cover letter referee report example

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Letter to the editor from the referee

Nowadays most journals use electronic forms for the referees to submit their recommendations to the editor.

However, if that's not the case, how should the letter to the editor be structured?

In the referee report I have already mentioned some points I consider should be revised. But, do I have to explicitly state these points in the letter? or should I just say that the points mentioned in the referee report should be considered before publication?

• peer-review

2 Answers 2

The cover letter should probably state:

• The title and authors of the article you have reviewed (short list of authors "X et al." is fine)
• Your recommendation for the disposition of the article (accept as is, reject, recommend major changes, etc.)
• Any other important information that you wish to note. This could be anything exceptional, whether that be good (perhaps the article should be considered for "cover" status) or bad (for example, if you suspect something dishonest).

All other points can be addressed by referring the editor to the referee report.

The letter to the editor should summarize what you outline in your review comments. You should outline why you think the manuscripts should be judged the way you recommend based on your comments. I, as an editor, find that it is useful to get a personal view point and often these are more explicit than what the reviews show. That said, remember, however, that your review is one of two or more and that they are an expert's view . Anything you express has to be supported by facts. Emotional outpourings are not very constructive and will likely devalue the review.

So, I do not see a particular structure very important it is more the content. It is important to get a summary and conclusion of the review outlining the major short-comings. It is good to provide a sensible justification for the suggested "verdict" based on the major points. If the work contains serious problems, particularly of an ethical nature, it is necessary to provide a very good case.

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How to write an effective referee report

Most scientists learn how to review papers by being thrown into the deep end of the pool: here’s a paper, write a review. Perhaps this is not the best way to keep an enterprise afloat. But what should be included in a review? What should the tone of a review be? Here I want to outline the specifics of what we at the JCI are looking for in a referee report.

For the editorial process to be successful, a few things are paramount: a well-written and novel manuscript, an informed and unbiased editor, and constructive comments from peer reviewers. We’ve already published pieces on how to write a scientific masterpiece ( 1 ) and what to expect from the editors ( 2 , 3 ), but so far, we haven’t paid as much attention to another important group: referees. In addition to the myriad tips listed by the Editor in Chief ( 4 ), here are a few other things to keep in mind.

What is the point of a review?

Peer review should help to improve a paper that is already scientifically sound. The editors have a rule that if a manuscript is sent for external review, then we feel that it could ultimately, if appropriately revised, appear in the journal. The key thing we are looking for is comment on whether the experiments are well designed, executed, and controlled and can justify the conclusions drawn. Remember that there is a distinction between reviewing the paper and rewriting it for the authors. In other words, remember that this is the author’s paper.

Structure and function of a good review

We use a form that requires referees to separate their comments into two fields: confidential comments to the editors and comments to be transmitted to the authors. Feel free to speak plainly and passionately, if you wish, in the confidential comments field (see Insightful confidential comments to editors ). Your comments need not recapitulate exactly what you have written for the authors. It is in the confidential comments field that you should place your views on whether the manuscript is appropriate for the JCI ; statements of this nature should not be transmitted to authors. This is because it is not fair to the authors or to the editors to give conflicting feedback, for example, if you tell the authors that their paper should be acceptable to the JCI and use language like “potentially interesting and important” but then disparage the conclusions in the confidential comments.

Summarize the science.

In the comments for authors, start with a few sentences of introduction that outline what you think was the authors’ hypothesis, their main results, and the conclusions drawn. This is important because it shows us what you think were the major advances as opposed to what the authors might argue are the major conclusions. Be specific about what you think the study adds or changes in terms of understanding the pathway or disease under investigation and/or where this leaves us in terms of a conceptual advance. This allows the editors and authors to determine how an expert in the field viewed the paper. This first paragraph need not be long and is best finished with whether the conclusions are supported by the data and whether major or minor changes are required. An exemplary introductory paragraph taken from the review of a recently published paper ( 5 ) is shown here (see What we are looking for in an opening paragraph ).

In the rest of the review, you should break your comments into two bulleted or numbered sections: major comments and minor comments. Speak plainly, but dispassionately — in the same tone as you would in writing a manuscript. There is no need to use all caps, exclamation points, or complicated analogies. The goal is for the entire review to be a maximum of 750 words. Using 20 words when you can use one will impress no one, and shorter reviews (within reason) are usually more helpful and constructive than longer ones. Further to this point, it is easy to tell when a review has been handed to a junior associate — the review is often overly long and lacks a big picture view of the hypothesis and its implications. If you agreed to write the review, it is fine to review it with someone else in your lab — in fact, the editors realize that this is an important part of mentorship. But declare that you had a co-reviewer in your confidential comments, make sure that the final report has been edited as needed by you, and remember that you have assumed ultimate responsibility for its contents.

