Last updated: 31 October 2026
The hardest part of asking for a referral is the first message. Too long and nobody reads it. Too vague and nobody knows what to do with it. Here are 8 short templates you can copy, plus what makes each one work.
1. LinkedIn: asking someone you don't know
Hi Rohan, I came across your profile while looking at the Data Analyst role at Swiggy (job ID 12345). I have 2 years in SQL and Power BI at a logistics company, and the role's focus on delivery metrics matches my work. Would you be open to referring me? I've attached my resume and can share anything else you need. Thanks either way!
2. LinkedIn: asking an alumnus
Hi Sneha, I'm a 2023 graduate from NIT Trichy too (ECE). I saw you work on the payments team at Razorpay. I'm applying for the Backend Engineer role (link) and have 3 years with Java and Spring Boot. If you're comfortable, would you refer me? Happy to send a resume or jump on a 10-minute call first.
3. WhatsApp: asking a friend or ex-colleague
Hey Arjun! Hope Flipkart's treating you well. I'm looking to move and saw an SDE-2 opening on your team's side: (link). Could you refer me? Resume attached. No pressure if it's not a fit 🙂
4. Email: asking a senior contact
Subject: Referral for Product Analyst role (ID 45678) Hi Meera, I hope you're well. I'm applying for the Product Analyst role at PhonePe and wanted to ask if you'd be willing to refer me. Quick context: 3 years as a business analyst at Infosys, where I built the dashboards our client used for weekly reviews. I've attached my resume. Thank you for considering it. Ankit
5. Asking for advice first (warmer)
Hi Kavya, I'm a QA engineer thinking about moving into a product company. I noticed you made a similar move to Atlassian last year. Could I ask you 2–3 questions over chat about what helped? I'd really value it.
This works well with strangers. If the chat goes well, many people offer to refer you without being asked.
6. Follow-up (after 4–5 days)
Hi Rohan, just bumping this in case it got buried. The role is still open till Friday. Totally understand if you're busy!
7. After they refer you
Thanks so much for the referral, Sneha! I'll keep you posted on how it goes.
8. Closing the loop
Hi Sneha, quick update: I cleared the first round and have the final interview next week. Thank you again for the referral, it really helped.
Day, Weekday's free AI job agent, applies to matching jobs in India for you, on WhatsApp.
Say hi to Day on WhatsAppHow Day works →What makes people say yes
- A specific role: a job ID or link, not "any opening".
- A real fit: one line that connects your work to the role.
- An easy ask: resume attached, nothing for them to dig up.
- A way out: "no pressure" makes it easier to say yes.
What to avoid
- Copy-pasting the same message to everyone in a company.
- Writing a cover letter in a DM.
- Asking for a referral and a salary range in the same first message.
Need more? See how to get a job referral, step by step and our cold email templates for job seekers.
FAQs
How do I write a referral message for a job?
Mention who you are, the exact role with a link, one line on why you fit, and a simple ask. Keep it under 80 words and attach your resume.
Should I message on LinkedIn or WhatsApp?
LinkedIn for people you don't know, WhatsApp only for people who already have your number.
How long should a referral message be?
Short. 50–80 words is enough for a first message.
When should I follow up?
After 4–5 days, once. If there's still no reply, ask someone else.
Can I use AI to write referral messages?
Yes, as a first draft. Edit it so it sounds like you and includes real details about your work.
