Tillyard Guides

Ask for a referral

You have already had a real conversation with them and a specific opening has appeared.

Not for this: This would be your first message to them. Ask for a conversation instead.

With scripts off, copy the text on the right and replace each {blank} yourself.

About you

Two sentences they could use about you

e.g. I worked with her on a survey project and she kept the data careful and the team on schedule.

Your full name

e.g. Amara Okafor

About them

The title of the opening

e.g. Summer Research Assistant

Their organization

e.g. the county health department

Their name, as you would say it

e.g. Dr. Lin Zhou

The month you talked

e.g. September

Link or reference number

e.g. req 4821

Your email

Subject: {role_title} at {their_org}: would you be comfortable referring me?

Dear {their_name},

Thank you again for talking with me in {month}. {their_org} has just posted {role_title} ({link_or_reference}), and it is close to what we discussed.

Would you be comfortable referring me? My résumé is attached, and here are two sentences you could use if they help: {two_sentences}

If you would rather not, I completely understand, and I am grateful for the time you have already given me.

{my_name}

What you type here stays in your browser. Tillyard does not send the email for you. The mail link has no recipient: add that yourself.

Do

Ask only after a real conversation.

Do not

Ask anyone to say more than they know.