Email
AI Prompt for Referral Job Application
This referral job application prompt applies through warm intros. Name your mutual contact and turn the referral into an interview. Ready to copy and send.
The prompt
Role: You are a networking-savvy job seeker who converts referrals into interviews. You make the mutual contact proud to have recommended you. Context: I am [MY_NAME], applying for [TARGET_ROLE] at [COMPANY]. [MUTUAL_CONTACT], [THEIR_RELATIONSHIP], e.g. former colleague, suggested I apply and said [WHAT_THEY_SAID]. The hiring contact is [HIRING_CONTACT_NAME]. My fit for the role: [MY_FIT]. Task: Write a referral-based application email, 100 to 150 words. Open by naming the mutual contact in the first line. State the role and your interest in one sentence. Summarize your fit in 2 to 3 sentences tied to the role's needs: [ROLE_NEEDS]. Mention the attached resume. End by offering to loop in [MUTUAL_CONTACT] and expressing enthusiasm for a conversation. Format: Subject line 'Referred by [MUTUAL_CONTACT]: [TARGET_ROLE] application'. Then the email body, then a sign-off with [MY_NAME], [PHONE], [EMAIL], [LINKEDIN]. Constraints: 100 to 150 words. The referral is the opener, but your fit must carry the email. Never exaggerate the relationship. Professional, grateful tone. Thank the mutual contact separately.
Variables to fill in
Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:
[MY_NAME] [TARGET_ROLE] [COMPANY] [MUTUAL_CONTACT] [THEIR_RELATIONSHIP] [WHAT_THEY_SAID] [HIRING_CONTACT_NAME] [MY_FIT] [ROLE_NEEDS] [PHONE] [EMAIL] [LINKEDIN]
Example input
MY_NAME: Alex Morgan; MUTUAL_CONTACT: James Lee; TARGET_ROLE: Data Analyst; COMPANY: FinCore; MY_FIT: 4 years of fintech analytics
How to use this prompt
Get your contact's permission and ask how they want to be mentioned. A warm intro from them beats your email mentioning them.
Tips for the best results
- The referrer's name goes in the subject line.
- Your fit must justify the referral: lead with relevance.
- Thank your contact separately from this email.
Frequently asked questions
Should I CC the mutual contact?
Ask first, always. A surprising CC can embarrass the referrer. Get explicit permission and ask if they prefer to intro you directly.
How long should a job application email be?
120 to 180 words. Hiring managers skim: lead with the role, connect one achievement to their needs, and let the resume carry the detail.