Ever wished you could help a friend land their dream job?
One way to give them a leg up is by referring them to your company.
But what’s the best way to write a referral email that gets noticed by the hiring manager?
We’ve put together 20 sample referral emails to inspire you.
From entry-level to executive roles, these emails showcase how to highlight your friend’s qualifications, express your enthusiasm, and make a persuasive case for why they’d be a great fit.
Sample Emails Referring a Friend for a Job
Here are 20 sample emails you can use as a starting point when referring a friend for a job at your company:
Email #1
Subject: Referral for Senior Software Engineer Position: John Smith
Hi Sarah,
I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to refer an exceptional candidate for the Senior Software Engineer role. His name is John Smith, and he’s one of the most talented developers I’ve worked with.
I had the pleasure of collaborating with John for 3 years at Acme Inc. He consistently impressed me with his ability to tackle complex problems, mentor junior devs, and deliver high-quality code on tight deadlines. He’s a team player with strong communication skills.
Outside of work, John is passionate about staying on the cutting edge. He’s an active contributor to several open-source projects and frequently speaks at tech conferences.
I think John would be a tremendous asset to our engineering team. His skills and experience align perfectly with the role requirements. He’s enthusiastic about our mission and eager to learn more.
I’ve attached John’s resume for your review. Please let me know if you need any additional information. I’m happy to answer any questions!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Email #2
Subject: Marketing Manager Candidate: Referral for Jane Doe
Hello Mike,
I’m excited to refer Jane Doe for the Marketing Manager position. Jane and I worked together at XYZ Corp, and she consistently impressed me with her creativity, strategic thinking, and ability to drive results.
In her previous role, Jane spearheaded several successful product launches that exceeded revenue targets by 25%+. She has a knack for identifying audience insights, crafting compelling messaging, and optimizing campaign performance. Plus, she’s adept at collaborating cross-functionally.
Jane is also a natural leader. She mentored several junior marketers on her team, fostering their professional growth. Her positive attitude and strong work ethic make her a joy to work with.
I believe Jane would thrive in this role and add immense value to our marketing efforts. She’s passionate about our brand and eager to contribute her skills.
I highly recommend Jane for the position. I’ve attached her resume for your consideration. Please feel free to reach out with any questions!
Regards,
[Your Name]
Email #3
Subject: UI/UX Designer Referral – Bob Johnson
Hi Lisa,
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to refer an exceptional UI/UX designer for the open role on your team. His name is Bob Johnson, and he’s one of the most talented and user-focused designers I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
Bob and I collaborated at 123 Startup, where he led the redesign of our mobile app. His ability to balance user needs, business goals, and technical constraints was impressive. The redesign resulted in a 30% increase in user engagement and a 20% boost in conversions.
Aside from his design chops, Bob is a proactive communicator and a great collaborator. He actively seeks out feedback, handles critiques gracefully, and always puts the user first. His prototyping skills and attention to detail are top-notch.
I think Bob would be a fantastic addition to our design team. He’s truly passionate about creating intuitive, delightful user experiences. He’s excited about our company’s mission and eager to learn more about the role.
I’ve attached Bob’s resume and portfolio for your review. Please let me know if you have any questions – I’m happy to provide further context on his skills and experience.
Best,
[Your Name]
Email #4
Subject: Data Scientist Referral: Samantha Green
Dear Mark,
I’m writing to refer an exceptional data scientist for your team’s consideration. Her name is Samantha Green, and she’s one of the sharpest analysts I’ve worked with.
Samantha and I were colleagues at ABC Analytics, where she consistently delivered insights that drove business decisions. Her ability to wrangle complex datasets, build predictive models, and communicate findings to non-technical stakeholders was impressive.
One of Samantha’s standout projects was an analysis of customer churn that identified at-risk segments and recommended targeted retention strategies. Her work helped reduce churn by 15%, resulting in significant revenue savings.
