[YOUR FULL NAME] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Your City, State] [Your LinkedIn Profile URL - Optional] [Current Date] [Hiring Manager's Name] [Their Job Title] [Company Name] [Company Street Address] [City, State ZIP Code] Dear [Hiring Manager's Name or "Hiring Team"], [OPENING PARAGRAPH - 2-3 sentences] Mention the referral immediately in the first sentence. State the position and one strong qualification. Example: "Your colleague [Referral Name] suggested I contact you about the Sales Manager position at [Company Name]. Having worked with [Referral Name] at [Previous Company/Context], they thought my 6 years of experience building sales teams that exceeded quota by 40%+ would be a strong match for your growth objectives." [BODY PARAGRAPH 1 - 3-4 sentences] Highlight your most relevant achievement that matches their key requirement. Use specific numbers and quantifiable results. Example: "Your posting emphasizes building and scaling high-performing sales teams. In my current role at [Current Company], I've grown our sales organization from 8 to 25 representatives while increasing revenue from $3M to $12M annually. My team consistently ranks in the top 10% company-wide, and I've developed a training program that reduced new hire ramp time from 6 months to 3.5 months." [BODY PARAGRAPH 2 - 3-4 sentences] Show additional qualifications that align with their needs. Continue using specific achievements and metrics. Example: "Beyond team building, I bring proven expertise in enterprise sales strategy. I've personally closed deals averaging $250K and developed the account management framework that improved customer retention from 68% to 89%. Through my relationships in the [specific industry], I could bring immediate opportunities in an industry that represents 40% of your target market." [OPTIONAL BODY PARAGRAPH 3 - 2-3 sentences] Reference your connection to the company through your referral or show company knowledge. Strengthen the relationship angle. Example: "[Referral Name] has shared insights about [Company Name]'s collaborative culture and ambitious expansion plans. Their enthusiasm for the company's mission and the sales team's innovative approach confirmed this would be an ideal environment for my next career move." [CLOSING PARAGRAPH - 2-3 sentences] Express interest, request interview, and thank them. Mention the referral again if natural. Example: "I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss how my sales leadership experience could contribute to [Company Name]'s continued growth. [Referral Name] mentioned you're moving quickly on this hire, so I'm available for a conversation this week or next. Thank you for considering my application." Sincerely, [Your Full Name] --- REFERRAL COVER LETTER SPECIFIC TIPS: --- • Mention the referral's name in the FIRST SENTENCE • Use the referral's first and last name initially, then first name • Explain your connection to the referral (worked together, LinkedIn contact, industry colleague) • Get permission from your referral before using their name • Ask your referral to give the hiring manager a heads up • Keep the referral mention natural, not forced • Don't rely solely on the referral—still prove your qualifications • Reference insights your referral shared about the company/role • Show you've discussed the opportunity with your referral • Mention the referral again in closing if it flows naturally --- TYPES OF REFERRAL CONNECTIONS: --- Former Colleague: "Your colleague [Name] and I worked together at [Company] for 3 years, where they witnessed firsthand my ability to [relevant skill]." Current Connection: "[Name] from your Product team suggested I apply after we discussed my background in [relevant area] at [networking event]." Mutual Connection: "[Name], who serves on the board with me at [Organization], recommended I reach out about this opportunity." LinkedIn Connection: "I've been following [Name]'s posts about [Company Name]'s growth, and after we connected on LinkedIn to discuss [topic], they encouraged me to apply." Industry Contact: "[Name] and I have collaborated on several [industry] initiatives, and they thought my experience in [area] would align well with your needs." --- WHAT YOUR REFERRAL SHOULD DO: --- Before you apply: • Give you insights about the role, team, and company culture • Provide hiring manager's name if possible • Share what the team is really looking for • Tell you about company-specific terminology or priorities When you apply: • Send email/message to hiring manager mentioning your application • Speak positively about your qualifications and work ethic • Offer to answer questions about working with you • Forward your resume internally if company has referral system After you apply: • Follow up if they haven't heard back • Provide additional context if needed • Help prepare you for interviews --- STRENGTHENING THE REFERRAL: --- In Your Cover Letter: • "As [Referral Name] can attest, I consistently..." • "[Referral Name] mentioned your team is facing [challenge], which I've successfully addressed by..." • "Through my conversations with [Referral Name], I understand your priorities include..." • "Having worked alongside [Referral Name] on [project], they've seen my ability to..." Without Overdoing It: • Don't mention referral in every paragraph • Focus primarily on your qualifications • Use the referral to strengthen credibility, not replace it • Keep the focus on what YOU bring to the role --- FORMATTING INSTRUCTIONS: --- Font: Use Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman Font Size: 11-12 point Margins: 1 inch on all sides Spacing: Single-space within paragraphs, blank line between paragraphs Alignment: Left-aligned throughout Length: Keep to one page maximum Tone: Professional, confident, grateful for the referral --- CUSTOMIZATION CHECKLIST: --- □ Get explicit permission from your referral to use their name □ Ask referral to notify hiring manager you're applying □ Mention referral's FULL NAME in first sentence □ Explain your connection to the referral clearly □ Include 2-3 quantified achievements proving qualifications □ Reference insights from your referral about the company/role □ Keep focus on YOUR qualifications, not just the referral □ Match your qualifications to their stated requirements □ Mention the actual company name 2-3 times naturally □ Request interview confidently □ Remove all instructional text in brackets □ Proofread carefully—errors reflect poorly on your referral too □ Send a thank you note to your referral after applying --- REFERRAL ETIQUETTE: --- Before Using Someone as a Referral: • Ask permission—never surprise them • Ensure they can speak positively about your work • Provide them with your updated resume • Explain the role and why you're interested • Give them talking points about your strengths • Make it easy for them to help you After They Refer You: • Thank them genuinely for the referral • Keep them updated on the process • Don't make them chase you for information • Thank them again if you get the interview • Let them know the outcome (hired or not) • Return the favor when you can If You Don't Get the Job: • Thank them anyway for their effort • Don't blame them or the company • Ask for feedback if appropriate • Maintain the relationship • Keep them in mind for future opportunities --- SPECIAL SITUATIONS: --- If Your Referral is Senior to the Hiring Manager: • Still be professional and qualified on your own merits • Don't act entitled because of the connection • Show respect for the hiring process • Let your work speak for itself If You Don't Know the Referral Well: • Be honest about the nature of your connection • Don't exaggerate the relationship • Focus extra on your own qualifications • Consider whether to use them at all If Multiple People Can Refer You: • Choose the person closest to the hiring team • Or the person who knows your work best • Consider seniority and influence • Don't use multiple referrals for same position (looks desperate) If Applying Through Referral Program: • Follow company's formal referral process • Still write strong cover letter and resume • Understand referral may get bonus if you're hired • Be worth their reputation --- COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID: --- Don't: • Use someone's name without permission • Exaggerate your relationship with the referral • Rely only on the referral without proving qualifications • Make the entire letter about the referral • Use the referral as an excuse for weak qualifications • Forget to update your referral on application status • Burn the bridge if you don't get hired Do: • Get explicit permission first • Describe the connection accurately • Prove you're qualified independently • Keep referral mention to 1-2 times • Show gratitude for the introduction • Maintain communication with referral • Preserve the relationship regardless of outcome