Determine any deficiencies.

The key is to evaluate whether the experiments adequately address the hypothesis and support the conclusions. Keep it simple. Manuscripts generally propose a hypothesis and then test this experimentally. The results constitute an argument, usually in support of, although sometimes refuting, a hypothesis. The key to any review is to understand what is being asked? Do the experiments (and approach) adequately test the hypothesis? Do the results justify the conclusions or model? Are the studies convincing? If yes, say so. If no, state as clearly as possible what aspects are not convincing and outline experimental approaches that might be useful to address the question.

You need to focus on asking only for experiments that would bolster the foundation of the conclusions or add key mechanistic insight. There is no point in sending the authors on a fishing expedition to add new data that might be nice but are essentially frippery. When you ask for a specific experimental addition, justify the need for the request: “Since the relevance of the in vitro cell model for studying interactions between XX cells and YY is questionable, the authors would need to repeat the key experiments in the ZZ in vivo model.” If the timeline for such a request is long and the experiment is key, then rejection should be recommended. You have to determine whether the experiments requested are justifiable in terms of the overall conclusions. It is unlikely that we would encourage resubmission if the referees ask for new animal lines, experiments that take more than a year, or synthesis of completely new reagents.

There are also inherent dangers to asking for a specific experiment and outlining what you want to see from that experiment. Altogether too often, we have seen data added in response to such requests that are too good to be true. Try to phrase your criticisms in such a way as to ask for an experiment, not to predict what you want to see from said experiment (see How to properly phrase an experimental request ).

Minor comments.

Within the minor comments section of the review, most referees include mention of typographical mistakes and request minor changes to the text and figures, but you can relegate some of the experimental requests to this section as well, if you think that they are not crucial to the overall conclusions. Most authors will still respond to these comments. You should obviously correct any factually incorrect statements, but offer — don’t demand — suggestions about interpretation of data.

Shifting goalposts.

When reviewing a revision, don’t come up with completely new experiments for the authors to do that weren’t mentioned in the first round of review. The caveat to this is that it is appropriate to challenge any new data that do not support the central hypothesis. While most authors will be responsive to the critiques, not all are, and we encourage referees to evaluate this in a re-review. Authors get one shot to revise, and if they have not provided a robust response, the manuscript should not be given a free pass.

In some cases, authors will do the experiments, but the data don’t sustain the hypothesis. Most will still add the data and send the paper back. As a referee, you need to let us know when the new data don’t make the paper better. In a rare example, an author wrote to us after we encouraged resubmission of his manuscript to say he wanted to withdraw the manuscript from further consideration, since his new data couldn’t be shoehorned into supporting the original conclusions (see Letter from an author ).

In a similar vein, we want to get away from the practice of authors always holding a little something back from their initial submission so that they can appear responsive to the referees. It is of course understandable if new data are added, since the work was ongoing at the time of submission. We would prefer to have a complete story at the time of initial submission that we can accept pending minor revisions than have a story with flaws that comes back a week later with all the experiments asked for added quickly.

Rankings and recommendations.

Consider carefully your overall recommendation. Given that we accept less than 10% of the papers we receive, we need to get a sense from our referees of whether the paper falls in this top tier, or whether, even if revised, it would never reach this priority. By asking for a rating (both a category, accept/accept with revision/reject, and a ranking, top 10%/top 25%/top 50%), we want to know whether the paper is interesting enough to publish even if it is faultless scientifically — or, what would make the paper good enough, even if all i’s are not dotted but the concept is intriguing and scientifically important. In many ways, this is the most important question you have to address and where the editorial board depends on you the most.

Déjà vu?

Should you agree to review a manuscript if you have previously reviewed it for another journal? Is this a case of double jeopardy? Our position is that you should declare this in response to the invitation and let the editors decide. In some cases, if the previous review was for a journal like Science , it is possible that the manuscript is more appropriate for the JCI and that the points you previously made would be valid again. In this case, we will likely want your opinion but would ask you to carefully look at the current copy to see if there were positive updates to the manuscript. You should not just provide the authors and us with a carbon copy of the earlier review. In other cases, we may decline the re-review to seek alternative views on the manuscript.

