The best referral messages on LinkedIn are personalized, genuine, and highlight the referral recipient’s qualifications. An effective referral message explains why you’re making the referral, provides relevant context about the role or opportunity, and compliments the recipient’s skills and experience.
Personalize the Message
Avoid sending a generic referral message. Take the time to personalize your note so it doesn’t come across as mass-produced. Mention how you know the person and why you thought of them for this particular role or opportunity. Speak to their specific qualifications and your personal experience working with them. This thoughtful approach makes the recipient feel special and more inclined to apply.
For example: “Hi Jane, I wanted to share this job opportunity with you that I think you would be a great fit for. As a Director of Sales Ops with 5+ years of experience successfully building and leading sales teams, I know you have the perfect background for this Head of Sales role. I’ve always been impressed with your leadership capabilities and ability to deliver results. Please let me know if you have any questions!”
Explain Why You’re Making the Referral
Context is key in a referral message. Explain how you learned about the job opening or opportunity. Share why it made you think of them. Providing this background helps the recipient understand the role and your rationale for referring them.
For example: “Hi Tom, I noticed this opening for a Senior Project Manager role on the product team at ABC Company through my network. As soon as I saw it, I immediately thought of you given your strong technical PM background and proven success leading cross-functional initiatives. This seems like a great match for your skills and experience, so I wanted to pass it along.”
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience
A referral message shouldn’t just be about the opportunity – it also needs to showcase the recipient. Compliment their relevant qualifications and achievements that make them a strong candidate. This boosts their confidence and gets them excited about applying.
For example: “Hi Sarah, I came across this opening for a Director of Marketing position that looks like a great fit based on your impressive background in strategic marketing and brand management. Your track record of executing successful campaigns and initiatives makes me confident you would excel in this role. Let me know if you would like me to formally submit a referral.”
Offer to Make an Introduction
If possible, offer to facilitate an introduction between the hiring manager and the referral recipient. Name-dropping your connection at the company personalizes the note and provides a warm introduction. This increases the chances that the recipient’s application will get serious consideration.
For example: “Hi Michael, my colleague Julia, VP of Engineering at Company X, just posted this opening for a Software Architect. Your depth of experience designing enterprise platforms and leading large engineering teams seems like an ideal match. I’d be happy to connect the two of you directly if you’re interested in learning more or applying for the role.”
Include Details About Next Steps
Be clear about the next steps the recipient should take if they want to apply. Provide instructions for submitting their application or resume and offer to answer any questions they may have about the role or company.
For example: “Hi Lisa, there is a Product Designer position open on our team that looks like a great fit based on your UX portfolio and background. To apply, simply email your resume to [email protected] and CC me so I can flag you as a referral. Let me know if you need any other details about the role!”
Proofread Before Sending
Before hitting send, carefully proofread your referral message and check for any errors. You want the note to be polished and professional, so the recipient knows you took the time to thoughtfully compose your recommendation.
Double check that you:
- Included the correct job details
- Spelled the recipient’s name properly
- Personalized the message with specific details
- Conveyed your confidence in the referral
Follow Up After Sending
Don’t leave things hanging after you make the referral. Follow up in a few days to see if the recipient has any other questions and find out if they plan to apply. If they get an interview, wish them luck and offer to do a practice session. This extra step shows you’re invested in their success.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
To ensure your referral message makes a strong impression, be sure to avoid these common pitfalls:
- Making it all about you, rather than highlighting qualifications of the recipient
- Using a generic template message instead of personalizing
- Forgetting to provide pertinent details like job description, company name, application instructions
- Not following up after sending the initial note
- Pressuring the recipient to apply if they express no interest
Key Takeaways
An impactful referral message on LinkedIn:
- Is personalized and thoughtful
- Articulates why you see the recipient as a good match
- Compliments the person’s relevant skills and achievements
- Provides context on the opportunity
- Offers to facilitate an introduction when possible
- Follows up after sending the initial note
With the right approach, a referral message can be a powerful tool to help someone in your network land an exciting new role or opportunity. The most effective messages make the recipient feel valued, confident, and motivated to apply.