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Put the referral in the subject line or opening sentence, name the person accurately, then explain briefly why you are contacting the recipient and make one clear, modest request. For example: “Jordan Lee suggested I reach out to you about [specific topic].” Ask the referrer before naming them if you are unsure they are comfortable being mentioned, and never imply a stronger endorsement than they gave.
What to include in a referral email
- The connection: Name the person who referred you and, when it helps, describe your relationship in a few words.
- Your reason for writing: Identify the role, question, or professional topic that brings you to the recipient.
- One specific next step: Ask for something reasonable, such as application guidance, a short conversation, or the right contact.
- A courteous close: Thank the recipient for their time and keep the message concise.
The referral explains why you are contacting this person; it does not obligate them to help or guarantee a job, interview, or response.
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Choose wording that matches the connection
Direct referral
Use a simple opening when the person explicitly suggested that you contact the recipient: “Jordan Lee suggested I reach out to you about [role, project, or topic].” Boston University’s career-center template uses a similar construction: “Susan Wilson suggested that I get in touch with you.” Boston University’s alumni networking guidance
Referral with relationship context
If the recipient may not know why the referrer connected you, add a short, accurate clause: “Jordan Lee, who I worked with at [company/on project], recommended I contact you about [specific topic].” Keep the context factual; there is no need to recount your history. Northwestern’s template likewise identifies the shared contact and explains the reason for reaching out. Northwestern’s informational interview guidance
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Mutual contact, but no direct referral
If the person only shared the recipient’s name or you learned of the recipient through a mutual contact, do not describe that as a recommendation. Try: “[Name] mentioned your work in [field], and I’m reaching out because [specific reason].” This distinguishes a mutual connection from an explicit endorsement.
Subject lines that make the connection clear
- Referred by [Name] — [role or topic]
- [Name] suggested I reach out
- Informational interview request — referred by [Name]
Northwestern’s official template uses “Informational Interview Request Referred by (Referral Name),” while The Balance gives “Referred by Chris Rogers” as an example. The Balance’s referral email examples
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Adapt the email to your purpose
Asking about a job opening
“Jordan Lee suggested I contact you about the [job title] opening. I’m a [current role] with experience in [relevant skill], and I’m interested in [specific reason]. Would you be the right person to ask about the application process?”
This gives the recipient the connection, a relevant detail about you, and an easy-to-answer question. It asks for guidance rather than treating the referral as a request to secure the job.
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Requesting a networking conversation
“[Name] suggested I reach out because of your work in [field]. I’m exploring [specific topic] and would appreciate 15 minutes to hear your perspective, if your schedule allows.”
A time-limited request makes the ask concrete while leaving the recipient room to decline. You can also ask for a pointer to another contact if a meeting is not appropriate.
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Contacting someone about a business or project topic
“[Name] suggested I contact you about [project or topic]. I’m working on [brief context], and I’d like to ask about [specific question]. Would you be the right person to speak with?”
State the purpose plainly and avoid implying that the referrer promised an introduction or outcome unless they actually did.
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A complete email you can adapt
Subject: Referred by Jordan Lee — [role or topic]
Hello [Recipient Name],
Jordan Lee suggested I reach out to you about [specific role, project, or topic]. Jordan and I [brief, accurate description of your connection]. I’m currently [one-line relevant background], and I’m interested in [specific reason for contacting this recipient].
Would you be available for [a short call / a brief conversation / a pointer to the right person]? If someone else is the better contact, I’d appreciate your direction. I understand if your schedule does not allow.
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Thank you for your time,
[Name]
[Contact details, if appropriate]
Before you send it
- Confirm permission and wording. If it is not clear that the referrer is comfortable being named, ask first. Use only the endorsement they gave: “you can mention me” is not the same as “I highly recommend you.”
- Check the connection is described accurately. Say whether the person referred you, suggested you reach out, or simply gave you the recipient’s name.
- Keep the message focused. Include only the background that helps explain your purpose, then make one manageable request.
- Proofread the names and details. Check the recipient’s name, the referrer’s name, the role or topic, and the subject line.
- Thank the referrer separately. Send them a brief thank-you after making the contact, and update them if the outreach leads somewhere.
University career-center examples and career guidance support this practical pattern: identify the connection, explain your reason for writing, make a specific request, and thank the recipient. The wording is useful etiquette, not evidence that mentioning a referral guarantees a reply or interview.
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