Sometimes, it can be hard to get a job in a company if you don’t have a referrer. Fortunately, you can reach out for help to your family and colleagues who have connections within the industry you are interested in.

If you have a referrer during your job application, you will need to use a referral cover letter and attach it to your resume. Some companies welcome submissions with referral cover letters since these can expedite applications. However, you will need to make sure that your referrer knows you and the letter can highlight your skills and qualifications.

Here are some tips on how you can organise your referral cover letter and land the job of your dreams:

Know Who to Ask as a Referrer

Many people in our network can become our referrer, from our family members to the connections we built from social media. However, before you ask for their help, check if they know someone from the company you are hoping to get into and ask if they will agree to refer you. If they do, mention their names and your relationship with them in your cover letter.

Always Check Samples

Many types of cover letters can be used for applications, and if you have a referrer, you need to write a referral cover letter properly. Check out some sample letters online and use it as a guide to write and create an effective referral cover letter that will highlight your qualifications and mention your referrer. 

Talk about Your Referrer

Before you start introducing yourself and your skills in detail, mention your referrer and explain your relationship with this person. Make it brief, just to give the hiring manager an idea on who referred you, and focus more on the next information that you will provide.

Proofread

Once you are done with your letter, make sure to reread it for spelling and grammar errors. Double-check all the information that you provided and send it with your resume when you are satisfied.

Below are some samples you can refer to when writing your referral cover letter:

Sample 1

Dear Mr Smith,

I was delighted to hear that your economics department has an opening for an assistant professor. Your economics department head, Professor Mary Brown, was my professor when I was still a student in NUS. She informed me regarding the job opening, and she can attest that my work ethics and speciality in the field will be a boon to the department.

While under Professor Brown, I discovered my passion for development economics and pursued it in graduate school. We continued to discuss various topics regarding the field over the years, and soon after, we partnered to write our dissertation on the Monetary Policy of Singapore in the 20th Century. I have also worked as a research associate at Blackwell and Blackwell, specialising in development economics for third world countries.

My tenure with Blackwell and Blackwell has prepared me to find new ways to teach economics and its importance in daily life. I am always ready to discuss more my specialities that can be beneficial to assist your department. I have attached my resume and my dissertation for your reference.

I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Sincerely,
Jane Doe

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Sample 2

Subject: Maximo Kutz – Content Manager Position

Dear Ms Jane Doe,

I am sending this email to show my interest in applying as a Content Manager for your publication. Your editor, Mary Brown, alerted me about the job opening and advised me to try for the position. Mary and I worked together for the online publication “Singapore News Stream”. She can attest positively about my work ethics and qualifications, which can effectively assist your brand development.

When I worked with Singapore News Stream, I adjusted our online campaign and revised our news delivery in various online platforms. When Mary was still working for the publication, we worked together in boosting the publication’s election coverage special and consequently, earned great acclaim from various online news organisations in the country.

My work for the publication ensured that I am ready to take on any challenges in managing a publication’s content, especially when it comes to current and breaking news events. I am always available to talk more about my experience in the field and discuss my ideas to develop your brand into something huge that everyone will trust. I have attached both my resume and portfolio for your reference.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Best Regards,
John Smith

Conclusion

Getting referred to the target position you wanted can boost your chances of getting the job. However, you need to make sure that your cover letter indicates everything that the hiring manager needs to know about you and never forget to mention your referrer properly.

Trying to write a letter to fit in different scenarios? Here are some more free samples:
How to Write a Job Application Letter (with samples!)
What is a Network Letter and How It Can Help You To Build Connections (with samples!)
How to Hook A New Job with A Prospecting Cover Letter (with samples!)

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