Employee Referral Cover Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Today's Date]
[Recipient's Name]
[Recipient's Job Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my sincere interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as referred to me by [Employee's Name], who is a valued member of your team. Having learned about the opening through this trusted source, I am excited to submit my application for the position.
[Optional: Add a brief introduction of your connection with the referring employee and your admiration for the company's work or achievements.]
With [number of years] years of experience in the [your field/industry], I have developed a strong foundation in [mention key skills or areas of expertise relevant to the job]. I believe that my background aligns well with the requirements of the [Job Title] role and would enable me to make valuable contributions to [Company Name].
Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a passion for [mention any specific projects or accomplishments that showcase your abilities]. My [mention a key trait or skill that sets you apart] has enabled me to [mention how it positively impacted your previous employer or projects].
What excites me most about the opportunity at [Company Name] is the company's commitment to [mention a specific aspect of the company's mission, values, or projects]. I am eager to join a team that is dedicated to [mention what inspires you about the company's goals or projects].
I am confident that my skills, experience, and dedication make me a strong fit for the [Job Title] position. I am excited about the possibility of contributing my talents to your team and helping [Company Name] achieve its objectives.
Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review, which provides additional details about my professional background. I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss how my skills can benefit [Company Name] in greater detail. Please feel free to reach out to me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to schedule a convenient time to speak.
Once again, I express my gratitude to [Employee's Name] for recommending me for this opportunity. I look forward to the possibility of joining the [Company Name] team and contributing to its continued success.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Download Word Doc
Download PDF
Professional Employee Referral Cover Letter
Subject: Referral for [Candidate’s Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to formally recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I have had the privilege of working with [Candidate’s Name] at [Previous Company/Project] and witnessed firsthand their exceptional skills in [specific expertise]. Their professionalism, dedication, and teamwork consistently set them apart.
I am confident that [Candidate’s Name] would be a strong asset to your team. They not only bring technical expertise but also a positive attitude that enhances workplace collaboration.
Please feel free to reach out to me if you require further details regarding their professional background.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Casual Employee Referral Email
Subject: Recommending [Candidate’s Name]
Hi [Hiring Manager’s First Name],
I wanted to quickly recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the [Job Title] role. I worked with them for a couple of years, and they’re not only skilled at [specific skill] but also a really great person to have on the team.
I think they’d fit well into the culture here at [Company Name]. Let me know if you’d like me to introduce you directly.
Best,
[Your Name]
Creative Employee Referral Letter
Subject: A Perfect Match for [Job Title]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Imagine a candidate who combines creativity with dedication, and energy with professionalism — that’s exactly what you’ll find in [Candidate’s Name]. I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with them, and their work always impressed me with both originality and impact.
For the [Job Title] role, I can think of no better fit. They thrive under challenges, constantly innovate, and inspire others around them.
I strongly encourage you to meet with [Candidate’s Name] and see firsthand the unique qualities they bring.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Formal Employee Referral Letter for Internal Position
Subject: Internal Referral for [Candidate’s Name]
Dear [HR Manager’s Name],
I am pleased to recommend [Candidate’s Name], who is currently part of our [Department] team, for the open [Job Title] position. Their track record here at [Company Name] has been outstanding, and their achievements in [specific tasks or projects] demonstrate their readiness for this role.
As a colleague, I’ve seen their ability to manage responsibilities with diligence, and I believe they have the qualifications to succeed in this higher capacity.
Thank you for considering this recommendation.
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
Heartfelt Employee Referral Email
Subject: Strongly Recommending [Candidate’s Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
It’s rare to meet someone as genuine and hardworking as [Candidate’s Name]. Over the years, I have seen them not only excel in their professional role but also inspire everyone around them with their kindness and integrity.
I wholeheartedly recommend them for the [Job Title] position. Their skills, combined with their character, make them someone who will uplift any team.
Please consider them for this opportunity — I truly believe they are a perfect fit.
With sincerity,
[Your Name]
Quick Employee Referral Message
Subject: Referral for [Candidate’s Name]
Hi [Hiring Manager’s First Name],
Just a quick note — I highly recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the [Job Title] role. They’re excellent at [skill area] and would be a great cultural fit.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Official Employee Referral Letter for Senior Role
Subject: Recommendation of [Candidate’s Name] for [Senior Job Title]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing this letter to officially recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the senior-level position of [Job Title]. Having worked closely with them on strategic projects, I can confirm that they possess the leadership skills, decision-making abilities, and professional maturity required for this role.
Their contributions in [specific area] have resulted in measurable outcomes for our team, and I am confident they will bring the same level of impact to your department.
