What to write in an email when sending a resume with reference
If you apply for a job through a reference, your chances of receiving the position are far higher than when you apply directly.
Building a professional network of people and creating meaningful relationships helps you reach your dream job much faster.
Also, it is super important to create your resume with templates that can make it much more readable and thus competitive. You can find free resume templates and do the hard work much faster and with better results than if you do it on your own!
Alternatively, you can hire resume writing services, which will enable you to have your resume built by resume or professional email-writing experts. You can also craft your professional email resumes using an email builder tool.
In this way, you can rest assured that your own resume and cover letter will showcase your skills in the best manner for the job position you are seeking.
When someone recommends you for a job, you must include their contact information in your cover letter or job application correspondence. You can even write a follow-up email and include a link to your online portfolio or personal website if you have past works and experiences published.
The reason for that is to provide contact details to send the resume to the HR department or the recruiter that is in charge to fill this position, but also to showcase that there is a real connection between that person and that they can confirm this by reaching out to the person who recommends you. This is known as a reference check.
We have hundreds of users that use to automate their job search by sending 100s of personalized emails every days to companies. But what is the best email template to use? Let's check some examples here!
The person that gives your reference is termed as the "Referrer," and you'll be called a "Referee."
Here's one sample resume email template and form for sending your CV to HR or employers with a recommendation.
For fresh graduates, an email sample to send a CV with a reference is provided below:
Example email 1 (Fresh candidate applying with reference)
Subject: Application for the position of (Job title), referred by (Referrer)
Greetings, Sir/Madam
My name is _________(your name), and I was referred to your firm by Mr./Mrs. (referrer's name), who is now employed as (referrer's job title) at your organization
The post has been referred to me. I recently completed my _______(your educational qualifications) and believe I possess all the necessary skills and knowledge for this position.
So, I'd like to take on this opportunity to email a resume attached to apply for this position. Please find my résumé attached to this email.
Thank you in advance.
Regards,
Name
Mobile no.
This example is a short, but very effective strategy of introduction, and it can be used to kick-start your communication with a company.
Example 2 (Experienced candidate applying with reference)
Subject: Job application for the post of ____________(position), referral from ______(referrer's name)
Greetings, dear hiring manager [name]
My name is <Your name>
My acquaintance / relative Mr./Mrs. (person's name who referred to my email a resume file) advised me that your organization had an opening for the position of <job title>
I've been serving in the same position at [company name] for a while and now seeking new avenues for professional growth. I'm hoping this is the best option for me to make a switch.
Please consider my application for the opening, and find contact details in my resume attached to this email.
Thank you
Sincerely,
<name>
(Phone number)
Example 3 (Experienced candidate application with reference - Format 2)
Example of an email to send a CV with a reference for a test email of sending a resume to an employer for an experienced candidate (Example 2)
Subject: Referred by __________, application for ___________(vacancy title)
Dear Sir
I was referred by my (your relationship with the referrer) Mr./Ms. (referrer's name) and am presently employed at your company as <referrer's company name, job description, title position>.
I've been notified that your company has an opening for the top position at [company name] of __________(job title).
I have four years of experience in a similar position and am confident that I possess the necessary abilities key skills and expertise. Please examine my application for the position of, for which I have attached my résumé.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
(Phone number)
Writing an Email to Send a Resume with References Tips
- Use a Professional Email Address – Ensure your email address is appropriate, preferably using your name (e.g., john.doe@email.com).
- The subject line is crucial for getting seen by the recruiter and for the employer to know who recommended you to the open position, thus, don't miss including the referrer's name in the subject line itself.
- Keep Your Email Concise and Professional – Start with a polite greeting, introduce yourself, mention the reference, and briefly highlight your qualifications.
- Attach Your Resume and Cover Letter in the Right Format – Save your documents as PDFs unless otherwise specified to maintain formatting.
- Name Your Files Properly – Use a clear file name like John_Doe_Resume.pdf to avoid confusion.
- Specify how you're related to the referrer, such as if you're an acquaintance or a family.
- Also, include the referrer's existing role in their company so that the employer may quickly identify your source.