Beyond her technical skills, Samantha is a joy to work with. She’s collaborative, proactive, and always willing to lend a helping hand. Her curiosity and drive to learn are contagious.
I believe Samantha would be a tremendous asset to our data science efforts. She’s passionate about leveraging data to solve real-world problems and is excited about the opportunity to join our team.
I’ve attached Samantha’s resume and a link to her GitHub for your review. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like me to make an introduction.
All the best,
[Your Name]
Email #5
Subject: Referral for Product Manager Role: John Doe
Hi Rachel,
I hope you’re having a great week! I wanted to refer an outstanding product manager for the open role on your team. His name is John Doe, and he’s one of the most strategic and user-focused PMs I’ve worked with.
John and I collaborated closely at XYZ Corp, where he led the development of several successful products. His ability to align stakeholders, prioritize features based on user needs and business impact, and rally the team around a shared vision was truly impressive.
One of John’s key strengths is his customer-centric approach. He regularly engaged with users to gather feedback, understand pain points, and identify opportunities for improvement. His insights helped shape product roadmaps and drove meaningful enhancements.
Beyond his PM skills, John is an excellent communicator and collaborator. He fostered strong relationships with cross-functional partners, ensuring alignment and smooth execution. He’s also adept at managing up, and keeping leadership informed while shielding the team from distractions.
I think John would be a fantastic addition to our product team. He’s passionate about building products that solve real user needs and deliver business value. He’s excited about our company’s mission and eager to contribute his skills.
I’ve attached John’s resume for your consideration. Please let me know if you’d like me to make an introduction or provide any additional context. I’m happy to chat further about John’s qualifications.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Email #6
Subject: Referral for Sales Manager Position – Jane Smith
Hi Tom,
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to refer an exceptional candidate for the Sales Manager role on your team. Her name is Jane Smith, and she’s one of the most talented sales leaders I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
Jane and I worked together at ABC Solutions for several years. She consistently exceeded her quotas, closing major deals and building strong relationships with key clients. Her ability to coach and mentor junior reps was equally impressive – she has a knack for bringing out the best in her team.
One of Jane’s standout qualities is her strategic approach to sales. She doesn’t just focus on hitting numbers; she takes the time to understand customer needs, tailor solutions, and drive long-term value. Her customer-centric mindset has led to high satisfaction scores and low churn rates.
Beyond her sales acumen, Jane is a true team player. She fosters a positive, collaborative culture and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Her enthusiasm and drive are contagious.
I think Jane would be a tremendous asset to our sales organization. She’s passionate about our products and excited about the opportunity to lead a high-performing team.
I’ve attached Jane’s resume for your review. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like me to make an introduction. I’m happy to provide further context on Jane’s qualifications and experience.
Best,
[Your Name]
Email #7
Subject: Jenna Thompson – Marketing Coordinator Referral
Hello Ashley,
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to refer an exceptional candidate for the Marketing Coordinator role on your team. Her name is Jenna Thompson, and she’s a rising star in the marketing world.
Jenna and I worked together at XYZ Agency, where she supported several key accounts. Her creativity, attention to detail, and proactive approach consistently impressed me and our clients. She has a talent for crafting compelling content and managing complex projects with ease.
One of Jenna’s standout projects was a social media campaign that went viral, generating significant buzz and driving a 50% increase in website traffic for our client. Her ability to tap into trending topics and engage audiences was truly remarkable.
Beyond her marketing skills, Jenna is a joy to work with. She’s a true team player, always willing to lend a helping hand and share her knowledge. Her positive attitude and strong work ethic make her a valuable asset to any team.
I believe Jenna would thrive in the Marketing Coordinator role and add immense value to your team. She’s passionate about our brand and eager to contribute her skills and fresh perspective.
I’ve attached Jenna’s resume for your consideration. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like me to make an introduction. I’m happy to provide further context on Jenna’s qualifications and experience.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Email #8
Subject: Software Developer Referral – Michael Chen
Hi David,
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to refer an exceptional software developer for your team’s consideration. His name is Michael Chen, and he’s one of the most talented and dedicated developers I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
Michael and I collaborated at 123 Startup, where he consistently delivered high-quality code and innovative solutions. His ability to tackle complex problems, optimize performance, and mentor junior developers was truly impressive.