Please accept this recommendation as my strong endorsement of their candidacy.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Funny Employee Referral Email
Subject: This Candidate Might Steal My Job!
Hey [Hiring Manager’s First Name],
I wanted to refer [Candidate’s Name] for the [Job Title] position. Honestly, they’re so good at what they do that I’m half afraid they might outshine me if you hire them! But jokes aside, they’re brilliant at [skill area], super reliable, and fun to work with.
Hire them before another company does — seriously.
Cheers,
[Your Name]
Preliminary Employee Referral Email
Subject: Potential Candidate Recommendation
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I’d like to put [Candidate’s Name] forward for consideration for the [Job Title] role. I have not worked extensively with them, but based on their reputation and the feedback I’ve received from trusted colleagues, I believe they could be a good match.
This referral is preliminary, but I would encourage a conversation to explore whether they align with your requirements.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
What is an Employee Referral Cover Letter and Why Do You Need It?
An employee referral cover letter is a document written by an employee to recommend a candidate for a job opening. Its main purpose is to give the candidate credibility and increase their chances of getting hired by associating them with someone already trusted by the company. It serves as a bridge between the candidate and the employer, reinforcing the candidate’s skills and cultural fit.
Who Should Send an Employee Referral Cover Letter?
- Current employees who want to recommend someone for an open role.
- Former employees with a strong reputation still connected to the company.
- Supervisors or managers recommending an internal team member.
- Peers or colleagues who have worked closely with the candidate.
To Whom Should the Employee Referral Cover Letter Be Addressed?
- Hiring managers who are directly responsible for filling the role.
- HR departments when the hiring manager is not publicly known.
- Department heads if the referral is for a specialized or senior role.
- Recruiters if the process is being handled externally.
When Should You Send an Employee Referral Cover Letter?
- When a company publicly posts a job opening.
- When an employee knows of an upcoming vacancy internally.
- During campus recruitment or industry events where networking leads to referrals.
- Before official application deadlines to ensure the candidate has visibility.
- When a manager asks employees for recommendations.
How to Write and Send an Employee Referral Cover Letter
- Start with a clear subject line that identifies the candidate and position.
- Greet the recipient appropriately (formal or casual depending on context).
- Introduce the candidate with relevant professional details.
- Highlight specific skills, achievements, or personal traits.
- Close with a strong recommendation and an offer to provide further details.
- Send through the company’s official channels (email, HR portal, or printed letter).
Requirements and Prerequisites for Writing an Employee Referral Cover Letter
- Knowledge of the candidate’s skills, strengths, and experiences.
- A clear understanding of the role being applied for.
- Authorization or willingness to use your name as a reference.
- Accurate and updated contact information for the recipient.
- Confidence that the candidate will positively represent your referral.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in an Employee Referral Cover Letter
- Being too vague and failing to highlight specific skills.
- Overpraising the candidate without evidence or examples.
- Using an unprofessional tone in a formal recommendation.
- Forgetting to include your own relationship to the candidate.
- Sending the referral too late after the hiring process has advanced.
Formatting Guidelines for Employee Referral Cover Letters
- Keep the length between half a page to one page.
- Match the tone to the company culture (formal for corporate, casual for startups).
- Use clear paragraphs with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Prefer email format unless explicitly requested as a printed letter.
- Maintain professionalism even in casual or humorous styles.
Follow-Up Actions After Sending an Employee Referral Cover Letter
- Notify the candidate that the referral has been sent.
- Check with HR or the hiring manager if additional information is required.
- Stay in touch with the candidate during the hiring process.
- Avoid excessive follow-ups but remain available for clarifications.
- Update your referral if the candidate withdraws or changes interest.
Pros and Cons of Sending an Employee Referral Cover Letter
Pros
- Boosts the candidate’s chances of being noticed.
- Strengthens internal relationships by showing support.
- Provides hiring managers with trusted insights about candidates.
Cons
- May create bias in the hiring process.
- Could affect the referrer’s reputation if the candidate underperforms.
- Might cause friction if multiple employees refer different candidates.
Tips and Best Practices for Employee Referral Cover Letters
- Always be honest about your experience with the candidate.
- Tailor the recommendation to the specific job requirements.
- Keep a balance between personal character traits and professional skills.
- Confirm with the candidate before using their name in a referral.
- Be concise but impactful with your wording.
Key Elements and Structure of an Employee Referral Cover Letter
- Subject line or opening that names the candidate and job.
- Greeting appropriate to the recipient.
- Introduction that states your relationship with the candidate.
- Body paragraph detailing the candidate’s skills and achievements.
- Closing statement that reinforces the recommendation.
- Signature with your name and position.
