Writing a thank you email for a reference is an important way to show your appreciation to those who have taken the time to assist you in your job search. It is important to show respect and gratitude to your references for their efforts and commitments to helping you secure a job. A thank you email for a reference not only shows appreciation, but also serves as a reminder to the reference that their efforts have been noticed. The thank you email should include a brief note of appreciation and a summary of what the reference did for you. Additionally, it should be professional in tone and offer an opportunity to stay in touch. A thank you email for a reference is a small but powerful gesture that demonstrates your professionalism and appreciation. Taking the time to write a thank you email for a reference is a great way to show your appreciation and build relationships in the professional world.
When to send a thank-you email to a reference
When a reference agrees to serve as your professional reference or when they assist you in reaching a professional milestone, you can send them a thank-you email. For instance, after speaking with your former manager about your work history, a hiring manager might schedule an interview with you. You can send an email to your previous boss thanking them and informing them of the progress of your new position. Send the email as soon as you can after learning how your reference has benefited your career.
Why it’s important to thank references
It’s crucial to express gratitude to references because it gives you a chance to do so. Your reference probably has a busy schedule, whether they are a former manager, professor, or coworker. They can feel valued by you for giving them the time to write a letter or speak with a hiring manager. Additionally, thanking references is crucial because it advances your network. When you get a reference, be sure to thank them for their assistance. This will help you establish professional ties and increase the likelihood that they will help you again in the future.
How to write a thank-you email for a reference
Heres how to write a thank-you email for a reference:
1. Write a subject line
An effective subject line increases the likelihood that the recipient will open your email by letting them know what the message is about. Consider using a phrase like “A Note of Appreciation” or “Thank You for Your Reference Letter” if you want to show your appreciation in the subject line. As an alternative, you can be more direct in your subject line and save your gratitude for the email’s body. For instance, if an employee named Jamie Perez emails her reference to say thank you, she might put “Reference – Jamie Perez” in the subject line. “.
2. Choose an appropriate salutation
Your email should begin with a salutation that addresses the reader directly. Consider your relationship with your reference when selecting a salutation, as well as how you would address them in a professional setting. When emailing former managers or professors, a formal salutation like “Dear” is appropriate. Consider using their title and last name in your salutation.
For instance, you might use “Dear Dr. Sampson” to address a former professor in your thank-you email. You can use a less formal greeting and call your reference by their first name if they are a coworker or someone you know personally. For instance, you might say “Hi Matthew” when thanking a former coworker for their recommendation.
3. Express your gratitude
In the body of your email, consider expressing your gratitude. You can express gratitude to the reader for their advice and discuss how it benefited you. For instance, their assessment of your personality might have aided in landing a job or an interview. Try thanking them once more for their assistance, urging them to get in touch with you, or promising to provide more updates.
4. Choose an appropriate closing
A closing brings your message to a close, verifies the email’s tone, and invites the reader to respond. Similar to choosing the salutation, you must think about your relationship with your reference when selecting a closing. Consider including your first and last name in the formal closing of any emails you send to people in positions of authority. The phrases “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” and “With gratitude” are examples of formal closings. When emailing colleagues, you can use a more informal closing like “See you soon” or “Cheers.” “.
5. Proofread
Before sending the email, consider proofreading it. To make sure your message is understood, you can check for spelling and grammar errors. In addition to assisting you in upholding proper business conduct, proofreading makes you seem more sincere. An error-free email demonstrates to the recipient that you took the time to express your gratitude in a clear, businesslike way.
When not to send a thank-you email to a reference
If you have the option to thank someone in person rather than via email, think about doing so. This strategy can seem more sincere because it enables you to talk about how their reference benefited your career in greater detail. If you are aware that the recipient would rather receive letters in the mail instead of an email thank you, you can choose to forego sending one.
Templates for a thank-you email for a reference
Here is a sample thank-you email for a reference that you can use:
Re: Reference – [Your First and Last Name]
Dear [Recipients Name],
Thank you so much for agreeing to serve as one of my professional references. Your evaluation of my qualifications and employment history aided me in [accomplishment, such as getting an interview or receiving a job offer] at [Company Name]. I anticipate taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity that you made possible. Again, thank you very much for your continued support.
Sincerely,
[Your First and Last Name]
Examples of thank-you emails for references
Here are a few examples of thank-you emails for references:
Thank-you email to a former manager
Re: Reference – Kyle Armstrong
Dear Mr. Buckland,
Thank you so much for agreeing to serve as one of my professional references. My dream job at Conn, LLC, a company I’ve wanted to work at for a long time, came true thanks to your assessment of my abilities and professional background. I anticipate taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity that you made possible. Again, thank you very much for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Ryan Totaka
Thank-you email to a former coworker
Re: Thanks for Your Reference!
Hi Jack,
Thanks so much for your reference letter. Your kind words impressed the hiring manager at Metz-Dicki, Inc. and helped me get an interview next Wednesday. Thank you again, and I hope everything is going well for you.
Best wishes,
Luisa
Thank-you email to a former professor
Re: Reference – Trevor Kelly
Dear Professor Ellison,
Your professional reference is yet another way that you have assisted me in getting ready for my future career. Thank you so much for speaking with the Reputation Studios, Inc. hiring manager about my potential. Your recommendation enabled me to secure one of their esteemed internships, and I will always be grateful.
Best regards,
Trevor Kelly
How to Write a Thank You Email After the Interview & WOW Them!
FAQ
How do you write thank you email for reference?
- Write a clear, succinct subject line that specifically refers to the referral first.
- Secondly, write your thank you letter. …
- Include a special acknowledgment following that to underscore the significance of the referral.
- Then, end your email with a proper closing.
How do I thank my boss for a reference?
Thank you so much for recommending Litchfield’s Green Gardens to me. My employment offer was made to me this morning by the hiring manager. I think the manager extended an offer to me for a job in large part because of your recommendation. Once again, I appreciate you taking the time to write me a thoughtful letter of recommendation.
Should you thank your reference after getting the job?
I sincerely appreciate the letter of recommendation you wrote for me to submit with my application for a position at the Morel Gallery. Your letter was a crucial component of my job application, and the manager specifically mentioned how much it impressed him during the interview.
