How to follow up on a referral request
When to nudge, what to say, and when to move on, without annoying the person helping you.
Quick answer: Follow up once after about a week, keep it short and kind, then let it go and ask someone else.
1 min read
Silence usually means busy, not no. A single, friendly follow-up is fine. More than that tends to cost goodwill.
A sensible timeline
- Wait about a week before the first nudge.
- Send one follow-up, then leave it at least another week.
- If there is still no reply after two attempts, move on and thank them anyway.
Template
Hi [name], just a quick nudge on my earlier message about the [role] position. Completely understand if it isn't possible. Thanks for considering it.
After they refer you
Thank them, and tell them how it went, even if you do not get the job. People who are kept informed are far more willing to help again. Also check whether the company's own recruiters have emailed you, and look in your spam folder.
On Doorstep you do not need to chase: you can see the status of every application, and referrers are asked to reply within 14 days.
Put it into practice
Find a referrerTry a free tool
- Follow-up timing guide · Pick the day you asked and get sensible dates for a polite follow-up.
- Referral request tracker · Note who you asked, when to follow up and what happened. Printable.
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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