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How To Ask for a Referral: Tips and Examples [2025]

Referrals are a powerful way to open professional doors. Check out our best advice for requesting a referral for a job.

How To Ask for a Referral: Tips and Examples [2025]
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I recently had my house painted. From the thousands of painters available, I wasn’t sure how to choose the right person for the job. When I remembered that my friend had her home painted last year, I asked her who she used and if she was happy with their work.

She was, and so she was excited about referring them to me. A personalized recommendation from my friend was all I needed to make the decision. Instead of spending hours looking for painters, I simply messaged the painter she recommended and hired him.

That is the power of a job referral, whether you’re job hunting or looking to grow your freelance business. Yet, most of us feel awkward asking for a referral for fear of coming across as pushy, or worse, desperate.

But it doesn’t have to be like that. Asking for referrals is a normal part of the job- or client-hunting process. You just have to know some things to avoid, and some best practices to follow. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about referrals and how to ask for one.

What is a job referral?

A job referral is when you ask someone in your professional network to endorse you to a prospective employer or client. Think of it like word-of-mouth marketing, but instead of promoting a brand, your referrals are “selling” you as the best candidate for a job or project.

Referrals may sometimes come your way without you even asking for them. For example, if a client is really happy with the work you do for them, they may refer you to their associates or friends.

But you don’t have to wait around hoping that referrals come your way. You can request one yourself. Getting a referral from the right person could be a very valuable addition to your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn account and even your Upwork profile. It could also mean winning a project from a new client because an old client spoke so highly of you.

6 steps to ask for a referral

Whether your referral request is for a job search or for potential new business, let’s go over some basic ‘must-knows’ of how to ask for a referral.

Step 1: Choose the appropriate medium

How you ask for a referral will depend on your relationship with your referrer. In most cases,the best medium is in writing. This can be an SMS, a message on LinkedIn, or an email—the choice will depend on how formal or casual your relationship is with the person.

Step 2:  Identify the right person to ask

The first decision you’ll need to make is who you should ask for a referral. This could mean asking someone you know, like an existing client, a former employer, or even a friend. You could also ask someone in your extended network who you don’t know very well (or at all), like the hiring manager for a role. This is less common but not unheard of. We discuss it more below.

Asking someone you know

The best person to ask for a job referral is someone you already know and who can attest to your character and work. The looser your connection, the more challenging your request for a referral is, and the more carefully you will need to tread.

Ask an ex-boss or colleague, a former client, a friend, a family member, or even a college professor. Be honest with them and explain what you need and how they can help you. If it’s someone you know well and have a good relationship with, your referral request is much less likely to get rejected.

Asking someone you barely know

Of course, sometimes we have to branch out and look for people in our extended network who may be able to help us out. This could mean reaching out to an acquaintance, a mutual connection, a friend of a friend or even a former colleague who you only worked with tangentially.

Asking someone you don’t know very well requires a bit more tact. And as always, never assume they will say yes to your request.

Start your referral request by reminding them of your connection to each other. Then provide context on why you’re reaching out to them. Once you’ve explained what you need, give them a bit more information about your background, including skills, qualifications, or previous experience that can help them see why you’re suited for the role.

Asking someone you don't know

If you don’t know anyone who can refer you for a job, don’t panic. With a little extra effort, you may be able to find someone online who could help you, even if they don’t know you—yet.

LinkedIn is often a good place to start. See if you can find the recruiter or hiring manager. If not, you may even be able to find someone who works within the team you’re interested in joining.

When reaching out to this person, don’t be brash and ask for too much too quickly. Take the time to write a thoughtful note that expresses your sincere interest in the company. Start a conversation with them instead of launching into an ask straight away.

You’re welcome to be upfront about being interested in the role. But instead of asking for a referral right away, ask questions about the company, the culture, job responsibilities and anything else. Remember that you’re talking to a stranger so be mindful of how you come across to them.

