Search test library by skills or roles
⌘ K

Employee Referral Email Templates for Recruiters


Siddhartha Gunti

March 31, 2025


Employee referrals can be a game-changer in recruitment, offering access to a wider talent pool. Crafting the perfect email template for reaching out to your external network is key to maximizing this potential.

In this post, we provide several email templates tailored for different contexts, such as reconnecting with former colleagues or reaching out to alumni networks. These templates aim to streamline your referral process and enhance your recruitment strategy.

Table of contents

Crafting a Professional Employee Referral Email Template
Template for Reaching Out to Your External Network
Personalized Outreach Template for Industry Contacts
Template for Reconnecting with Former Colleagues
LinkedIn Connection Outreach Template
Template for Reaching Out to Alumni Networks
Follow-up Template for Previous Referral Sources
Download Employee Referrals from External Network Email Templates in multiple formats
Wrapping Up

Crafting a Professional Employee Referral Email Template

Writing an employee referral email template with a professional tone is crucial for recruiters. It ensures clear communication and reflects positively on your organization. Understanding the importance of writing skills in the workplace can help you achieve this.

Start with a clear and concise subject line that immediately conveys the purpose of the email. This helps the recipient quickly understand the email's intent and encourages them to open it.

In the opening paragraph, introduce yourself and the organization briefly. Mention the role you're hiring for and why referrals are important to your hiring process.

Clearly outline the details of the job position, including key responsibilities and qualifications. This ensures that potential referrers have all the necessary information to identify suitable candidates.

Include a call to action, encouraging recipients to refer candidates and explain how they can do so. Providing a simple and straightforward process increases the likelihood of receiving quality referrals.

Close the email with a thank you note, expressing gratitude for their time and assistance. A polite closing leaves a positive impression and fosters goodwill.

Template for Reaching Out to Your External Network

This template is designed for recruiters to tap into their external network for potential candidate referrals. It's a concise way to communicate your hiring needs and encourage connections to share qualified candidates.

Subject: We’re Hiring! Do You Know Someone Great?

Hi [Name],

I hope this message finds you well! I’m reaching out because we have some exciting job openings at [Company Name], and I thought you might know someone who would be a perfect fit.

We’re currently looking for:

  • [Job Title 1]
  • [Job Title 2]
  • [Job Title 3]

If you know anyone who has the skills and experience for these roles, please let me know or feel free to share this email with them. We’re eager to bring on talented individuals who will thrive in our team.

Thank you so much for your help and support. I really appreciate it!

Warm regards,

[Your Name] [Your Position] [Company Name] [Contact Information]

Personalized Outreach Template for Industry Contacts

Use this template to craft a personalized message to your industry contacts. It focuses on building rapport and explaining the unique opportunity, making it more likely for your contacts to recommend suitable candidates.

Subject: Exciting Opportunity in [Industry/Field] – Seeking Your Expertise!

Hi [Contact's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to reach out because we have an exciting opportunity at [Company Name] that I believe might interest you or someone in your network.

We're currently looking for a [Job Title] to join our team. Given your extensive experience and connections in the [Industry/Field], I thought you might know someone who would be a great fit.

Here are a few key details about the role:

  • Position: [Job Title]
  • Location: [Location]
  • Key Responsibilities:
    • [Responsibility 1]
    • [Responsibility 2]
    • [Responsibility 3]

If someone comes to mind, I’d love to connect with them. Alternatively, if you have any questions about the role or our company, feel free to reach out.

Thank you so much for your help and support. I truly appreciate it.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Company Name]
[Contact Information]

Template for Reconnecting with Former Colleagues

This template helps you reconnect with former colleagues for potential referrals. It's designed to rekindle professional relationships while subtly introducing your current hiring needs.

Subject: Let's Catch Up!

Hi [Former Colleague's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. It's been a while since we last connected, and I was just reminiscing about the great times we had working together at [Previous Company Name].

I wanted to reach out to see how you've been and what you're up to these days. I'm currently at [Your Company Name], and we're growing our team. If you know anyone who might be interested in exploring new opportunities, I'd love to hear from you.

Let's catch up soon, maybe over coffee or a call. It would be great to hear about your adventures since we last worked together.

Looking forward to reconnecting!

