Referrals on a resume are quite often limited to a few words at the end of the document. However, when considering how to mention referrals in cover letters you need to take a quite different approach.
A compelling cover letter is just as important as a carefully crafted resume and a good referral can make the difference in both cases. However, due to the nature of a cover letter as a flowing text, the way you weave a professional connection into your prose can be quite distinct.
In this article, we explain a few of the most important dos and a don’ts to consider when approaching cover letter referrals. Find out how to successfully mention referrals in cover letters and how these might appear in the final draft.
Do: Highlight Your Referral in the First Paragraph
Unlike on the resume, your referral needs to be mentioned upfront. Your first paragraph normally needs to make it clear quickly that you’ve been recommended by someone before moving on to your achievements.
This is not only useful in getting the recruiter’s attention from the start. It also gives them extra incentive to keep reading further. Alternatively, If it’s not in the very first paragraph, it needs to be mentioned as soon as possible in the text.
Don’t: Use a Referral That Doesn’t Make Sense
A referral is only valuable if it can provide a clear connection between yourself and the open position. Therefore, using a referee who is unrecognizable to anyone in the company is not going to get you very far.
If you have a referee but they can’t help provide a useful introduction to a job in the sector or industry you want to get hired in, it’s better to leave them off the page.
The referral always needs to act as a bridge between you and the company to create a soft establishment of contact. If it doesn’t serve, cut it.
Do: Be Professional When You Namedrop
As with the rest of your cover letter, it’s important to be professional in the way that you name and explain your connection to the referee. This is shown in the sample text below:
I am writing to you to express my interest in the Sales Representative position available at Entertech Inc as recommended to me by Joe Smith. Joe and I have worked closely together for a number of years and he made me aware I could be a good fit for this position given my experience and record in sales.
As you can see from this simple example, the reference doesn’t need to be long or wordy to be formal and professional. It focuses on an indirect way of selling yourself that addresses the needs of the role whilst giving you the best introduction possible.
Don’t: Name Someone Without Getting Permission First
It’s very bad business etiquette to namedrop someone in a cover letter without asking them first. Always get permission before sending out a document with a named professional in case the recruiter contacts them regarding your application.
Not getting permission upfront can have negative consequences for a couple of reasons. First and foremost it could burn your bridges with the referee in question.
Secondly, it might undermine your chances of getting picked if the recruiter notices some unfamiliarity between yourself and the referee. Honesty is highly valued in companies and if you state that someone has recommended a position to you when they haven’t, it could lead to you losing out on the role.
Ideally, you should send a copy of your draft cover letter to the person you’re naming before submitting it. That way you’ll be able to ensure they are happy with the information about them you’ve provided.
Do: Explain Your Connection to the Referee
The recruiter needs to be able to understand why your referee might have recommended you and how this might connect to your eligibility for the job. Therefore always make it clear whether they have referred you for any of the following reasons:
- You work with them
- They work in the company you’re targeting
- You’ve worked with them previously
- They know you personally
Don’t: Forget to Explain Why They Are Recommending You
Along with the details of how you know your referee, you also need to give an indication as to why they have recommended you.
As shown in our example previously, it’s important to state why they have told you about the opportunity with the company. This can normally be demonstrated by noting a few achievements, types of experience, or working styles that could make you a good candidate.
There can be no doubt that a referral for a job can accelerate your chances of getting hired. Trust and relationships play a big role in professional development. By getting the recommendation of someone known to the company or who can vouch for you can go a long way in making your cover letter pack a punch.
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