Best Template for a Thank-You Note After a Job Referral

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need when to send your note, what to say, how to format it, and a ready-to-use template that’s easy to personalize. Let’s ensure your thank-you note is as impressive as your application.

Best Template for a Thank You Note After a Job Referral (Copy & Paste)

Below is a versatile thank-you note template you can customize based on your relationship and communication method:

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Subject line: Thank you for the Job Referral

Email Body:

Hi [Referrer's First Name],

I wanted to sincerely express my gratitude for referring me to the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], and I appreciate the specific details you shared. I truly appreciate you taking the time to recommend me and share my profile with [Hiring Manager/Recruiter Name], strengthening our personal connection.

Thanks to your referral, I was contacted by [Company Name], and I’ve already had an initial conversation with their team. It looks like a great opportunity, and I’m excited about the possibility of joining such a dynamic organization.

Your support means a lot to me, and I’m grateful for your confidence in my abilities. Please let me know if I can ever return the favor—I’d be happy to do so.

Warm regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your LinkedIn Profile]

5 Examples of Thank You Notes for Different Scenarios

1. Referral from a Former Colleague

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Subject: Thanks So Much for the Referral!

Hi [Name],

I’m incredibly grateful for your referral to the [Job Title] role at [Company], and I want to express my genuine appreciation by mentioning your referral name in my cover letter. Your recommendation means a lot coming from someone I’ve worked closely with, reinforcing our connection.

Thank you again for your support—I’ll follow up with a post-interview thank you note and keep you posted on how it goes!

Best,
[Your Name]

2. Referral From a Mentor

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Subject: Thank You for the Introduction

Hi [Name],

Thank you so much for connecting me with [Hiring Manager/Company Name] for the [Job Title] position. I deeply appreciate your endorsement and the time you took to speak on my behalf.

Regardless of the outcome, I’m grateful for your continued guidance and support throughout my career.

Warmly,
[Your Name]

3. Referral That Led to an Interview

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Subject: Update: I Got the Interview!

Hi [Name],

Great news! I had an interview with [Company] for the [Job Title] job opportunity—thanks to your kind referral. I felt well-prepared, and the team seems like a great fit, all thanks to the positive impact of your referral.

Thank you again for helping me get my foot in the door. I’ll be sure to update you as things progress!

With gratitude,
[Your Name]

4. Referral That Resulted in a Job Offer

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Subject: Thank You—Exciting News!

Hi [Name],

I’m thrilled to let you know that I’ve accepted a new job offer with [Company], which will help foster new business relationships as a [Job Title]. Your referral played a key role in helping me get noticed, and I can’t thank you enough for your support, which will help facilitate future referrals.

I truly appreciate your belief in me, and I hope to return the favor someday.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

5. Referral That Didn’t Lead to a Job

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Subject: Thank You for the Referral

Hi [Name],

I just wanted to send a thank you letter for referring me to [Company] for the [Job Title] role; I'll be sure to follow up with you. While I wasn’t selected for the position, I appreciate your support and the opportunity to be considered.

Your help means a lot, and I hope to stay in touch and possibly collaborate again in the future.

All the best,
[Your Name]

What to Include in a Thank You Note for a Job Referral

A great thank-you note should be short, personal, and purposeful. Stick to this structure:

1. Greeting

Start with a warm, respectful greeting using the person’s name.

Example

• Hi Maria,
• Dear Mr. Lewis,

2. Acknowledgment of the Referral

Mention the job title and the company you were referred to. This shows the note is personalized and helps the recipient recall their action.

Example

Thank you for referring me to the Digital Marketing Manager position at Huxley Media.

This confirms the context and shows that you value their specific help.

3. Expression of Appreciation

Show genuine gratitude. Let them know how much you appreciate their support and how it positively impacted your job search.

Example

I truly appreciate you taking the time to connect me with the team. Your support means a lot, especially during such a competitive job market.

Try to be specific about why the referral was meaningful to you.

4. Optional: Share a Brief Update

If there’s been progress, like being contacted for an interview, share it. This keeps them in the loop and shows that the referral made a difference.

Example

• I had a great conversation with the hiring manager last week and have been invited to a second-round interview.

Even if there’s no update yet, you can say:

Example

• I’ll keep you posted on how things go!

5. Closing Statement

Wrap it up with a professional and friendly tone. You can offer to return the favor or keep in touch.

Example

• Thanks again for your support—please let me know if I can ever return the favor.
• I hope we can stay in touch.

Sign off with:

Then, add your name.

When to Send a Thank You Note After a Job Referral

Timing is key when it comes to thank-you notes. You want your small token of appreciation to feel prompt and sincere, without being rushed.

Ideal time to send it:

• Immediately after the referral is confirmed. If someone agrees to refer you, don’t wait until the interview—thank them right away.
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• After each major milestone. If the referral leads to an interview or job offer, send a second thank-you to keep them updated and appreciated.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make your thank-you note a thoughtful referral and effective, steer clear of these common errors:

1. Being Vague

Generic messages like “Thanks for everything” or “I appreciate your help” come off as impersonal and forgettable.

Do this instead:

2. Waiting Too Long

Sending your note too late can make your gratitude feel like an afterthought.

Best practice:
Send your thank-you message within 24–48 hours of the referral while it’s still fresh in both your minds.

3. Being Overly Formal or Stiff

Unless you’re writing to a C-level executive or someone in a very formal industry, keep your tone warm and conversational.

4. Ignoring Follow-Up

If their referral results in an interview, job offer, or even helpful networking, don’t leave them out of the loop.

What to do:  

Send a quick follow-up note:

Conclusion

Writing a thank-you note after a job referral isn’t just polite—it’s smart and essential for nurturing business referrals. It builds goodwill, nurtures business relationships, especially with small businesses, and distinguishes you as someone who values connections. With the templates and tips above, including referral letters, you’re equipped to craft messages that express appreciation and leave a strong impression.

Start with the template, customize your message, and take a moment to express sincere gratitude. It could be the step that turns a referral into a long-term opportunity.