A useful referral request makes it easy for someone to understand the opportunity, assess the connection to your experience, and decide whether they are comfortable helping.
It does not ask the person to guarantee an interview or endorse work they have never seen. Start with the actual relationship and make the request proportionate to it.
Choose a relevant person
Someone who knows your work may be able to speak to it. Someone who only knows you casually may offer information about the team or hiring process instead.
Do not treat every employee at a target company as a referral source. If you have no meaningful connection, a brief question about the role may be more appropriate than an immediate request for endorsement.
Do the preparation
Find the exact job posting and check that it is still available. Identify two or three relevant qualifications you genuinely have.
Prepare your resume and a short explanation of fit. If the organization has a referral process, ask how it works rather than assuming the person can simply forward your application. Do not claim to have been referred before someone agrees.
Make one clear request
Here is an adaptable template:
Hi [name], I hope you’re doing well. I’m interested in the [role] opening at [company]: [link]. The work involving [responsibility] connects with my experience in [brief example]. Since we worked together on [real context], would you feel comfortable referring me if you think the fit makes sense? I can send my resume and a short summary. No pressure if you’re not the right person or don’t have enough context.
Remove the shared-work sentence if it is not true. For a weaker connection, ask whether they know the best way to learn about the role instead.
Give them room to decide
A referral attaches someone’s judgment to a recommendation. They may be unable to help because of company policy, limited knowledge of your work, timing, or other reasons.
A polite decline is useful information. Thank them and continue through the normal application route when appropriate. Do not argue that the request would only take a minute.
If there is no response, one short follow-up after a reasonable interval may be enough. Avoid repeated messages across several channels.
Follow through
Send requested materials promptly and check them for accuracy. If the person makes a referral, thank them and update them when there is meaningful progress.
Keep the relationship broader than this one application. You can appreciate someone’s help even when the process does not lead to an interview.
Try this AI prompt
Help me draft a referral request for [role]. My relationship with the person is [facts], and my relevant experience is [details]. Keep it under 120 words, include one clear request, and make it easy to decline. Do not imply they have seen work they have not seen or that a referral guarantees an interview.
Your next step
Choose one role and one appropriate contact. Write two sentences explaining the fit before drafting the message. If that explanation is weak, improve it or choose a more suitable opportunity.