Speaking of prejudice, it is worth mentioning that we do have a policy on referee conflicts of interest. Specifically, referees should recuse themselves as reviewers if they collaborate with the authors or if there is a material conflict — financial or otherwise. We ask that referees inform the editors of any potential conflicts that might be perceived as relevant as early as possible following invitation to participate in the review, and we will determine how to proceed. Disclosing a potential conflict does not invalidate the comments of a referee, it simply provides the editors with additional information relevant to the review. The editors consider known conflicts when choosing referees, but we cannot be aware of all relationships, financial or otherwise, and therefore rely on referees to be transparent on this issue ( 3 ).

The editors’ prerogative

Different journals handle interpretation of referee reports in different ways, given that some are run by professional editors and others are like the JCI , whose editorial board is comprised largely of practicing scientists. We can only comment on the way that things are at the JCI and how we discuss papers and our own emphasis on what is seen as important.

At the JCI , the editors truly don’t add any weight to whether a particular manuscript could potentially be highly cited or newsworthy, but simply consider whether it is medically relevant, novel, and important for our broad readership. Therefore, we would ask you not to comment on citation potential or newsworthiness within your review. Also note that the board’s decision does not rest on a referee majority: one well-worded, persuasive review can overrule others that are not substantive or constructive.

The editors collectively serve as the last referee — the ultimate arbiters who have to be convinced of the merits of the study — this is where the authors’ cover letter and the referees’ first paragraphs/confidential comments are of great help. The editor must be in a position to make decisions, overrule the referees when their demands are unreasonable, and be able to edit comments that are mean for the sake of being mean. It is humorous to note that the harshest reviews often come from referees suggested by the authors.

The name game.

We also try not to pay any attention to who the authors are. Obviously we don’t live in a vacuum, but no JCI editor comments on the merits of the investigator in the course of discussion of a manuscript. Much has been said about how the peer review system has flaws and would be best done in a blinded fashion — that the referees should have no idea who the authors are. We are unsure of whether the referees are influenced by the authors’ names and whether they are softer on high profile names than they should be, but this is exactly where an editorial board’s role is key — it would be impossible for a particular editor to pass a mediocre manuscript from a big name lab from their own field past a group of editors who might otherwise be unfamiliar with that person.

Let the judges be judged.

Each review we receive is given a grade that reflects the quality and constructive nature of the review, and over time, referees get an averaged score. As we try to use experienced reviewers who are familiar with the journal, we’re able to see at a glance who has given us good advice in the past and those who provided biased, unhelpful advice. Happily, the large portion of reviews we receive are constructive. A journal like the JCI can only exist with the support and efforts of peer reviewers who spend hours reading manuscripts and delivering their verdicts, and we thank you for your efforts on our behalf.

Acknowledgments

I am thankful to many people who assisted in discussion of these ideas, including Brooke Grindlinger, Mitch Lazar, Domenico Accili, Anthony Ferrante, Bob Farese Jr., Mike Schwartz, Don Ganem, Larry Turka, Mark Kahn, Gary Koretzky, and Morris Birnbaum. I would also like to thank those listed in the masthead as Consulting Editors for providing the JCI with consistently high quality, helpful reviews.

Citation for this article: J. Clin. Invest. 119 :1058–1060 (2009). doi:10.1172/JCI39424

6 Referee Cover Letter Examples

Introduction.

In today's highly competitive job market, a well-crafted cover letter can be the key to making your application stand out from the crowd. Referees play a crucial role in the hiring process, providing valuable insights into a candidate's skills, qualifications, and character. A strong cover letter not only showcases your experience and accomplishments but also demonstrates your enthusiasm and passion for the role.

In this article, we will provide you with a collection of referee cover letter examples to help you create a compelling and effective cover letter for your job applications. Each example will highlight different aspects of the referee role, allowing you to tailor your cover letter to suit your specific circumstances. Whether you are an experienced referee or just starting your career in this field, these examples will provide valuable guidance and inspiration for crafting your own standout cover letter.

So, let's dive into the world of referee cover letters and discover how you can make a memorable impression on potential employers!

Example 1: Basketball Referee Cover Letter

Key takeaways.

Michael's cover letter effectively highlights his extensive experience and passion for basketball officiating, positioning him as an ideal candidate for the Basketball Referee position at the NBA.

When applying for a niche role like a basketball referee, it is crucial to showcase your experience at various levels of the game. This demonstrates your adaptability, ability to handle different game scenarios, and familiarity with the rules and regulations.

