3 Example Thank You Letters For Someone Being A Reference

It’s important to thank your professional network, especially when they’re willing to provide you a service, like being a reference. Nurturing your network and paying thanks to it is one of the ways that will take your professionalism up a notch.

We’re going to cover a couple of example emails that you can send when you need to thank someone in your professional network for them being one of your references.

What Should Go In Your Email Or Letter

When you’re thinking about what should go in your email or letter, here’s a simple breakdown.

When it’s an email:

• Your greeting (like “Dear John”)
• The body of your message, which is your core thank you note to the professional who was a reference for you
• Your salutation (or ending to the email)
• Your signature

If you’re sending a physical letter:

• A heading that includes your name, phone number, email, address
• Your greeting (like “Dear John”)
• The body of your message, which is your core thank you note to the professional who was a reference for you
• Your salutation (or ending to the email)
• Your signature (hand signed if possible)

When Not To Send An Email

There are only a few situations where you don’t need to send a thank you to note to someone who was a reference for you. Primarily, if they have made you a letter of recommendation. That’s because the person most likely was already thanked by you when they delivered the letter of recommendation to you. If you didn’t thank that person yet, definitely do so using one of the templates below.

Related: Thank You Email After Interview: Complete Guide, 10+ Samples

3 Examples Of Emails Thanking Someone For Being A Reference

Here are a few email examples you can use to cultivate your own message to your friend, family member, professor, or old colleague.

Pro tip: In a 2018 HireRight survey, 85% of employers surveyed uncovered a lie or misrepresentation on a candidate’s resume or job application. Meaning the use of professional references, letters of recommendation or referrals are vital to increasing your chances of employment.

Example one

Dear John,

I want to thank you so much for being one of my professional references. I understand that time can be limited, and I appreciate that you’re taking the time to speak with my potential new employer.

Once again, thank you, John.

Sincerely,
Ian

Example two

Hey John,

Thank you for being one of my references. I appreciate you allowing me to talk to you about what you might say when my new employer calls you. All of this is tremendously appreciated, and I won’t forget it.

Thank you so much, John.

Sincerely,
Ryan

Example three

John —

Having you be one of my references is something I’m extremely honored about. Thank you so much for accepting my invitation to be a reference. And I want to thank you in advance for speaking with my future employer.

Thanks so much, John,
Ryan

Email Subject Lines Thanking Someone For Being A Reference

Here are some email subject lines you can use to deliver your thank you email or letter.

• “Thank you”
• “I want to say thank you”
• “Sincerely appreciated”
• “For being a reference”

Reference Resources

• Professional References - How Many to List, Samples
• How to Ask Someone To Be a Reference (Example Email)