This conversation can open up the opportunity for you to ask for a referral. Tell them a little bit about yourself and your qualifications and how your new connection can potentially help you.

A discreet request rather than a direct demand may also work better for you. For example, "Can you put in a good word with the hiring manager?" would be okay to ask someone you know. But it may be too forward for someone you only know through LinkedIn. Instead, consider saying, "Can you point me toward the person I should reach out to about this role?"

Regardless of whether your new connection agrees to a referral request or not, be polite and thank them for their time and consideration.

Step 3: Provide context

Make it easy for your referrer to fulfill your request by giving them more context about what you need and why.

If you’re applying for a job, attach your resume and the job listing to your request. Mention why you’re asking them, in particular. If you’re asking a client for referrals for work, include a note about your work together. Feel free to also include a portfolio of your other work for additional context.

A vague request where your referrer isn’t quite sure what you want and how they can help is more likely to lead to a denial or no response. This extra information will make it easier for them to say yes and give you a referral that will actually do the job.

Step 4: Make it easy for them to say yes

An easy referral process is likely to yield much better results for you. We mentioned providing context. That’s always helpful. You can also send them your website or career portfolio—if relevant—for easy reference.

Often someone may be happy to provide you with a referral but simply doesn’t have the time (or the inclination) to sit down and write an actual letter for you. You can offer to draft a letter on your referrer’s behalf and they can simply add their signature to it. This makes it much easier for them and they don’t feel like they have to go out of their way too much.

If you’re an independent professional, another way you can make it easy for clients to refer you is by creating and providing marketing materials to them. This could be a business card, a prewritten email template, or just a button on your website that allows them to quickly refer you to their network without too much effort.

Step 5: Give them an out

Remember that just because you’re asking for a referral doesn’t mean you should expect to get one. You may feel like a friend or an ex-employer is the perfect choice for a referral request, but they may not be entirely comfortable vouching for you. Accept that possibility and let the request go.

To prevent any awkwardness, offer an out in your referral request by saying or writing something to the effect of “It’s absolutely okay if you can’t or don’t want to” in your referral request. This gives your referrers an exit option without jeopardizing your relationship with them.

Step 6: Follow up and express gratitude

Finally, don’t forget your social graces! If you receive a referral, don’t take it for granted. If someone sends a new client your way, make sure to send a thank you note to express your appreciation. If a professional contact refers you for your dream role, don’t forget to thank them for their time, regardless of whether you land the job.

9 tips to help you get a great job referral

When asking for a referral, don’t forget that you’re asking someone for a favor. Be polite, not presumptuous. Here are nine tips to help you navigate that fine line.

1. Consider your tone

How you ask for a referral will depend on your relationship with your referrer. For example, if you’re asking someone you don’t know very well, or if they’re an authority figure, you may like to use a more formal tone of voice.

For example,

Dear Ms. Olson,

I hope you’re well. I’m not sure if you remember me, but I interned on the creative team at Sterling Cooper a few summers ago. I greatly admired your work while there. I especially enjoyed the clever copywriting for the recent Heinz campaign.

It has come to my attention that McCann Erickson is hiring junior designers. Do you feel like you could refer me to your hiring manager?

I’ve attached my resume and the job posting for your reference.  

Please let me know if you’d like any more information. Thank you for considering my request.

Best,

Stan Rizzo

On the other hand, if you’re asking a friend, your tone will probably be more casual.

For example,

Hi Amelia! Hope your week’s going well.

Just a quick text to see if I can ask for a favor, please? I’m interested in a role that has come up at your company. I was hoping you could refer me to your hiring manager. Let me know a good time to call, and I can tell you more about it! And of course, feel free to say no. No hurt feelings, I promise!”

By the way, if you need further inspiration, you’ll find more examples of referral requests below.

2. Personalize your request

There’s no better way to ask for a favor (i.e., a referral) than sending out a generic blast to anyone who can remotely help you. We’re being sarcastic, of course!