One of Michael’s standout projects was the development of a new feature that significantly improved user engagement and conversion rates. His attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and commitment to best practices were key to the project’s success.
Beyond his technical abilities, Michael is a great team player. He actively contributes to code reviews, shares knowledge with peers, and fosters a positive, collaborative environment. His enthusiasm for learning and staying up-to-date with industry trends is contagious.
I think Michael would be a valuable addition to our development team. He’s passionate about our products and excited about the opportunity to contribute his skills and grow with the company.
I’ve attached Michael’s resume and a link to his GitHub profile for your review. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like me to make an introduction. I’m happy to provide further context on Michael’s qualifications and experience.
All the best,
[Your Name]
Email #9
Subject: Data Analyst Referral – Sarah Johnson
Hello Lisa,
I hope you’re having a great week. I wanted to refer an exceptional data analyst for the open role on your team. Her name is Sarah Johnson, and she’s one of the most skilled and insightful analysts I’ve worked with.
Sarah and I were colleagues at ABC Analytics, where she consistently delivered actionable insights that drove business decisions. Her ability to wrangle complex datasets, build dashboards, and communicate findings to stakeholders was truly impressive.
One of Sarah’s standout projects involved analyzing customer behavior to identify opportunities for cross-selling and upselling. Her insights led to a 20% increase in average order value and a significant boost in revenue.
In addition to her technical skills, Sarah is a proactive communicator and collaborator. She actively seeks out feedback, presents findings clearly, and partners effectively with cross-functional teams. Her curiosity and drive to continuously improve are admirable.
I believe Sarah would be a tremendous asset to our data team. She’s passionate about leveraging data to drive business impact and is excited about the opportunity to join our company.
I’ve attached Sarah’s resume for your consideration. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like me to make an introduction. I’m happy to provide further context on Sarah’s qualifications and experience.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Email #10
Subject: Product Designer Referral – Emily Davis
Hi John,
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to refer an outstanding product designer for the open role on your team. Her name is Emily Davis, and she’s one of the most talented and user-focused designers I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
Emily and I collaborated at XYZ Corp, where she consistently delivered intuitive, visually stunning designs that delighted users and drove engagement. Her ability to balance user needs, business goals, and technical constraints was truly impressive.
One of Emily’s standout projects was the redesign of our mobile app onboarding flow. Her user-centered approach and attention to detail resulted in a 30% increase in user retention and a 25% boost in feature adoption.
Beyond her design skills, Emily is a great communicator and collaborator. She actively seeks out feedback from stakeholders, handles critiques gracefully, and always puts the user first. Her positive attitude and strong work ethic make her a joy to work with.
I think Emily would be a fantastic addition to our design team. She’s passionate about creating exceptional user experiences and excited about the opportunity to contribute her skills to our products.
I’ve attached Emily’s resume and portfolio for your review. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like me to make an introduction. I’m happy to provide further context on Emily’s qualifications and experience.
Best,
[Your Name]
Email #11
Subject: Referral for Content Marketing Specialist Role – Tom Smith
Hello Sarah,
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to refer an exceptional candidate for the Content Marketing Specialist position on your team. His name is Tom Smith, and he’s one of the most talented and creative content creators I’ve worked with.
Tom and I collaborated at ABC Agency, where he consistently delivered engaging, high-quality content that drove traffic, engagement, and conversions. His ability to understand audience needs, craft compelling narratives, and optimize for search engines was truly impressive.
One of Tom’s standout projects was a series of blog posts and infographics that went viral, generating significant brand awareness and driving a 50% increase in website traffic. His content not only informed and entertained readers but also positioned our clients as a thought leader in their industry.
