10 Impressive Employee Referral Email Sample Templates to Boost Your Hiring Process

Are you struggling to find the right employees for your business? Have you considered the power of employee referrals? If not, it’s time to take notice. Employee referrals can be a game changer for your hiring process, and it’s much easier than you think. All you need is a great employee referral email sample to get started. Luckily, there are plenty of examples out there that you can use and edit as needed. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of employee referrals and provide you with some awesome samples to help you streamline your hiring process. Get ready to discover how employee referrals can take your business to the next level.

The Best Structure for Employee Referral Email Sample

As you may know, employee referrals are one of the most effective ways to find and hire top talent for your company. After all, current employees are likely to know potential candidates who would be a great fit for the team and culture. However, the success of an employee referral program largely depends on how well it is communicated and executed. In this article, we’ll explore the best structure for an employee referral email sample that will encourage employees to refer their friends, acquaintances or family members to apply for open positions.

First and foremost, the subject line of your referral email needs to be clear and concise. Make sure it explicitly mentions that it is a referral program and includes the job title, location, or department for which you are seeking candidates. For example, “Refer a Friend and Get Rewarded – Marketing Manager in San Francisco.”

The body of the email should start with a friendly greeting and a brief introduction, reminding employees of the company’s vision, values, and culture. This will help convey the message that you are seeking candidates who embody the same characteristics. Then, explain the details of the referral program, including the reward for successful referrals, such as a bonus or extra vacation days, and any eligibility criteria. Keep the tone upbeat, positive, and conversational throughout.

Next, provide a clear and concise job description for the open position. Use bullet points to outline the key responsibilities, qualifications and job requirements. This will help employees communicate the role and its requirements more effectively to their potential referrals. You can also include a link to the job posting on your company’s career page or social media channels.

Finally, end with a strong call-to-action that encourages employees to make a referral, highlighting the benefits that come with doing so. Reinforce that the referral program is a win-win situation for both the company and employees, and thanking them for helping to grow the company’s talent pool.

In summary, a clear, concise, and conversational structure is key to crafting the best employee referral email sample. By following this structure and including the appropriate details and incentives, you can maximize your chances of receiving high-quality referrals that will help your company grow and succeed.

Employee Referral Email Templates

Referral for an Open Position

Dear [Employee Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to let you know about an open position at our company that I think would be a great fit for you. As you know, we are always looking for talented individuals to join our team, and I believe that your skills and experience would be a valuable asset to our organization.

The position I am referring to is [Job Title], and I believe you would excel in this role. The ideal candidate should have [Key Skills/Experience], which I know you have demonstrated in previous roles. I encourage you to apply for the position and I would be happy to provide a reference or answer any questions you may have.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our company, and I hope to see you soon on our team.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Referral for a Promotion

Dear [Employee Name],

As a colleague and friend, I am writing to recommend you for a promotion. I have had the pleasure of working with you for [Number] years and have witnessed your hard work, dedication, and continued growth within our organization.

You have consistently demonstrated the skills and qualities necessary for this next level of responsibility. Your [List Qualities/Experience That Makes Them Suitable for Promotion] make you an exceptional candidate for this position. I can attest to your strong leadership skills, teamwork, and attention to detail, which I know will serve you well in this new role.

I encourage you to apply for the promotion and would be happy to provide a reference or offer support in any way I can. I am confident that you will continue to excel in this new role and contribute significantly to our company’s growth and success.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Referral for a Special Project

Dear [Employee Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to let you know about a new special project that I think would be an excellent opportunity for you. I know that you are always seeking new challenges and opportunities to grow professionally, and I think this project would be a perfect fit for you.

The project is [Brief Description], and it requires [Skills/Experience Needed]. Having worked with you previously, I know that you possess the necessary skills and experience to excel in this project. Your [List Qualities/Experience That Makes Them Suitable for Project] will make you an asset to the team working on this project.

I encourage you to submit your interest in this project and look forward to working with you on this exciting endeavor.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Referral for a Training Program

Dear [Employee Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to let you know about a training program that I believe would greatly enhance your skills and knowledge in [Field/Industry]. As you know, our organization values continued learning and development, and I believe this training program would benefit both you and our company.

The program is [Brief Description], and it covers [Training Program Details]. Based on your experience, I am confident that you would benefit from this training program and that your newly acquired knowledge would be an asset to our organization. I would be happy to provide a reference or answer any questions you may have about the program.

I encourage you to consider participating in this training program and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on your professional development.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Referral for an Award or Recognition

Dear [Employee Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to recognize your outstanding contributions to our organization. Your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed, and I believe that you are truly deserving of [Award/Recognition].

