’s application.
• Recommendation letter: A broader endorsement of a person’s character, skills, and achievements, often requested by the candidate for a particular application, and it doesn’t have to be tied to a role at the writer’s own company.
• Reference letter: Similar to a recommendation letter, typically written by a former supervisor or professor and kept on hand for the candidate to provide whenever an employer requests references.

In practice, a referral letter often works as a hybrid: it introduces the candidate the way a recommendation letter would, while also serving the specific purpose of pointing them toward an open role you know about. Most employers accept any of these formats as an email in place of a formal printed letter. A well-organized email with clear paragraphs works just as well as a traditional letter, as long as it includes a proper greeting, a clear recommendation, and your contact information.

Part 4Example of a Referral Letter

Example 1

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. As a [Your Job Title] at [Your Company Name], I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside [Candidate’s Name] for [time period].

In the time that I’ve known [Candidate’s Name], they have shown themselves to be exceptionally [list a few key qualities or skills relevant to the job, e.g., hardworking, dedicated, excellent communicator]. For example, during a project [describe a scenario that showcases the candidate’s abilities], [Candidate’s Name] demonstrated [specific skill or attribute] which led to [positive outcome].

I firmly believe that [Candidate’s Name] would be an asset to your team at [Company Name] because they bring not only the skills necessary to succeed in the role but also a positive and collaborative attitude that makes them a pleasure to work with.

Please feel free to reach out to me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email] if you need any further information or insights regarding [Candidate’s Name] and their suitability for the [Job Title] role.

Thank you for considering my recommendation.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]

Example: Referring a Friend for a Job

Referring a friend follows the same basic structure as referring a professional contact, though the tone can be a little warmer since you’re speaking from personal knowledge as well as a working relationship. Here’s an example:

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I’m reaching out to recommend my friend, [Candidate’s Name], for the [Job Title] opening at [Company Name]. I’ve known [Candidate’s Name] for [number of years or context, e.g., “over eight years, since we worked together at [Previous Company]”], and I’ve seen firsthand how they approach challenges with [specific quality, e.g., patience, creativity, reliability].

Beyond our personal friendship, I’ve also seen [Candidate’s Name]’s professional work. They recently [describe an accomplishment, e.g., “led a small team through a difficult product launch, coordinating with three departments and delivering ahead of schedule”], which speaks to the kind of dedication I know would translate well to this role.

I don’t make referrals lightly, and I’m recommending [Candidate’s Name] because I genuinely believe they’d be an asset to your team. I’m happy to answer any questions at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email].

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]

Notice the honesty built into this version. A referral for a friend still needs to be grounded in real evidence of their skills and work ethic, since your credibility is on the line just as it would be for a professional acquaintance.

Part 5Short Referral Messages for Text, Email, or LinkedIn

A short message often works just as well as a full letter. Many internal referral portals only ask for a few sentences, and a quick, well-worded message often lands better than a long letter when you’re reaching out informally.

Referral Message for an Internal Portal or Form

Example: “I’m referring [Candidate’s Name] for the [Job Title] role. I worked with them at [Previous Company or Project] for [time period], and they consistently [specific strength]. I’m confident [Candidate’s Name] would do well on our team.”

Referral Message on LinkedIn

Example, when messaging a hiring manager or recruiter directly: “Hi [Name], I noticed you’re hiring for a [Job Title] role. I’d like to refer [Candidate’s Name], a former colleague of mine who [brief qualification]. Happy to share more context if useful, or I can make an introduction.”

Letting Your Friend Know You Referred Them

Example: “Hey [Name], I just referred you for the [Job Title] opening at [Company]. I mentioned your experience with [skill or project], so keep an eye out; someone from their team may reach out soon. Let me know if you want me to send over the job description.”

• Keep referral messages to a short paragraph; hiring managers and referral systems typically only need enough context to decide whether to move the candidate forward.
• Lead with the candidate’s name and the role, then follow with your strongest reason for the recommendation.
• If you’re messaging a recruiter you don’t know personally, mention your own role and how you know the candidate so your message doesn’t get overlooked.

Part 6Following up After the Referral: Example Follow-Up Email

Give the employer some time to process the referral, typically about a week or so, before following up. This shows respect for their time while also ensuring your referral is noticed.