Beyond his content creation skills, Tom is a strategic thinker and proactive collaborator. He stays up-to-date with industry trends, proposes fresh ideas, and works effectively with cross-functional teams. His positive attitude and strong work ethic make him a valuable asset to any team.
I believe Tom would thrive in the Content Marketing Specialist role and add immense value to your team. He’s passionate about our brand and eager to contribute his skills and fresh perspective.
I’ve attached Tom’s resume and writing samples for your consideration. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like me to make an introduction. I’m happy to provide further context on Tom’s qualifications and experience.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Email #12
Subject: Sales Representative Referral – Jessica Lee
Hi Michael,
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to refer an outstanding candidate for the Sales Representative role on your team. Her name is Jessica Lee, and she’s one of the most talented and driven salespeople I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
Jessica and I were colleagues at XYZ Solutions, where she consistently exceeded her quotas and built strong relationships with clients. Her ability to identify customer needs, tailor solutions, and close deals was truly impressive.
One of Jessica’s standout achievements was landing a major enterprise client that had been historically difficult to penetrate. Her persistence, strategic approach, and excellent communication skills were key to securing the deal, which resulted in a significant revenue boost for the company.
Beyond her sales prowess, Jessica is a team player and a positive influence on those around her. She actively shares best practices, mentors junior reps, and contributes to a collaborative, high-energy work environment. Her enthusiasm and drive are contagious.
I think Jessica would be a tremendous asset to our sales team. She’s passionate about our products and excited about the opportunity to bring her skills and experience to our company.
I’ve attached Jessica’s resume for your review. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like me to make an introduction. I’m happy to provide further context on Jessica’s qualifications and achievements.
All the best,
[Your Name]
Email #13
Subject: Graphic Designer Referral – David Kim
Hello Emily,
I hope you’re having a great week. I wanted to refer an exceptional graphic designer for the open role on your team. His name is David Kim, and he’s one of the most talented and versatile designers I’ve worked with.
David and I collaborated at ABC Creative, where he consistently delivered stunning visual designs that effectively communicated our client’s brands and messages. His ability to balance creativity, strategic thinking, and attention to detail was truly impressive.
One of David’s standout projects was a rebranding campaign for a major consumer product. His designs not only refreshed the brand’s visual identity but also helped drive a significant increase in brand recognition and sales. His work received high praise from the client and our internal team alike.
Beyond his design skills, David is a proactive communicator and collaborator. He actively seeks out feedback, incorporates input from stakeholders, and iterates to achieve the best possible outcomes. His positive attitude and strong work ethic make him a joy to work with.
I believe David would be a fantastic addition to our design team. He’s passionate about creating impactful visual experiences and excited about the opportunity to contribute his skills to our projects.
I’ve attached David’s resume and portfolio for your consideration. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like me to make an introduction. I’m happy to provide further context on David’s qualifications and experience.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Email #14
Subject: Customer Success Manager Referral – Sarah Davis
Hi Jason,
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to refer an outstanding candidate for the Customer Success Manager role on your team. Her name is Sarah Davis, and she’s one of the most skilled and empathetic customer success professionals I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
Sarah and I were colleagues at XYZ Corp, where she consistently went above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction and success. Her ability to build strong relationships, identify customer needs, and proactively address issues was truly impressive.
One of Sarah’s standout achievements was turning around a high-value customer account that was at risk of churning. Through her active listening, problem-solving skills, and dedication to customer success, she not only retained the account but also expanded the partnership, resulting in a significant revenue increase.
Beyond her customer success skills, Sarah is a great team player and leader. She actively shares insights with her peers, collaborates cross-functionally, and mentors junior team members. Her positive attitude and strong work ethic are contagious.
I think Sarah would be a tremendous asset to our customer success team. She’s passionate about helping customers achieve their goals and excited about the opportunity to bring her skills and experience to our company.
I’ve attached Sarah’s resume for your review. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like me to make an introduction. I’m happy to provide further context on Sarah’s qualifications and achievements.