He emphasizes his ability to make fair and unbiased decisions, which is a critical trait for a basketball referee. Michael also mentions his experience officiating in high-stakes games, highlighting his ability to perform under pressure.

Highlight your ability to remain composed and make accurate decisions in high-pressure situations. This shows your readiness to handle intense game scenarios and your commitment to ensuring a fair playing experience for all.

Michael's cover letter could benefit from mentioning any specific certifications or training he has received as a basketball referee, such as attending referee clinics or completing officiating courses.

Be sure to highlight any specialized training or certifications you have obtained as a basketball referee. This demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and improvement in your officiating skills.

Example 2: Soccer Referee Cover Letter

Sofia's cover letter effectively showcases her experience and passion for soccer refereeing, positioning her as an ideal candidate for the Soccer Referee position at FIFA.

When applying for a specialized role like a soccer referee, it is important to demonstrate a deep understanding of the game and its rules. Highlighting your experience and certifications in the field shows your commitment to professionalism and expertise.

She emphasizes her progression from a Youth Soccer Referee to a Certified Soccer Referee and eventually a Professional Soccer Referee in the Major League Soccer (MLS), highlighting her continuous growth and dedication to the craft.

Showcasing your progression and professional achievements in your cover letter can help you stand out as a candidate. It demonstrates your commitment to excellence and your ability to perform in high-pressure environments.

Sofia also highlights her key strengths as a referee, including effective communication and attention to detail. These qualities are essential for maintaining fairness and ensuring the smooth flow of the game.

When applying for a referee position, it is important to showcase your interpersonal skills and ability to make accurate judgments. Highlighting these qualities in your cover letter can help you differentiate yourself from other candidates.

To further strengthen her cover letter, Sofia could have mentioned any notable matches or tournaments she has officiated, as well as any additional certifications or training she has completed.

Providing specific examples of your experience and accomplishments can help paint a clearer picture of your capabilities as a soccer referee. This can further bolster your application and demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement.

Example 3: Football Referee Cover Letter

Robert's cover letter effectively showcases his experience and passion for football officiating, positioning him as an ideal candidate for the Football Referee position at the NFL.

When applying for a niche position like a football referee, it is crucial to highlight your specific experience and qualifications in the field. This demonstrates your expertise and dedication to the role.

He provides a clear progression of his referee career, starting from his role as a Youth Football Referee with the Local Recreation Department to becoming a Certified Football Referee with the State Football Association. This shows his commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

Highlighting your progression and certifications in the field helps demonstrate your dedication to developing your skills and staying up-to-date with the latest rules and regulations.

Robert emphasizes his experience as a Professional Football Referee with the NFL, showcasing his ability to officiate at the highest levels of the game and handle intense pressure with professionalism and impartiality.

If you have had the opportunity to work in a prestigious or high-profile setting, be sure to highlight it in your cover letter. This can give you an edge over other candidates and demonstrate your ability to thrive in high-pressure environments.

Overall, Robert's cover letter effectively communicates his qualifications, experience, and passion for football officiating, making him a strong candidate for the Football Referee position at the NFL.

Example 4: Tennis Referee Cover Letter Example

Emily's cover letter effectively highlights her qualifications and experience as a Professional Tennis Referee, positioning her as an ideal candidate for the Tennis Referee position at the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP).

When applying for a niche role like a tennis referee, it's crucial to emphasize your specific experience and expertise in the field. This demonstrates your deep understanding of the sport and your ability to make informed decisions in high-pressure situations.

She showcases a notable achievement - successfully implementing a new technology-based line calling system - which underscores her adaptability and commitment to improving the game.

Highlighting innovative solutions or improvements you have made in your role can be a powerful way to demonstrate your value as a candidate. It shows that you are proactive and continually seeking ways to enhance the sport or organization.

However, Emily could have further emphasized her specific certifications and qualifications as a Tennis Referee to strengthen her application.

Don't forget to mention any relevant certifications or training you have received in the field of tennis officiating. This helps to validate your expertise and demonstrates your commitment to professional development.

Example 5: Rugby Referee Cover Letter

Liam's cover letter effectively showcases his experience and passion for the sport of rugby, positioning him as an ideal candidate for the Rugby Referee position at World Rugby.

When applying for a niche role like a rugby referee, it is important to demonstrate your deep knowledge and understanding of the sport. This shows your commitment and ability to make informed decisions on the field.