If the employer or hiring manager hasn’t acknowledged receipt of your referral, a follow-up can serve as a gentle reminder and show that you are serious about your recommendation.

Example 2

Subject: Follow-Up on Referral for [Job Position] – [Candidate’s Name]

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to follow up on the referral I sent recently for the [Job Position] within your esteemed organization. I wanted to ensure that you received my recommendation for [Candidate’s Name], whom I believe would be an excellent addition to your team.

[Candidate’s Name] has demonstrated exceptional skills in [mention specific skills or experiences relevant to the job], which I am confident align well with the requirements and culture at [Company Name]. Their ability to [mention a key strength or achievement] has consistently impressed me, and I have no doubt that they would bring the same level of commitment and expertise to the role at your company.

I genuinely believe that [Candidate’s Name] has the qualifications and professional demeanor that would make them a valuable asset to your team. Their [mention another strength or positive attribute] is particularly noteworthy and has contributed significantly to their success in previous roles.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you require any further information or insights regarding [Candidate’s Name]’s abilities or past performance. I am available to discuss this in more detail at your convenience and would be happy to assist in any way I can to support their application.

Thank you for considering my referral, and I look forward to your response.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

• A follow-up email gives you another chance to advocate for the candidate, highlighting their strengths and how they match the job’s requirements.
• Following up demonstrates professionalism and helps maintain a positive relationship with the employer. It shows that you’re engaged and proactive, which can be beneficial for future interactions.
• A well-timed follow-up indicates that your referral was not made casually and that you genuinely believe in the candidate’s fit for the position. This can lend more weight to your recommendation.

Related: Get More Interviews: Follow Up on Job Applications (Templates)

Part 7Submitting the Referral

Choosing the Right Channel

You need to start by identifying the most effective way to communicate your referral to your employer. If your company has a referral program, they may use a specific platform or tool for submissions. For instance, large companies often have internal job referral portals where you can submit your candidate’s resume and your endorsement directly. In smaller companies or if a formal system isn’t in place, you might choose a direct email to the hiring manager or your HR department, highlighting your referral’s key qualifications and your personal recommendation. Make sure to attach the candidate’s resume and contact information, so the relevant people have everything they need to follow up.

If you’re recommending someone for an opening on your own team, it often makes sense to raise it directly with your manager first, in addition to submitting the formal referral. A quick conversation, such as “I think [Candidate’s Name] would be great for the opening on our team; I’ll submit a formal referral, but wanted to flag it directly,” gives your manager useful context before the paperwork lands in their queue.

Following Company Procedures

Next, you need to ensure that your referral is submitted in accordance with your company’s established procedures. This means reading through any referral policy documents and following them closely. These might include details on how to fill out referral forms, where to send them, and any additional steps or information required, such as a cover letter or a summary of your interactions with the candidate. If your company offers rewards for successful referrals, they will likely outline the conditions and process for receiving these as well. Compliance with these protocols not only increases the chances of your referral being processed smoothly but also reflects well on your professionalism.

Writing Referral Comments on an Internal Referral Form

Most referral portals include a small text field asking for comments, a reason for referral, or an endorsement statement. This is your chance to give the recruiting team a credible summary before they even open the candidate’s resume.

A strong comment usually answers three questions in a sentence or two each:

• How do you know the candidate, and for how long?
• What specific skill or achievement makes them a fit for this role?
• Why are you personally comfortable recommending them?

Example: “I worked directly with [Candidate’s Name] for two years at [Company], where they managed our client onboarding process. They consistently hit deadlines under pressure and received positive client feedback. I’d recommend them without hesitation for this Customer Success role.”

Keep the comment specific. Generic statements like “great person, would be a good fit” carry far less weight with recruiters than a sentence tied to real experience.

Part 8Helping Your Referral Mention the Connection in Their Application

Once you’ve submitted your referral, the candidate still needs to apply and reference the connection in their own materials. A little guidance from you here can make their application stronger and easier for the hiring team to match to your original recommendation.

Mentioning a Referral in a Cover Letter

Encourage your referral to mention the connection early, ideally in the opening sentence, so the hiring manager immediately connects their application to your referral. Example: “I’m applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company], to which I was referred by [Your Name], [Your Job Title], with whom I worked at [Previous Company or Project].”

