Templates
Every template from our guides in one place. Fill in the [brackets], change anything that doesn't sound like you, and check names and details before you send.
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Hi [name], I'm applying for the [role] position at [company] and saw you work in [team]. I have [two years of relevant experience, e.g. building dashboards in SQL and Tableau] and have attached my CV. If you think I'd be a fit, would you be open to referring me? If not, no problem at all, and thank you for reading.
Hi [name], we [met at / both studied at / know each other through]. I'm applying for [role] at [company]. I've attached my CV and the job link. Would you be comfortable referring me? Happy to answer any questions first.
I haven't worked with [name] but reviewed their CV against our requirements. They have [relevant experience from the CV], which matches what the team needs for [role]. They're based in London and have [notice period]. I'd be glad if the team took a look.
Hi [name], I'm exploring [role] roles at [company] and your work in [team] caught my eye. I'd love to connect.
Thanks for connecting, [name]. I'm applying for [role] at [company] and have [one relevant strength]. If you think I'd be a fit, would you be open to referring me? No problem if not.
Hi [name], I saw we both [studied at / are members of]. I'm applying for [role] at [company]. Could I send you my CV in case you'd be willing to refer me?
Hi [name], hope you're well. I'm looking at [role] at [company] and remembered you're there. I'd value your honest view, and a referral if you feel comfortable giving one.
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.
I'm moving from [previous field] into [new field]. For this role, the relevant parts of my background are [specific example] and [specific example]. I've also completed [course or project].
My role as [job title] at [previous company] ended in a restructure. I'm now looking for [role type], and [company] stood out because [specific reason].
Hi [name], I'm a [year] student studying [course] at [university], applying for the [internship] at [company]. I've [relevant project or experience]. Would you be open to referring me, or giving me a quick pointer on the application?
I haven't worked with [name], but their CV shows [specific experience] which maps to the [requirement] in the job description. They also mention [second match]. They are based in [location]. Worth a conversation, in my view.
Hi [name], thank you for referring me for the [role] position. I really appreciate it, and I'll keep you posted on how it goes.
Hi [name], quick update: I've been invited to interview for [role]. Thank you again for your help.
Hi [name], I heard back and it isn't going forward this time. Thank you for your support, I'm grateful you put me forward.
Hi [name], thanks for thinking of me and for sending your CV. I'm not able to refer you for this one, as [I don't know your work well enough to put my name to it / it's outside the roles I refer into]. I'm sorry I can't help this time. One tip: [a specific, kind suggestion]. I wish you the best with the search.
Hi [name], I'm hoping to move into [type of role] and noticed you work as [their role] at [company]. Would you be open to a 15-minute chat about what the work is like? I'd really appreciate it, and completely understand if you're too busy.
I'm applying for [role]. The part of the job description about [specific thing] matches my work on [your example], and I'd value your view on whether it's a fit.
Hi [name], it's been a while since [project / team]. I hope all is well at [company]. I'm applying for [role] there and wondered if you'd be comfortable referring me, given you know how I work. I've attached my CV and the job link. No pressure at all if it's not possible.
Hi [name], a quick update: I have an interview on [date] for the [role]. Thank you again for referring me. I'll let you know how it goes.
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.
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.
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].
Hi [name], I'm applying for the [role] position at [company]. I've attached my CV and the job link. Would you be willing to refer me? No problem at all if not. Thanks for reading.
Hi [name], I'm applying for the [role] position at [company]. I'm currently based in [country] and [have / would need] the right to work in the UK. I've attached my CV and the job link. Would you be willing to refer me? Replying by message is perfect, whenever suits you.
Hi [name], I'm a [course] graduate from [university] and saw you work at [company]. I'm interested in the [role] position there. Would you be open to a quick chat about the team, or to referring me if you think I'd be a fit? I've attached my CV. No worries at all if you're busy.
Hi [name], I'm applying for the [role] position at [company]. My CV is attached and my portfolio is at [link]. The case study on [project] is the closest to this role. Would you be willing to refer me? No problem at all if not.
Hi [name], I'm applying for the [role] position at [company]. I have [experience, described in general terms] and have attached my CV. Would you be willing to refer me? No problem at all if not.
Hi [name], I'm moving from [previous field] into [new field] and applying for the [role] position at [company]. In my last role I [specific example that matches the job description]. I'm building the rest through [course or project]. I've attached my CV. Would you be willing to refer me? No problem at all if not.
Hi [name], I'm applying for the [role] position at [company]. I'm based in [location] and would work [remotely / in the office on set days]. I've worked remotely for [time] and have attached my CV. Would you be willing to refer me? No problem at all if not.
Hi [name], thank you for meeting me today about the [role] position. I enjoyed hearing about [specific topic] and I remain very interested. Please let me know if I can send anything else.
Hi [name], I hope you're well. I wanted to check whether there is any update on the [role] position. I'm still keen and happy to provide anything else you need.
Hi [name], would you be happy to introduce me to [person] at [company]? I'm interested in the [role] position there. Here's a short blurb you can forward: [two lines about you and the role]. My CV is attached. No worries at all if you'd rather not.
Hi [name], I'm applying for the [role] position at [company]. In my current role I [specific example in your own words]. I've attached my CV. Would you be willing to refer me? No problem at all if not.
Hi [name], just a quick nudge on my earlier message about the [role] position. Completely understand if you're busy or it isn't possible. Thanks for considering it.
Hi [name], I'm applying for the [role] position at [company]. A project I'm proud of is [one example, with a link if you can share it]. My CV is attached. Would you be willing to refer me? No problem at all if not.
Hi [name], I'm applying for the [role] position at [company]. In my current role I [process you ran, described in general terms]. My CV is attached. Would you be willing to refer me? No problem at all if not.
Hi [name], I'm applying for the [role] position at [company]. I took some time away from work [for a short reason] and I'm now ready to return and keen to [what you want to do]. My CV is attached. Would you be willing to refer me? No problem at all if not.
Hi [name], I'm interested in the [role] position at [company] because [one specific reason]. I've attached my CV. Would you be willing to pass it to whoever is hiring, or tell me how you'd suggest I apply? No problem at all if not.