Best,
[Your Name]
Email #15
Subject: Referral for Project Manager Position – John Smith
Hello Amanda,
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to refer an exceptional candidate for the Project Manager role on your team. His name is John Smith, and he’s one of the most skilled and effective project managers I’ve worked with.
John and I collaborated at ABC Consulting, where he consistently delivered projects on time, within budget, and to a high standard of quality. His ability to plan, coordinate, and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams was truly impressive.
One of John’s standout projects was the successful implementation of a complex software system for a major client. Despite tight deadlines and multiple stakeholders, John expertly navigated the project from initiation to closure, ensuring smooth execution and client satisfaction. His attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and leadership abilities were key to the project’s success.
Beyond his project management expertise, John is a great communicator and collaborator. He builds strong relationships with team members, stakeholders, and clients alike. His positive attitude, adaptability, and strong work ethic make him a valuable asset to any team.
I believe John would thrive in the Project Manager role and add immense value to your team. He’s passionate about driving successful project outcomes and excited about the opportunity to bring his skills and experience to our company.
I’ve attached John’s resume for your consideration. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like me to make an introduction. I’m happy to provide further context on John’s qualifications and achievements.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Email #16
Subject: Business Analyst Referral – Emily Johnson
Hi Michael,
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to refer an outstanding candidate for the Business Analyst position on your team. Her name is Emily Johnson, and she’s one of the most talented and insightful analysts I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
Emily and I were colleagues at XYZ Corp, where she consistently delivered high-quality analyses and recommendations that drove business decisions and outcomes. Her ability to gather requirements, analyze data, and communicate insights to stakeholders was truly impressive.
One of Emily’s standout projects involved conducting a comprehensive market analysis to identify new growth opportunities. Her research, insights, and recommendations led to the successful launch of a new product line that generated significant revenue for the company.
Beyond her analytical skills, Emily is a proactive communicator and collaborator. She actively partners with cross-functional teams, seeks out feedback, and presents findings in a clear and compelling manner. Her curiosity, adaptability, and strong work ethic make her a valuable asset to any team.
I think Emily would be a fantastic addition to our business analysis team. She’s passionate about leveraging data and insights to drive business impact and is excited about the opportunity to contribute her skills to our company.
I’ve attached Emily’s resume for your review. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like me to make an introduction. I’m happy to provide further context on Emily’s qualifications and experience.
All the best,
[Your Name]
Email #17
Subject: Referral for UX Designer Role – David Lee
Hello Sarah,
I hope you’re having a great week. I wanted to refer an exceptional candidate for the UX Designer position on your team. His name is David Lee, and he’s one of the most talented and user-focused designers I’ve worked with.
David and I collaborated at ABC Agency, where he consistently delivered intuitive, user-centered designs that elevated our products and delighted our clients. His ability to understand user needs, craft seamless experiences, and iterate based on feedback was truly impressive.
One of David’s standout projects was the redesign of a complex enterprise application. His user research, wireframes, and high-fidelity mockups not only improved usability but also received high praise from the client and end-users alike. The redesign led to a significant increase in user adoption and satisfaction.
Beyond his UX design skills, David is a great communicator and collaborator. He actively seeks out input from stakeholders, facilitates design workshops, and presents his work clearly and compellingly. His positive attitude, creativity, and strong work ethic make him a joy to work with.
I believe David would be a fantastic addition to our UX team. He’s passionate about creating user-centered experiences and excited about the opportunity to bring his skills and expertise to our products.
I’ve attached David’s resume and portfolio for your consideration. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like me to make an introduction. I’m happy to provide further context on David’s qualifications and experience.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Email #18
Subject: Software Engineer Referral – Sarah Thompson
Hi John,
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to refer an outstanding candidate for the Software Engineer role on your team. Her name is Sarah Thompson, and she’s one of the most skilled and dedicated developers I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
Sarah and I were colleagues at XYZ Startup, where she consistently delivered high-quality code and innovative solutions. Her ability to tackle complex problems, collaborate effectively, and meet tight deadlines was truly impressive.