A few pointers worth sharing with your referral:

• Keep the referral mention brief. One sentence is usually enough before pivoting to their own qualifications.
• Use your name and title only if you’ve agreed to it. Some employees prefer their referral stay informal until the candidate is further along in the process.
• Explain the nature of the connection in a few words, such as “former manager,” “college classmate,” or “worked together on [project],” so the context is clear.

Adding a Referral to a Resume

A referral note fits better in the application’s dedicated “how did you hear about us” field or in the cover letter. Resumes work best when they stay focused on experience, skills, and accomplishments, so if there’s no dedicated field for it, the cover letter or application email is a better home for the mention than the resume body.

Referencing a Referral in an Email Subject Line

When your referral applies by email rather than through a portal, a clear subject line helps their message stand out and signals right away that it’s a warm referral rather than a cold application. Example: “Application for Marketing Coordinator – Referred by [Your Name].”

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I include in a job referral email?

In a referral email, be sure to include how you know the person you’re referring and why you believe they’re a good fit. Mention relevant skills, experiences, and notable achievements that align with the job description.

What’s an effective subject line for an email when referring a friend for a job?

Keep the subject line concise and informative. For example, “Referral for Jane Doe – Senior Designer Position.” Such a line clearly tells the recipient who you are referring and for what role.

How can I refer someone for a position through LinkedIn?

To refer someone on LinkedIn, you can either share the job posting with them or send a message to the hiring manager with details about your referral. Include how you know them and why they are an ideal candidate.

What are some good reasons to recommend a person for a job?

Good reasons to recommend someone include their proven track record, skills that match the job requirements, strong work ethic, positive attitude, and examples of past contributions to similar roles.

How do I write a referral for someone without experience but great potential?

Focus on the person’s soft skills, ability to learn quickly, any relevant coursework or projects, and passion for the industry. Emphasize their potential with examples of their commitment and problem-solving skills.

Should I mention a referral in my cover letter?

Yes, if you were referred by an employee, mentioning it early in your cover letter helps the hiring manager immediately connect your application to that recommendation. Keep it to one sentence, name the referrer if you have permission, and then move quickly into your own qualifications.

Is it okay to add “referred by” to my resume?

It’s usually better to keep referral information out of the resume itself and mention it in the application’s “how did you hear about us” field or in your cover letter instead. Resumes tend to work best when they stay focused on your experience and accomplishments.

What if the person I’m referring doesn’t have an updated resume?

Ask them for a brief written summary of their recent roles and achievements, or point to their LinkedIn profile as a temporary substitute. Many referral programs accept a LinkedIn URL, though it’s worth confirming your company’s specific requirements first.

What’s the difference between a referral letter and a letter of recommendation?

A referral letter is usually written by someone connected to the hiring company to recommend a candidate for a specific, current opening. A letter of recommendation is a broader endorsement of someone’s character and skills, often requested by the candidate for a particular application, and doesn’t need to be tied to a role at the writer’s own company.

Can a letter of recommendation be sent as an email?

In most cases, yes. A clear, well-organized email with a proper greeting, a specific recommendation, and your contact information works just as well as a formal printed letter, unless the employer specifically requests another format.

How should I start a referral or recommendation letter?

Open by stating your purpose or your relationship to the candidate within the first sentence or two. For example: “I’m writing to recommend Jane Doe for the Marketing Coordinator position,” or “I’ve worked alongside Jane Doe for three years, and I’m glad to recommend her for this role.”

What should I say when recommending a friend for a job?

Ground your recommendation in real evidence of their work ethic and skills, in addition to personal fondness. Mention how you know them, describe a specific accomplishment or quality you’ve witnessed, and be honest about their fit for the role, since your credibility is on the line just as it would be for a professional contact.

Can I refer someone I’ve only worked with briefly or on a different team?

Yes, as long as you’re upfront about the nature of the connection so the hiring manager can weigh your endorsement accordingly. When possible, loop in a mutual colleague who worked with the candidate more closely and can add additional context.

What’s a good referral message to send on LinkedIn?

Keep it short: mention the candidate’s name, the role you’re referring them for, one specific qualification, and an offer to share more information or make an introduction if the recruiter is interested.