- Highlight your qualifications and experience as to why you are the best candidate for the job posting.
- Finally, include the résumé in the email and keep it concise and to the point.
- Proofread Before Sending – Check for typos and grammar errors to maintain professionalism.
- Follow-Up – If you don’t hear back within a week, send a polite follow-up email.
Email Subjects for Resumes with References (Examples)
Subject line example 1: Referred by _________(referrer's name) for the position of __________(job position)
Subject line example 2: Referral from ________(referrer's name) for the job listing __________(job position)
Subject line example 3: Application for the position of _______(job post) with job reference number from _________(referrer's name)
Subject line example 4: Applying for the post of ________(job title) with the job reference number of __________(referrer's name)
Subject Line example 5: Referred by _______ (referrer name) to apply for the position of __________(job title)
Loopcv offers the ability for candidates to create personalized emails and send their resume to an employer.
Things to Remember Before Sending the Email Sample to the Hiring Manager
- Use a Professional Tone – Keep your email polite, formal, and to the point.
- Address the Right Person – Use the hiring manager’s name if available, instead of a generic greeting.
- Mention the Job Title & Reference – Clearly state the position you’re applying for and the reference (if applicable).
- Attach the Correct Documents – Ensure your resume and cover letter are attached in the requested format (PDF or Word).
- Keep Your Email Brief – Avoid lengthy messages; focus on key points.
- Check Grammar & Spelling – Errors can make you look careless, so proofread before sending.
Loopcv Provides Free Personalized Email Templates for Sending Resumes
And Finally, Things to Avoid
- Using an Unprofessional Email Address – Create a professional email with your name.
- Forgetting Attachments – Always double-check that your resume and cover letter are included.
- Being Too Casual or Informal – Avoid slang, emojis, or overly friendly language.
- Using a Generic Email for Multiple Employers – Personalize each email for the specific job.
- Sending Without a Subject Line – Always include a clear subject, such as Application for [Job Title].
FAQs
1. What should I include in the subject line of the email when sending my resume with a reference? (Job posting, Job title, The hiring manager)?
Your email's subject line should be clear and professional, making it easy for the recipient to understand the purpose of sending your resume by email at a glance.
A good format to a polite follow-up, your resume email in is "Job Application - [Your Full Name] - [Position Name]." If the reference is a well-known individual within the company or industry, you might add "- Referred by [Reference's Name]" to grab attention, but only do this with the reference or hiring manager's name and prior consent.
2. How do I mention a reference in the body of the email when sending my resume?
Start with a polite greeting and a brief introduction of yourself, including your professional background, your current company name, the hiring manager's name, or the position you are applying for.
For positions in real estate, you might mention any other relevant skills, certifications, or notable transactions you've handled to immediately contribute effectively highlight your industry expertise.
When bringing up your reference, do it smoothly within the context, such as, "I was referred to this position by [Reference's Name], who thought my skills and experiences would be a good fit for this job board." Ensure you highlight how your skills key qualifications and experiences align with the job role, showing gratitude for the recipient's time and consideration.
3. Is it necessary to attach a separate reference document along with my resume, or should I include the reference details in my resume or cover letter?
Typically, references are not included in your resume or cover letter unless specifically requested by the employer. Instead, have a separate list of references ready, including contact information and your relationship with each reference, to provide upon request.
In your email body, you can mention that references are available upon request. This approach keeps the email body of your application documents concise and focused on your qualifications, while also respecting your references' privacy until they are needed in the application process.
Pro Tip - You can explore QR code generators to create a QR code in sending your resume or an email sample to send your resume and cover letter that links to your reference document, making it easy for potential employers to access your references when needed without including them directly on your resume or cover letter.
To sum up
If you are looking for a professional email address to apply for a job posting with a company website or a reference (regardless of who is your main point of contact or reference) you can double-check the examples that we provided above!
What is also important to do is search on what is the role of your reference and how important is this role for the organization (having a reference that adds significant value to a company will give you a significant advantage in the hiring process).
Now it is up to you! Will you make a positive impression? A negative impression? Let's work for the first one!
