Common mistakes in referral notes
A short checklist for employees: what makes a referral note weaker, and how to fix it quickly.
1 min read
A referral note is often read by a recruiter in seconds. A few small habits make it much easier to act on. Check your company's referral policy first, as its rules decide what you can include.
Mistakes to avoid
- Being vague, for example saying someone is great without saying why.
- Overstating how well you know the person. Say honestly how you know them.
- Repeating the CV instead of pointing to what stands out in it.
- Leaving out the role. Name the exact role you are referring them for.
- Mentioning anything personal that is not relevant to the job.
A stronger pattern
- One sentence on how you know them and for how long.
- Two sentences on specific strengths, each with a short example.
- One sentence on why they suit this role or team.
I worked with [name] on [project] for [time]. They [specific strength, with an example], and [second strength]. I think they would suit the [role] because [reason].
Be fair and consistent
Base the note on the person's work and the role's needs, not on anything unrelated to the job. If you are not sure you can speak for their work, it is fine to decline.
Put it into practice
Build a referral noteTry a free tool
- Referral note builder · Draft a short, specific, honest note for your company's referral portal.
- Referral policy checklist · What to confirm with your employer before you refer someone.
Guides on this site were last updated on 17 Oct 2026. This is general information, not advice for your situation.
Unfamiliar term? See the glossary.
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