Your [List Accomplishments and Positive Contributions] have made a significant impact on our team and our company as a whole. Your positive attitude, teamwork, and commitment to excellence are qualities that we all should strive to emulate.

I encourage you to apply for the award/recognition and would be happy to provide a reference or offer support in any way I can. Congratulations on your achievements, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact you will continue to have on our organization.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Referral for Networking Opportunities

Dear [Employee Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to introduce you to [Name of Contact/Networking Event], which I believe would be a great networking opportunity for you. As you know, building professional relationships is essential for career growth, and this event/networking opportunity will give you access to [List Benefits of Attending].

I encourage you to attend the event or connect with [Name of Contact], as I am confident that this will be a valuable opportunity for you. I would be happy to provide a reference or answer any questions you may have about the event or the contact.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our company, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this networking opportunity will have on your career.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Referral for Collaboration or Partnership

Dear [Employee Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to introduce you to [Name of Business/Person], which I believe could be a valuable partner/collaborator for our organization. I have worked with [Name of Business/Person] previously and have found their [List Positive Qualities/Experience] to be exceptional.

Based on your expertise and experience in [Field/Industry], I believe that you and [Name of Business/Person] could form a mutually beneficial partnership/collaboration. I encourage you to consider reaching out to [Name of Business/Person] and exploring this opportunity further.

I would be happy to provide a reference or offer support in any way I can. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to our organization, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this partnership/collaboration will have on our growth and success.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Tips for Writing an Effective Employee Referral Email

Employee referrals are one of the most effective ways to hire top talent. According to research, referrals can result in faster hiring, increased retention, and higher job satisfaction for employees. However, the success of employee referrals depends on the quality of the referral email. Here are some tips for writing an effective employee referral email:

  • Be clear and concise: The referral email should clearly state the job opening, the qualifications required, and what the company is looking for in a candidate. It should also be concise and easy to read.
  • Sell the company: The referral email should highlight the benefits of working for the company such as the culture, work-life balance, and growth opportunities. This will motivate employees to refer their friends and acquaintances.
  • Make it personal: The referral email should be addressed to the employee by name and should mention their previous successes in hiring high-quality candidates. This will make the employee feel valued and appreciated.
  • Include a call-to-action: The referral email should include a clear call-to-action such as “Please submit your referral by [date]”. This will create a sense of urgency and motivate the employee to act quickly.
  • Provide incentives: To further incentivize employees to refer top talent, companies can offer rewards such as bonuses, gift cards, or extra vacation days.
  • Follow up: After sending the referral email, companies should follow up with the employee to thank them for their referral and update them on the status of the hiring process. This will show the employee that their referral was valued and will encourage them to refer more candidates in the future.

By following these tips, companies can create an effective employee referral email that will help them attract top talent and build a successful team.

Employee Referral Email Sample FAQs


What is an employee referral email?

An employee referral email is a message sent by an employee to their contacts, recommending them to apply for a job opening in their company.

Why do companies use employee referral programs?

Companies use employee referral programs to attract talented candidates and to reduce recruitment costs. Referrals from current employees are usually a more reliable source of potential hires compared to other sources.

What should be included in an employee referral email?

An employee referral email should include a brief introduction of the company, the job opening, and why the employee is recommending their contact for the position. It should also provide instructions on how to apply for the job.

How should I address the recipient in an employee referral email?

If the employee knows the recipient personally, they can address them by their first name. If not, it is best to use a professional greeting such as “Dear [recipient’s name].”

Can I refer a friend or family member for a job in my company?

It depends on the company’s policy regarding employee referrals. Some companies allow employees to refer their friends and family members, while others have policies that prohibit it.

Should I include a resume or cover letter in my employee referral email?

No, the recipient should submit their own resume and cover letter when applying for the job. The employee referral email should only serve as a recommendation.

What is the best way to follow up on an employee referral?

The employee can follow up with their contact to see if they have applied for the job and offer any assistance or advice. However, they should not pressure their contact to apply if they are not interested.

Can an employee receive a reward for a successful referral?

Many companies offer rewards or incentives to employees who refer successful candidates. The reward can be in the form of a cash bonus, gift card, or other perks.

What if the referred candidate is not suitable for the job?

The company should thank the employee for the referral and inform them that the candidate is not a good fit for the job. It is important to be transparent and honest with the employee to maintain a good relationship.

That’s all, folks!

Thanks for taking the time to read my employee referral email sample. I hope you found it helpful and that you’ll consider using a similar template for your own recruiting needs. Don’t forget to thank your employees for their referrals and keep them in the loop as the hiring process progresses. And if you ever need more tips and tricks on how to improve your recruitment strategies, be sure to come back and visit us again soon! Happy hiring!