What should I say when asking for a job referral via email?

When asking for a job referral via email: (1) Open with how you know each other or what you have in common (school, past employer), (2) Name the exact role and company, (3) Give one or two sentences on why you're a good fit, (4) Make a direct ask - 'Would you be comfortable referring me?', (5) Offer to send your resume and make it easy. Keep the message under 150 words.

How do I ask a stranger for a job referral?

To ask someone you don't know well for a referral: reference a genuine shared connection (same school, past employer, or mutual contact), be specific about the exact role, and show you're a serious candidate. The message should be short (under 150 words), direct, and easy for them to say yes to. Alumni from the same school are the best cold contacts - they're significantly more likely to help a fellow alumnus.

How long should a referral request message be?

Keep referral request messages under 150 words - ideally 100–120 words. Shorter messages get read and answered faster. You don't need to explain your entire career history; just establish the shared connection, name the role, briefly show fit, and make the ask. You can send your full resume separately once they agree to refer you.

Free Templates - Copy & Paste Ready

Job Referral Email Templates & LinkedIn Scripts

Templates for every scenario: close friends, alumni, former managers, and cold contacts. Personalize the brackets and send.

Templates on this page

Close friend or former colleague
Alumni from your school
Former manager or mentor
Cold LinkedIn outreach
Asking for an introduction (not a direct referral)
Follow-up message after no response
Thank you after referral is submitted
LinkedIn connection request note

Template 1: Close Friend or Former Colleague

Use when you know the person well. Be direct - they expect it. Short and specific wins.

LinkedIn · Email · Text

Hey [Name], Hope things are going well! I saw [Company] is hiring a [Role] and I'm really excited about it - [one specific thing: the team, the product, the mission]. I have [X years] of [relevant experience] and think I'd be a strong fit. Would you be comfortable referring me internally or pointing me to the right person? No worries if it's not the right time. Attaching my resume just in case. [Your Name]

Template 2: Alumni from Your School

Lead with the shared school connection. This is the most powerful cold intro - alumni respond at much higher rates than complete strangers.

Hi [Name], I noticed we both went to [University] - small world! I'm exploring opportunities in [field] and noticed [Company] has an opening for [Role]. I've spent the last [X years] in [brief background], and [Company]'s work on [specific thing] really resonates with me. Would you be open to a quick 15-minute chat? And if you think I'd be a good fit, I'd be grateful if you could pass along my resume. No pressure at all - thanks either way! [Your Name]

💡 Tip: Mention the specific graduation year or program if you share one - "Fellow [School] MBA alum, Class of [Year]" is even warmer.

Template 3: Former Manager or Mentor

Your strongest referrers know your work firsthand. Be direct. Mention specifics from your time together.

Subject: Quick favor - referral at [Company] Hi [Name], Hope all is well at [their company]! I've been following [Company] closely and am really excited about a [Role] opening there. Given our time working together at [Past Company], I'd love your perspective - and if it makes sense, your help. Specifically: would you be comfortable referring me through the employee referral program and/or connecting me to someone on the [hiring team]? I've been focused on [1–2 skills since you last worked together], which I think makes this a strong fit. My resume is attached. Totally understand if the timing isn't right or you don't know the team well enough. Either way, would love to catch up. [Your Name]

Template 4: Cold LinkedIn Outreach

When you don't know the person - but share a connection, interest, or background. Lead with what you have in common.

LinkedIn InMail

Hi [Name], I came across your profile while researching [Company]'s [team/product]. I noticed we're both connected to [Mutual Connection] / we both went to [School] / we both have backgrounds in [field]. I'm exploring opportunities in [field] and am really interested in [Company]'s work on [specific initiative or product]. I'd love to hear your perspective on the team and culture if you have 10 minutes. If after our conversation you think I'd be a fit for [specific role], I'd really appreciate an intro to the hiring team. Happy to connect either way! [Your Name]

Template 5: Asking for an Introduction (Not a Direct Referral)

When the person you know isn't on the right team - but they can introduce you to someone who is.

Email · LinkedIn

Hi [Name], Hope you're well! I'm actively exploring roles in [field] and am really interested in [Company]. I know you're on the [their team] side - is there someone on the [hiring team] you'd be comfortable introducing me to? Even a brief "meet [Your Name], they have [X] experience and are interested in [Role]" would mean a lot. No worries at all if not - thanks for thinking of me! [Your Name]

Template 6: Follow-Up After No Response

One follow-up 5–7 days later doubles response rates. Keep it very short. One follow-up only - then move on.

LinkedIn · Email

Hi [Name], Just bumping this up in case it got buried! Still very interested in the [Role] at [Company] - happy to chat if it makes sense. No pressure either way. Thanks! [Your Name]

Template 7: Thank You After Referral Is Submitted

Always close the loop. Even if you didn't get the job. This builds goodwill for future asks.

Email · LinkedIn

Hi [Name], Thank you so much for referring me at [Company]! I heard back from [recruiter/hiring manager] and [have an interview / am moving forward / it wasn't the right fit this time]. Regardless of outcome, I really appreciate you going out of your way. I'll definitely pay it forward. [Your Name]

Template 8: LinkedIn Connection Request Note

LinkedIn limits connection request notes to 300 characters. Make every word count.

LinkedIn Connection Note

Hi [Name], fellow [School] alum here! I'm exploring [Role] opportunities and came across your profile while researching [Company]. Would love to connect and learn about your experience there. Thanks!