how to write an employee referral

HR Resources

How to Write an Employee Referral From an External Network Email

June 25, 2022

Reem Al-Tamimi

Reem Al-Tamimi

Content Writer

Are you tired of your job ads attracting the wrong crowd? Are you looking for a smarter way to find top talent?

In today’s hiring world, the real key to success lies in your connections. How to write an employee referral that brings results is now more important than ever. Leveraging your team’s external networks can shift the entire dynamic of your hiring process, opening doors to exceptional talent and opportunities.

Moreover, employee referrals from external networks significantly improve crucial hiring metrics such as time-to-hire, cost-per-hire, and the quality of candidates – while also boosting employee retention.

So, ready to get started? Here’s a customizable employee referral email template to help you tap into your team’s connections and find that perfect candidate for your company. No more relying on outdated methods – it’s time to harness the power of referrals!

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How to Write an Employee Referral: Employee Referral Email Sample from an External Network 

Subject Line: We’re growing our team! / Do you know a great (job title) to be part of our team?

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I’m excited to share that [Company’s Name] is on the lookout for a dynamic [Job Title] to enhance our team! At [Company’s Name], we’re committed to working with the brightest minds, and we’re turning to you for help in finding our newest team member.

This role is pivotal, involving [briefly outline key responsibilities], and more details can be found in the attached job description. The ideal candidate should possess [list essential qualifications, skills, and experience required for the position].

We’re offering a fantastic opportunity for a [Job Title] eager to join [Company’s Name], where [mention unique selling points of the job, like exposure to cutting-edge technology or opportunities for professional growth].

If you know someone who would be a perfect match for this role and aligns with our company culture, we would be thrilled if you could refer them to us. Please email their contact information and resume to us.

Should you have any questions or require further details, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email.

Thank you for being a part of our community and helping us grow.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Signature]

[Your Contact Information]

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What is an Employee Referral? 

Employee referrals are reshaping the recruitment world. Instead of relying solely on job postings and cold calls, the focus has shifted to leveraging personal and professional networks. Writing an employee referral involves more than just drafting a message; it’s about forging a link between a skilled individual and your company.

Employee referrals have become a cornerstone of recruitment strategies. By harnessing the networks of current employees, companies can access candidates who are not only qualified but also likely to fit well with the company culture. This approach is especially crucial in today’s job market, where candidates have increased leverage in their job searches.

Your existing employees contribute to a robust company culture while you gain access to a pre-vetted talent pool recommended by trusted team members.

In today’s highly competitive talent acquisition scene, employee referrals are a standout strategy. They significantly reduce the time and expense of recruiting top-notch talent. Plus, they often lead to longer employee tenure and greater job satisfaction. All in all, his approach creates a mutually beneficial relationship.

A recruiter looking for how to write an employee referral.

The Power of External Network Employee Referrals

In the vibrant world of talent acquisition, mastering how to write an employee referral from an external network significantly enhances your recruitment strategy. External referrals extend beyond the usual internal sources, reaching out to a broader community that includes business partners, customers, alumni, former employees, and professional circles. This strategy considerably broadens your talent search.

When communicating with your external network, ensure your referral request emails include these key points:

  • The Role: Clearly detail the job title and major responsibilities and provide a direct link to the full job description.
  • Skills and Knowledge: Specify the essential skills and knowledge needed for the position.
  • Company Insight: Give a brief overview of your company and the distinct advantages of the role.
  • Referral Process: Explain the steps your recipients should follow to refer a suitable candidate.
  • A Note of Thanks: Always end with a heartfelt thank you to express appreciation for their involvement in your recruitment efforts.

By leveraging the power of external networks, you’re not just filling a position; you’re crafting a diverse and robust team enriched by the wide-ranging networks of those already linked to your company.

How to Write Employee Referral Email

Crafting an effective employee referral email for external networks is a strategic process that can significantly enhance your talent acquisition efforts. This guide outlines key steps to master how to write an employee referral email, ensuring it’s impactful and elicits a positive response.

Step 1: Define the Purpose and Role

Begin your email with a clear, concise introduction that outlines the purpose of your message. Highlight the specific role you’re recruiting for, ensuring to articulate the importance of this position within your company. This sets the context for your recipients and grabs their attention from the outset.

Sample:

Dear [Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I’m reaching out to share an exciting opportunity within our company. We’re currently seeking a talented individual to join us as a [Job Title], a role critical to our team’s success.

Step 2: Detail the Job Specifications

Next, provide a detailed description of the job role. Include key responsibilities, required qualifications, and desired experience. Be clear and concise to ensure the recipients understand exactly what you’re looking for in a candidate.

Sample:

This position will be responsible for [list primary responsibilities]. We’re looking for someone with [mention necessary qualifications] and, ideally, [state desired experience].

A recruiter writing a employee referral email.

Step 3: Highlight the Company Culture and Benefits

Share a brief description of your company’s culture and the benefits associated with the role. This helps potential referrers envision the type of candidate who would thrive in your environment.

Sample:

At [Your Company], we pride ourselves on [describe company culture]. The role offers [mention benefits], contributing to our commitment to support and develop our team.

Step 4: Clarify the Referral Process

Clearly explain the referral process. Make it as simple as possible for recipients to refer candidates. Include any relevant links or contact details where they can send their referrals.

Sample:

If you know someone who would be a great fit, please send their contact details and resume to [provide email address] or use [mention any specific referral link or platform].

Step 5: Express Gratitude and Provide Contact Information

Conclude your email with a note of thanks and offer your contact information for any further queries. This not only shows your appreciation but also encourages open communication.

Sample:

Thank you in advance for your help. Should you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact me at [Your Contact Information].

Step 6: Follow-Up

Finally, plan for a follow-up. If you haven’t received responses or referrals after a reasonable period, sending a polite reminder can be effective.

Sample:

Dear [Name],

I wanted to follow up on my previous email regarding the [Job Title] position. If you have any referrals or need additional information, please let me know.

A recruiter received an employee referral email.

How to Write an Employee Referral: Last Few Words

Leveraging the networks of your existing or former employees can significantly streamline your talent acquisition process. They are not just valuable for their extensive connections but also for their deep understanding of your company’s culture and values. This insight makes them exceptionally equipped to identify the perfect fit for both the role and your organization.

Are you looking for advanced recruiting solutions like EVA-REC to help you find and recruit external and internal referrals?

EVA-REC is an end-to-end ATS that offers world-class features to ramp up team collaboration, automate the hiring process, streamline communication, eliminate admin tasks, create a memorable hiring experience, and help you make the right hires every time. Recruit top talent faster, fairer, and more efficiently with EVA-REC today! Request a free demo!

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Author

Reem Al-Tamimi

Reem Al-Tamimi

Turn top talent to employees fast

Hire, assess, onboard and manage top talent for every job. See how Elevatus streamlines everything; from acquire to new hire.

Request a demo