He highlights his progression and qualifications in the field, including his experience as a Certified Rugby Referee with the National Rugby Union and his role as an International Rugby Referee for World Rugby. This demonstrates his dedication and expertise in refereeing at various levels of competition.

Emphasize any relevant certifications or qualifications you have obtained in your cover letter. These credentials can help differentiate you from other applicants and show your commitment to professional development in your field.

Liam also emphasizes his ability to handle challenging situations and maintain control and respect on the field. This highlights his strong leadership skills and ability to manage conflicts effectively.

Highlight your soft skills, such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities, that are essential for success in your role as a rugby referee. These skills demonstrate your suitability for the position and your ability to handle the challenges that may arise during matches.

Overall, Liam's cover letter effectively conveys his passion, experience, and qualifications as a rugby referee, making him a strong candidate for the Rugby Referee position at World Rugby.

Example 6: Ice Hockey Referee Cover Letter

Alexander's cover letter effectively showcases his experience and passion for ice hockey officiating, positioning him as an ideal candidate for the Ice Hockey Referee position at the National Hockey League (NHL).

When applying for a specialized role such as an ice hockey referee, it is crucial to highlight your relevant experience and certifications. This demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the craft.

He emphasizes his progression from a Youth Ice Hockey Referee to a Certified Ice Hockey Referee, and ultimately to a Professional Ice Hockey Referee in the NHL. This progression underscores his dedication and continuous growth in the field.

Highlighting your career progression and achievements in the industry can help establish your credibility and demonstrate your long-term commitment to the profession.

The cover letter could further showcase specific examples of challenging situations Alexander has successfully handled as an ice hockey referee. This would demonstrate his ability to make critical decisions under pressure.

Providing specific examples of challenging situations you have faced and successfully resolved can help illustrate your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain composure in high-pressure environments.

Alexander's cover letter effectively conveys his enthusiasm and alignment with the NHL's mission of upholding fair play and sporting excellence. However, it could be strengthened by mentioning any familiarity with the NHL's specific rules and regulations.

Research and familiarize yourself with the organization's rules and regulations. Mention any relevant knowledge you have of the specific league or association you are applying to, as it shows your attention to detail and dedication to the sport.

Skills To Highlight

As a referee, your cover letter should highlight the unique skills that make you a strong candidate for the role. These key skills include:

Knowledge of the Sport : Referees must have a deep understanding of the sport they are officiating. This includes knowledge of the rules, game strategies, and player positions. Demonstrating your expertise and passion for the sport in your cover letter can help you stand out as a qualified candidate.

Rule Interpretation : Referees are responsible for enforcing the rules of the game and making decisions based on those rules. Highlight your ability to interpret and apply the rules accurately and consistently. Provide examples of situations where you had to make quick and fair judgments during a game.

Decision-Making Under Pressure : Refereeing can be a high-pressure role, especially during intense and competitive games. Showcase your ability to make quick and decisive decisions under pressure. Emphasize your calmness and ability to remain impartial and fair, even in challenging situations.

Communication : Effective communication is crucial for referees to maintain control of the game and effectively communicate decisions to coaches, players, and spectators. Highlight your strong communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal. Provide examples of situations where you effectively communicated with players or coaches to address concerns or explain decisions.

Conflict Resolution : Referees often encounter conflicts and disagreements during games. Demonstrate your ability to handle conflicts diplomatically and resolve them in a fair and impartial manner. Discuss situations where you successfully diffused tense situations or resolved disputes between players or coaches.

Maintaining Control of the Game : Referees play a vital role in ensuring the safety and fairness of the game. Showcase your ability to maintain control of the game, manage player behavior, and enforce discipline when necessary. Highlight your assertiveness, confidence, and ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism.

By highlighting these skills in your cover letter, you can demonstrate your qualifications and suitability for the role of a referee. Remember to provide specific examples and anecdotes that showcase your skills and experiences in the context of officiating games.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When crafting your cover letter for a referee position, it's important to avoid the following common mistakes:

Lacking a Deep Understanding of the Sport : As a referee, it's crucial to showcase your knowledge and passion for the sport you'll be officiating. Failing to demonstrate a deep understanding of the rules, strategies, and nuances of the game can raise doubts about your ability to make accurate decisions on the field. Make sure to highlight your experience as a player, coach, or avid fan, and explain how this background has equipped you with the necessary knowledge to be an effective referee.

