How to Include a Referral in Your Cover Letter?

Your cover letter should start with mentioning the referral’s name because it instantly qualifies you. A referral cover letter helps you to define the mutual contact that has referred you for the job.

By Douglas Wade, Attorney

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Table of Contents

1. What is a cover letter for a referral?

2. Why using a referral is recommended?

3. How to obtain a referral?

Referrals from people who work at the same organization or who know the recruiter directly might be beneficial when applying for jobs. A referral cover letter that mentions a recommendation at the beginning will grab the manager’s interest and pique their curiosity in reading the remaining parts of the letter. Being referred by someone from within the company can significantly boost your application’s credibility. This post describes referral cover letters, explains when and why to include referrals in cover letters, explains how to obtain referrals, and provides referral letter samples that incorporate recommendations.

What is a cover letter for a referral?

A referral cover letter is a part of your job application that indicates you both know the hiring manager. This mutual contact may be a friend, a networking contact, or a worker at the organization where you are submitting your job application. When used correctly, referencing in a cover letter highlights how your prior work experience and teamwork skills relate to the position. Highlighting that you were referred by someone known to the hiring manager can be a game-changer.

This is your chance to make an impact in your cover note. More information about your training, experience, and skills can be added to it. You may also discuss how your prior experiences have set you up for success by citing your achievements. Referral cover letters allow for a personalized approach in your job application process.

Why using a referral is recommended?

In order to fill unfilled positions, hiring managers often depend on employee referrals. An excellent recommendation from a reliable source speaks volumes about your work commitment. It could emphasize how well your skills fit the position. Having a cover letter reference from a respected individual within the company can set you apart.

How to obtain a referral?

The process of obtaining a reference might be challenging to navigate. The following actions can help you obtain a recommendation for your upcoming job application:

1. Start with those you are acquainted with. First, find out whether you know someone who works for the organization or who might have some connection to the hiring manager. Being referred by someone familiar with both you and the hiring manager can significantly strengthen your application.

2. Ascertain their reach. Ascertain whether or not this individual gets along well with the recruiting manager. You can find out about the organization’s structure and any past interactions, or you can ask your recommendation straight questions. You can have a harder time getting called in for an interview if you utilize the name of a person the hiring manager doesn’t respect or trust.

3. Request consent from your referral. After that, get their approval to include their name in the referral cover letter. In addition to letting the recommendation know about your objectives, this enables them to provide you with useful information about the position and business. Additionally, it will give them time to think about their response regarding your qualifications in the event that the recruiting manager approaches them regarding their referral.

4. Forward a copy of your cover letter to them. Lastly, provide your reference the referral cover letter copy so they may see what the hiring manager sees. Do not forget to express your gratitude for their assistance. A strong cover letter reference can be the key to securing an interview.

Include a recommendation in your cover letter Making an early impression on the hiring manager is essential to a good referral cover letter. Mention your common connection in the cover letter’s opening paragraph to achieve this. Mention your relationship, the name of the person you suggested, and how they know about your credentials. Explain briefly why they are endorsing you and how your background has equipped you for the position. You can elaborate on your qualifications and how you intend to use your expertise to embark on new challenges in the remaining portion of your cover letter. Including a referral in your cover letter can provide a significant advantage.

Examples of referral cover letters We’ve provided sample paragraphs below to help you understand how to properly add a recommendation to your referral cover letter.

Sample 1

“Dear John Doe, Jane Doe, Community Outreach Lead at XYZ Company, gave me her highest recommendation for the Social Media Manager position. Jane and I collaborated for a number of years on continuing education program coordination, and she thinks my background in marketing and ability to captivate audiences will be very beneficial to the organization.”

Sample 2

“Dear John Doe, Jane Doe proposed that I get in touch with you about the Customer Service Executive role at Company XYZ. We worked together at a nearby portable food bank last year, which is how I got to know Jane. She has recommended me for this position on your team because our close collaboration allowed her to witness my genuine capacity for developing relationships with others.”

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How to Include a Referral in Your Cover Letter?

What is a cover letter for a referral?

Why using a referral is recommended?

How to obtain a referral?

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