Best,

[Your Name] [Your Position] [Your Contact Information]

LinkedIn Connection Outreach Template

Leverage your LinkedIn network with this template tailored for the platform. It's brief yet informative, perfect for catching attention in a busy professional's feed.

Subject: Exciting Opportunity at [Company Name] - Let's Connect!

Hi [Connection's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I came across your profile on LinkedIn and was impressed by your experience in [Industry/Field].

I'm currently recruiting for a [Job Title] at [Company Name], and I think your skills would be a great fit for our team. If you're open to exploring new opportunities, I'd love to connect and share more about this role.

Please let me know if you're interested, and we can set up a time to chat. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Best regards,

[Your Name] [Your Position] [Company Name] [Contact Information]

Template for Reaching Out to Alumni Networks

This template is crafted for contacting alumni networks. It emphasizes shared educational background and the opportunity to support fellow alumni through job referrals.

Subject: Job Opportunity at [Company Name] - Support Your Fellow [University Name] Alumni!

Hi [Alumni Name],

My name is [Your Name] and I'm a recruiter at [Company Name]. As a fellow [University Name] graduate, I'm reaching out to our alumni network to help us find talented individuals to join our team.

We're currently looking for a [Job Title] to [briefly describe the role and its impact]. We believe that [University Name] alumni possess the skills and drive to excel in this position.

Here's a quick overview of the role:

  • [Key Responsibility 1]
  • [Key Responsibility 2]
  • [Key Responsibility 3]

If you know anyone in your network who might be a good fit, we'd greatly appreciate it if you could pass along the job description [Link to Job Description]. Even better, if you think someone you know would be great, please feel free to forward their resume to me directly.

We value referrals and believe they're a fantastic way to discover top talent. Plus, it's a great way to support your fellow alumni!

Thanks in advance for your help!

Best regards,

[Your Name] [Your Title] [Company Name] [Your Contact Information]

Follow-up Template for Previous Referral Sources

Use this template to follow up with contacts who have referred candidates in the past. It acknowledges their previous help and gently asks for continued support in your current hiring efforts.

Subject: A Quick Follow-Up on Your Previous Referral

Hi [Contact's Name],

I hope this message finds you well! I wanted to reach out and express my gratitude once again for the fantastic candidate you referred to us previously. Your support has been incredibly helpful in our hiring process.

We're currently looking to fill more roles and I thought of you right away. If you know anyone who might be a good fit, I’d love to hear from you. Your insights have always been valuable, and any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for considering this, and for your ongoing support. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need more information about the roles.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Best regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]

Download Employee Referrals from External Network Email Templates in multiple formats

Wrapping Up

Employee referrals can be a powerful tool in your recruitment strategy. By leveraging your external network, you can tap into a diverse talent pool and improve your hiring outcomes. Consider exploring sourcing strategies to further enhance your recruitment efforts.

Crafting personalized and professional outreach emails is key to engaging potential candidates. Use the templates provided to streamline your communication process and strengthen your referral program. Remember, a well-executed referral program can significantly impact your hiring success.

Employee Referrals from External Network Email Template FAQs

Why does every rejection email look the same?

Many rejection emails follow a standard format to maintain professionalism and consistency. However, customizing them can improve candidate experience and reflect your company's unique culture.

Should you use AI to write your rejection emails?

AI can help draft rejection emails, saving time and ensuring consistency. However, adding a personal touch is important to maintain a positive candidate experience.

How can employee referrals improve my recruitment process?

Employee referrals can reduce hiring time and cost while increasing the quality of candidates, as referred candidates often align well with company culture.

What should be included in an employee referral email?

An effective referral email should include a clear job description, the benefits of the referral program, and a call to action for the recipient to refer candidates.

How can I encourage employees to participate in referral programs?

Offering incentives, recognizing successful referrals, and communicating the benefits of the program can motivate employees to participate actively in referral programs.


Adaface logo dark mode

40 min skill tests.
No trick questions.
Accurate shortlisting.

We make it easy for you to find the best candidates in your pipeline with a 40 min skills test.

Try for free

Related templates

customers across world
Join 1200+ companies in 80+ countries.
Try the most candidate friendly skills assessment tool today.
g2 badges
logo
40 min tests.
No trick questions.
Accurate shortlisting.