Always personalize your referral request with a thoughtful message. Even if you’re asking a few different people, write to each referrer individually. Mention why you’re asking them in particular and provide context on how you think they can help you.

3. Be specific

As we discussed earlier, get more referrals by providing context. Whether it’s for a seasonal job or new business referrals,  be very specific about what you’re asking for.

If you’re applying for a specific role at a specific company, share this with your potential referrer. Don’t just ask, “Could you refer me for a job?”  That’s too broad and could lead to your request being denied.

Similarly, if you’re asking an existing client for a referral, don’t just say, “Do you know anyone else who needs social media work?” It’s too broad and may not make them stop and think.

Instead, you should try to be a bit more granular with your ask. “I’m looking to add a few more local restaurants to my roster of clients. Do you know any other restaurant owners who may be interested in social media marketing as well?”  This request is specific and makes them stop and think about if they do, in fact, know any other restaurants that may be interested in your services.

4. Be mindful of timing

The timing of your request can make a big difference. If you know the person providing your referral is particularly busy at work or under pressure, hold off on your request. Asking at the right time can often lead to a much more positive result.

Also, don’t rush your request. Remember, you’re asking for a favor. Give them enough time to consider your request, review your resume or suitability for the role and anything else they may like to consider.

5. Offer incentives

This is particularly important for independent professionals. While your work alone may impress a client enough for them to refer you to others, offering an incentive can’t hurt.

Encourage referrals by offering incentives like a gift card, a small discount on future work (for existing clients), or even a referral bonus (for other freelancers who refer you). Incentives work exactly as promised by incentivizing your referrer to send more work your way.  

If you’re applying for a job, this may not quite work the same way. If you offer an incentive to a potential referrer, it may come across as a tad sleazy, so we suggest avoiding this approach.

6. Deliver a good experience for your clients

Good work speaks for itself. If an existing client is impressed with your work, they’re likely to refer you to others. After all, the proof is in the pudding.

Good work isn’t just about delivering the final product. It’s about delivering a good experience from beginning to end. Work on building good relationships with your clients. Be organized. Do what you say you’ll do and deliver your work as promised.

Being reliable, punctual, a good communicator, and easy to work with, as well as providing great work, are qualities that clients value. Be that person for your client, and you will prove yourself a key team member. It could then lead to referrals without you even having to ask for one!

7. Build your network and leverage mutual connections

You don’t always have to wait to ask for referrals when you need them. Prioritize building your network of professional relationships, and referrals may start coming your way without even asking for them.

Have you ever heard people say it’s not what you know, it’s who you know? They’re referring to the importance of a good network. A mutual connection can come in very handy whether you’re job hunting or building your freelance business.

Attend conferences or networking events. Build your network online through LinkedIn or other niche referral groups.  Join professional associations like your college’s alumni group or even your local chamber of commerce.

If you’re an independent professional, remember that it’s not just about building client relationships. Foster meaningful relationships with other freelancers as well. For example, if you’re a copywriter, you may like to build symbiotic relationships with web designers. All websites need copywriting, so every time their clients need a copywriter, they can refer you and vice versa.

With good networking, you can connect with people working at your dream company or a contact who may know someone who can help you. The connections in your network can also give you the career advice you need to excel. The relationships you form through networking lay the groundwork that can lead to potential opportunities.

8. Ask in other ways

Sometimes, a referral may not be possible or appropriate in your situation. Think creatively. Maybe you can ask for a testimonial or review of your work instead? If a client is satisfied with your work, they’re often more than happy to leave you a good review.

Alternatively, if your work with a client has produced great results, you could ask to include them in a case study. Case studies are a great way to show off your skills and abilities to potential new clients.

9. Follow up and provide updates

Haven’t heard back after sending out a request? Don’t be afraid to follow up—politely and professionally. Send a brief follow-up message to remind them of your interest. If they don’t respond, don’t badger them; simply move on.