One of Sarah’s standout projects was the development of a new microservice that significantly improved our application’s performance and scalability. Her technical expertise, attention to detail, and proactive communication were key to the project’s success.
Beyond her coding skills, Sarah is a great team player and mentor. She actively participates in code reviews, shares knowledge with her peers, and helps foster a positive and inclusive team culture. Her passion for learning and staying up-to-date with industry trends is contagious.
I think Sarah would be a tremendous asset to our engineering team. She’s excited about our company’s mission and eager to contribute her skills and experience to our projects.
I’ve attached Sarah’s resume and a link to her GitHub profile for your review. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like me to make an introduction. I’m happy to provide further context on Sarah’s qualifications and achievements.
Best,
[Your Name]
Email #19
Subject: Marketing Manager Referral – Michael Davis
Hello Lisa,
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to refer an exceptional candidate for the Marketing Manager position on your team. His name is Michael Davis, and he’s one of the most talented and results-driven marketers I’ve worked with.
Michael and I collaborated at ABC Company, where he consistently developed and executed marketing strategies that drove brand awareness, engagement, and revenue growth. His ability to understand target audiences, leverage data insights, and optimize campaigns was truly impressive.
One of Michael’s standout achievements was the launch of a new product line that exceeded sales targets by 30% in the first quarter. His comprehensive go-to-market strategy, which included targeted advertising, influencer partnerships, and a highly successful social media campaign, was key to the product’s success.
Beyond his marketing expertise, Michael is a great leader and collaborator. He effectively manages cross-functional teams, fosters a data-driven culture, and mentors junior marketers to help them grow and succeed. His strategic thinking, creativity, and strong work ethic are invaluable assets.
I believe Michael would thrive in the Marketing Manager role and add immense value to your team. He’s passionate about our brand and eager to bring his skills and experience to drive our marketing efforts forward.
I’ve attached Michael’s resume for your consideration. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like me to make an introduction. I’m happy to provide further context on Michael’s qualifications and achievements.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Email #20
Subject: Referral for Human Resources Coordinator Position – Jessica Smith
Hi David,
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to refer an outstanding candidate for the Human Resources Coordinator role on your team. Her name is Jessica Smith, and she’s one of the most skilled and empathetic HR professionals I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
Jessica and I were colleagues at XYZ Corp, where she consistently demonstrated a strong ability to support employees, manage HR processes, and contribute to a positive company culture. Her attention to detail, strong communication skills, and dedication to employee well-being were truly impressive.
One of Jessica’s standout contributions was the successful implementation of a new employee onboarding program. Her efforts to streamline the process, create engaging training materials, and provide personalized support to new hires led to a significant increase in employee satisfaction and retention.
Beyond her HR skills, Jessica is a proactive problem-solver and collaborator. She builds strong relationships with employees and managers, maintains strict confidentiality, and goes above and beyond to support her colleagues. Her positive attitude, adaptability, and strong work ethic make her a valuable asset to any team.
I believe Jessica would excel in the Human Resources Coordinator role and add immense value to your team. She’s passionate about supporting employees and excited about the opportunity to bring her skills and experience to our company.
I’ve attached Jessica’s resume for your review. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like me to make an introduction. I’m happy to provide further context on Jessica’s qualifications and achievements.
All the best,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
Referring a friend for a job can be a great way to help them find new opportunities while also supporting your company’s talent acquisition efforts.
By crafting a compelling referral email that highlights your friend’s qualifications, experience, and potential fit, you can give them a valuable boost in the hiring process.
Remember to tailor your email to the specific role and company, provide concrete examples of your friend’s achievements, and express your enthusiastic recommendation.
Keep the tone professional yet personal, and offer to provide further information or make an introduction if needed.
With these sample referral emails as a guide, you’ll be well-equipped to help your talented friends and colleagues take the next step in their careers while also strengthening your professional network.
Happy referring!