LINKEDIN REFERRAL REQUEST TEMPLATES How to Ask for Job Referrals Without Being Pushy PURPOSE: These templates help you request job referrals from LinkedIn connections professionally, increasing your chances of getting internal recommendations. HOW TO USE: - Choose the template that matches your relationship level with the connection - Customize with specific details about the role and company - Keep messages concise (under 200 words) - Always express gratitude regardless of outcome - Follow up thoughtfully if you don't hear back within 5-7 days =================================================================== TEMPLATE 1: FORMER COLLEAGUE OR CLOSE CONNECTION (Use when you have a strong existing relationship) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi [Name], I hope you're doing well! I saw that [Company] just posted a [Job Title] role on their careers page, and it looks like a perfect fit for my background in [your expertise]. I know you've been at [Company] for [time period] now—would you be comfortable providing a referral? I've attached my resume and can share more details about why I'm excited about this opportunity. No pressure at all if the timing isn't right or if you'd prefer not to. I completely understand! Either way, I'd love to catch up soon. How have things been on your end? Thanks, [Your Name] ------------------------------------------------------------------- TEMPLATE 2: PROFESSIONAL ACQUAINTANCE OR ALUMNI (Use when you have some connection but not a close relationship) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi [Name], I've been following your career at [Company] and have been impressed by the work you've been doing in [specific area]. I'm currently exploring new opportunities and came across the [Job Title] role at [Company]. Based on my experience with [relevant skills], I think I could add real value to the team, particularly in [specific contribution]. Would you be open to a brief call to learn more about the role and the team? If it seems like a good fit, I'd be grateful if you'd consider referring me. I've attached my resume for context. Thanks for considering—I know referrals are a big ask! Best, [Your Name] ------------------------------------------------------------------- TEMPLATE 3: SECOND-DEGREE CONNECTION OR MUTUAL FRIEND (Use when you're connected through someone else) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi [Name], [Mutual Connection] suggested I reach out to you! I'm exploring opportunities at [Company], specifically the [Job Title] role. I have [X years] of experience in [field] and have been particularly drawn to [Company's] approach to [specific thing you admire]. I think my background in [relevant experience] would translate well to this role. Would you be willing to share any insights about the team or role? And if you think it's a fit based on what you know about the position, I'd be grateful for a referral. Happy to provide my resume or answer any questions. Thanks for your time! Best, [Your Name] ------------------------------------------------------------------- TEMPLATE 4: LINKEDIN CONNECTION YOU'VE ENGAGED WITH (Use when you've interacted online but never met in person) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi [Name], I've really enjoyed your posts on [topic] over the past few months—your perspective on [specific insight] especially resonated with me. I'm reaching out because I noticed [Company] has an opening for [Job Title], and I'd love to learn more about the role and culture from someone on the inside. Would you be open to a quick 15-minute call? If you think my background in [your expertise] might be relevant, I'd be grateful if you'd consider providing a referral. I've attached my resume for context. Thanks so much for considering! Best, [Your Name] ------------------------------------------------------------------- TEMPLATE 5: RECRUITER OR HR CONNECTION (Use when reaching out to internal recruiters or HR) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi [Name], I hope this message finds you well. I'm very interested in the [Job Title] position at [Company] (Job ID: [####]) and wanted to reach out directly. I have [X years] of experience in [field] and have successfully [specific achievement relevant to role]. I'm particularly excited about this opportunity because [specific reason related to company/role]. Would you be open to reviewing my resume and discussing whether I might be a strong fit? I'd be happy to provide additional information or answer any questions. Thank you for your time and consideration! Best, [Your Name] Resume: [attached or link] Portfolio: [if applicable] ------------------------------------------------------------------- TEMPLATE 6: SOMEONE WHO REFERRED OTHERS BEFORE (Use when you see they've posted about employee referral bonuses) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi [Name], I saw your recent post about [Company's] referral program and wanted to reach out about the [Job Title] role. My background includes [relevant experience], and I'm particularly drawn to [Company's] work in [specific area]. I think I could contribute to the team through [specific value you'd add]. Would you be interested in learning more? If my experience seems like a fit, I'd appreciate a referral and you'd get the referral bonus as well—win-win! Happy to share my resume and discuss further. Thanks for considering! Best, [Your Name] ------------------------------------------------------------------- TEMPLATE 7: RECONNECTING WITH SOMEONE AFTER A LONG TIME (Use when you haven't spoken in months or years) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi [Name], It's been a while! I hope you're doing well at [Company]—I've been following your updates and it looks like you're doing great work in [area]. I'm reaching out because I'm exploring new opportunities and saw the [Job Title] role at [Company]. Given my experience in [your expertise], I thought it might be a good fit. Would you have 15 minutes to chat about the role and culture? I'd love to reconnect and hear about what you've been working on. If it seems like a match, I'd be grateful for a referral, but no pressure at all. Either way, it would be great to catch up! Best, [Your Name] ------------------------------------------------------------------- TEMPLATE 8: FOLLOWING UP AFTER NO RESPONSE (7-10 Days Later) (Use when someone hasn't responded to your initial request) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi [Name], I wanted to follow up on my message from last week about the [Job Title] role at [Company]. I completely understand if you're busy or if providing a referral isn't possible right now. If you have any insights about the role or team, I'd still really appreciate your perspective! Either way, thanks for considering. Hope all is well! Best, [Your Name] ------------------------------------------------------------------- TEMPLATE 9: THANK YOU MESSAGE (After They Agree to Refer) (Send immediately after they confirm they'll provide referral) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi [Name], Thank you so much for agreeing to refer me for the [Job Title] role! I really appreciate you taking the time and putting your name behind my application. I've applied through the portal [or: I'll apply today] and included reference #[####] if needed. I'll keep you updated on how it progresses. Please let me know if there's ever anything I can do to return the favor! Thanks again, [Your Name] ------------------------------------------------------------------- TEMPLATE 10: UPDATE AFTER INTERVIEW (Keep Them Posted) (Send after you interview, regardless of outcome) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi [Name], I wanted to update you on the [Job Title] role you referred me for—I had my [first/second/final] interview this week! [If went well]: It went really well, and I'm excited about the opportunity. I'll let you know as soon as I hear back. [If didn't go well]: Unfortunately, it doesn't look like it's going to move forward, but I really appreciate you making the introduction. Either way, thank you again for the referral. It means a lot that you were willing to advocate for me! Best, [Your Name] ------------------------------------------------------------------- KEY TIPS FOR ALL TEMPLATES: - Always mention the specific job title and company - Explain briefly why you're a fit - Make it easy to say yes (attach resume, be specific) - Acknowledge that referrals are a favor, not an obligation - Express gratitude regardless of outcome - Keep it under 200 words - Proofread carefully before sending - Track all referral requests and follow-ups in ANDI