When you do get a referral from someone, be sure to keep them in the loop of how things progress for you as well. If their referral lands you a job or a project, let them know; they’ll be happy to know they could help.

3 referral request examples

Ready to ask for a referral but need some help actually crafting your request? Below are three referral template letters for inspiration.

Referral request example 1: an ex-employer

If you’re considering asking an ex-boss to refer you for a potential job opportunity, this referral request may be a helpful template to follow.

Dear Mindy,

Hope you’re well and that life at Kaling International is as fun as ever! I will always have such fond memories of working there and learning so much from you!

I’m currently in the middle of job-hunting as I feel I’ve outgrown my role here at DK Productions. It’s come to my attention that the folks at Point Grey Pictures are looking for a new production assistant for an upcoming show.

You always had such great things to say about your time at Point Grey. I’m very excited about the potential opportunity to work there and follow in your footsteps. Would you be comfortable referring me to the hiring manager? I would really appreciate it!

I’ve attached a copy of the job ad and my resume for your reference.

If it makes things easier for you, I could draft a referral letter on your behalf that you could simply review and sign.

Thanks so much for considering my request.

Best,

Padma

Referral request example 2: an existing client

If you’re an independent professional hoping to get some referrals from an existing client, this request for a referral may provide inspiration.

Hi Chris,

Hope you’re having a good week despite the awful weather there! It’s getting very warm here in opposite-land Sydney.

This email isn’t about our project. I’m actually writing to ask a favor.

I’ve just wrapped up a few long-term projects and am now looking for a couple of new clients to work with. I’m specifically interested in building or improving Shopify websites for clients with eCommerce stores.

You mentioned you attend a variety of eCommerce business events in your area. As we’ve worked together for two years now and you know my work well, I was hoping you wouldn’t mind referring me to a few people in your network who may fit the bill.

I’ve attached a flyer to this email that outlines my packages in more detail. Feel free to forward this on to any relevant contacts. I’m also happy to write out an email template if that will make things easier for you.

For any new clients that come to me via your referrals, I’ll be happy to offer you a 5% discount for two months.

If you can’t think of anyone suitable to refer me to at the moment, that’s no problem at all. I just wanted to let you know I’m interested in growing my business.

Please let me know if you need any more information from me.

Thanks so much.

Best,

John

Referral request example 3: a mutual connection

If you’re considering asking for a referral from someone with whom you only share a mutual connection, this template can help you approach it less awkwardly.

Dear Ms. Richardson,

Our mutual friend Megan Markle mentioned your firm may be hiring new legal project managers in the new year. She recommended I connect with you.

I worked with Megan at Pearson Specter for five years where I scoped, planned, monitored, and drove a number of key projects from start to completion.

I’m attaching my cover letter and resume so you can review my qualifications and suitability for the role. If you think I would be a good fit for the project management team at Litt Wheeler, I would really appreciate it if you could refer me to your hiring manager.

Please let me know if you’d like to discuss anything further. Thank you for considering my request.

Regards,

Alex Williams

Build a thriving freelance business on Upwork

For independent professionals, the best referrals come from people who already know you and have worked with you. This could be your clients or even other independent professionals you’ve collaborated with on projects.

Building your freelance business on Upwork helps you collect reviews and referrals with ease.

Once you’ve built a relationship with an Upwork client, don’t be too shy to ask them for a referral or, at the very least, a review of your work. This will help you attract more clients in the work marketplace.

You can also use Upwork to create a referral network with other freelancers. You can refer other freelancers for jobs that aren’t the right fit for you and invite them to do the same for you.

Not on Upwork yet? Sign up for a freelancer account to get started.

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Author Spotlight

How To Ask for a Referral: Tips and Examples [2025]
Radhika Basuthakur
Content Writer

Radhika is a self-confessed word nerd and content expert with over 15 years of experience writing content for businesses around the world. She is a cheerleader for flexible work, a passionate world traveler, and spends her free time alternating between a good book and a good hike.

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