Sample Cover Letters with Referrals

Maximizing Referrals to Get the Employer’s Attention

Securing a referral for a job is a powerful way to catch the eye of an employer. Research indicates that one-third of employees landed their current positions through referrals. It's no surprise – wouldn't you prefer hiring someone recommended over a stranger if you were in the hiring manager's shoes?

However, merely getting a referral isn't sufficient. To fully leverage its benefits, you must ensure that the hiring manager is aware of your referral. The most effective way to do this is by mentioning it in your cover letter. This is the ideal opportunity to disclose your referral's name and the context in which you know them.

Tips for Crafting Cover Letters That Impress Hiring Managers

1. Be professional: Whether sent as an attachment, via mail, or email, your cover letter should be composed as a formal business letter. Attachments or mailed letters should start with your contact information, the date, and the hiring manager's details. When sending an email, include the referral in the subject line.

2. Start on the right foot: Open your letter with a salutation including the hiring manager's name. Introduce your referral in the first paragraph along with a brief explanation of your connection.

3. Show your interest: Outline why the position interests you and why you're a suitable candidate. Let your enthusiasm shine through – employers want to hire passionate individuals.

4. Say thank you: Express gratitude for the recipient's time and consideration. Use a suitable cover letter closing and sign off with your signature (for printed letters) and your full name typed. In an email, add your contact information after your name.

5. Use cover letter samples: Make a positive first impression by customizing your cover letter for each application. Review various cover letter samples for different scenarios to guide your writing.

6. Proofread and test: Ensure your final draft is error-free and professionally formatted before sending it to the hiring team. If emailing your cover letter, send a test message to yourself first to check formatting and content.