Referral requests by email or LinkedIn?

The plain trade-offs between asking by email and asking on LinkedIn, with a short template for each.

1 min read

Both work. The better choice depends on how you know the person and where they are likely to see your message. This is general advice rather than a rule, and people differ.

Good when you do not have their email, or you are reaching out to someone you have only just found.
Connection notes are short, so keep the first message to a sentence or two and send details once they reply.
Your profile is one click away, so make sure it is up to date first.

Hi [name], I'm interested in the [role] at [company] and noticed you work in [team]. Would you be open to a quick chat about it? Thank you.

Copy this template from the template library

Email

Good when you already know the person, or when they have shared their email for this purpose.
You have room for a fuller request, and you can attach your CV.
A clear subject line matters, because it decides whether the email gets opened.

Subject: Referral request: [role] at [company]. Hi [name], I'm applying for [role] and have attached my CV and the job link. Would you be comfortable referring me? No pressure if not.

Whichever you choose

Stick to one channel at a time so you do not seem to be chasing. Only use contact details that are public or that the person has given you for this purpose, and respect a no or a lack of reply.

Put it into practice

Write a subject line

Try a free tool

Email subject line helper · Five clear subject lines for a referral request, follow-up or thank-you email.
Referral message generator · A polite request, follow-up or thank-you you can edit and send.

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.