9 LinkedIn Referral Templates That Actually Get Replies

Best for: First touch — sending a connection request before asking for anything

Hi {first_name}, I came across your work at {company} and your background in {their_focus_area} caught my eye. I'm exploring {target_role} roles and would love to learn from your journey. Open to connecting?

Best for: After they've accepted your connection — first DM

Hi {first_name}, thanks for connecting! I noticed {company} has an opening for a Software Engineer (Job ID: {job_id}) — I've been building {your_tech_stack} for {n_years} years and the role aligns closely with the impact I'm trying to have on {their_product_area}. Would you be open to referring me, or pointing me to the right person on the team? Happy to share a 1-page kit you can forward in 30 seconds — no pressure either way. Job link: {job_url}.

Best for: Reaching out to a PM at your target company

Hi {first_name}, hope you're well — I really liked your recent post on {their_post_topic}. I'm applying for the {role} role at {company} (Job ID: {job_id}) and your perspective on {their_product_area} mirrors how I think about product. I've shipped {your_shipping_signal} and have a clean 1-page referral kit that makes it easy for anyone to refer me in 30 seconds. Would you be open to looking at it? Total respect if it's a no — would still love to stay connected. Job link: {job_url}.

Best for: DSes/MLEs/AI engineers — emphasises impact + skill match

Hi {first_name}, your work on {their_ml_project} is exactly the kind of impact I'm trying to have next. I'm applying for the Data Scientist role at {company} (Job ID: {job_id}) — strong overlap with my work in {your_stack} (built {your_signature_project}). I'd love a referral if you're open. I've prepped a clean 1-page kit so it takes you under a minute, no calls or async hassle. Job link: {job_url}.

Best for: Light nudge 72 hours after the initial ask, with new value

Hi {first_name}, just floating this back up — totally understand if it's not the right time. As a small offering: {give_value_signal} (in case it's useful). If a referral isn't a fit, even pointing me to someone on the {their_team} team would be massively helpful. Job ID: {job_id} • {job_url}

Best for: Final follow-up — graceful exit if no, low-friction yes

Hi {first_name}, last note from me on this — completely no worries if you're heads-down or it's not a fit. If you're open to it later, the role is still live: {job_url} (Job ID: {job_id}). Either way, appreciate you taking a look, and good luck with the {their_project_name} ship!

Best for: Right after a 'yes' or after they submit the referral

{first_name}, thank you. Truly. That means a lot — referrals from people who actually know the bar move differently than cold apps. I'll make sure to keep you in the loop on next steps, and if there's ever anything I can return the favor on (intros, reviews, beta testing), please just ask.

Best for: Building rapport BEFORE asking for a referral — best ROI long-term

Hi {first_name}, I've been following {company}'s work on {area} and your path from {their_prev_role} to {their_current_role} is the exact kind of transition I'm planning. Would you be open to a 15-min chat — no agenda, no referral ask — just to learn how you navigated it? I'll come with specific questions so it's a clean use of your time. Either way, thanks!

Best for: Highest reply-rate template when school overlaps

Hi {first_name}, fellow {school} grad here ({your_grad_year} — was in {your_major}). Saw you've been at {company} for {their_tenure} — I'm applying for the {role} role there and would love your read on whether my profile would be competitive. Happy to share a 1-page kit you can forward, no pressure to actually refer. Just want to know if it's worth the time. Job ID: {job_id} • {job_url}.