Failing to Highlight Communication and Conflict Resolution Abilities : Effective communication is a key skill for referees, as they need to clearly and assertively communicate decisions to players, coaches, and spectators. Additionally, referees often find themselves in high-pressure situations where conflict resolution skills are essential. It's important to emphasize your ability to remain calm, composed, and diplomatic in challenging situations. Highlight any relevant experience, such as mediating disputes or leading teams in high-stress environments.

Not Emphasizing the Ability to Make Split-Second Decisions : Referees are required to make quick and accurate decisions on the field, often without the luxury of reviewing replays or consulting with others. Your cover letter should highlight your ability to think quickly, assess situations objectively, and make confident decisions. Provide examples of instances where you had to make split-second decisions under pressure and explain how you maintained fairness and impartiality.

Focusing Solely on Officiating Experience : While prior officiating experience is valuable, it's important not to limit your cover letter to just that. Referees are expected to have a well-rounded skill set that goes beyond knowledge of the rules. Highlight other relevant skills such as leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving. For example, if you have experience as a coach or player, mention how this has given you a unique perspective and the ability to relate to athletes.

Neglecting to Address Personal Integrity : Being a referee requires a strong sense of personal integrity and the ability to make unbiased decisions. Make sure to mention your commitment to upholding fair play, maintaining a high level of ethics, and demonstrating impartiality. Highlight any experiences or situations where you had to make decisions that were fair and just, even if they were difficult.

Remember, your cover letter should be tailored to the specific referee position you're applying for. Use the job description to identify the key skills and qualities the employer is seeking, and ensure that your cover letter addresses them. By avoiding these common mistakes and showcasing your unique qualifications, you can create a strong and compelling cover letter that sets you apart from other applicants in the competitive field of refereeing.

In conclusion, a well-crafted cover letter is an essential tool for referees looking to secure desirable positions in the competitive field of sports officiating. Through the use of clear and concise language, these examples demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate relevant skills, experience, and passion for the role.

By showcasing specific achievements and highlighting key qualifications, referees can make a strong impression on hiring managers and increase their chances of advancing in the application process. Additionally, the inclusion of a personalized opening paragraph and a professional closing statement adds a personal touch and demonstrates the referee's genuine interest in the position.

It is important for referees to avoid common mistakes such as using generic language, failing to tailor the letter to the specific job description, or neglecting to proofread for errors. By avoiding these pitfalls and following the examples provided, referees can create compelling cover letters that make a positive impact.

In summary, a well-crafted cover letter is an invaluable tool for referees seeking to stand out in the competitive field of sports officiating. By utilizing the tips and examples provided in this article, referees can create cover letters that effectively highlight their skills, experience, and passion, increasing their chances of securing their dream positions.

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Cover letter guidance

A cover letter (sometimes referred to as a justification or letter to reviewers) is an excellent opportunity for you to promote your work to the editor and reviewers

Please note, these guidelines are relevant to all of our journals. Make sure that you check your chosen journal’s web pages for specific guidelines too.

This is a chance for you to explain the importance of the work submitted and why it is most suitable for the journal. Your cover letter will be sent to reviewers.*

Things to consider:

• Make sure you state the correct journal name
• Address your letter to the relevant Associate Editor or Executive Editor
• Include a succinct statement about the importance and/or impact of your work
• Avoid repeating information that is already in your abstract or introduction
• Check your spelling
• Don’t include preferred/non-preferred reviewers in your letter as these should be entered in the manuscript submission system only
• Don’t refer to themed issue invitations or invited articles as these should be entered in the manuscript submission system only

*NB: cover letters are not sent to reviewers for  Chemical Science . Some journals may also have particular requirements to be included in the cover letter, please check the  journal specific guidelines  for further information. 

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How to Mention a Referral in Your Cover Letter

What Is a Referral Cover Letter?

The benefits of being referred, who to ask for a referral, how to mention a referral, tips for writing a referral cover letter, referral cover letter sample.

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If you know someone at a company or someone with a strong connection to a company, it can be helpful to mention them in your cover letter when you apply for a job. Having a referral can help you stand out from the crowd when you're job searching, and including the referral in your cover letter can help get your application noticed by the hiring manager.

Mentioning that you're referred by someone is like getting an employment reference in advance. Hiring managers and recruiters will likely take a closer look at candidates with whom they share a mutual contact, and for good reason: Studies have shown hiring through employee referrals results in faster, cheaper, more effective hiring than relying on job sites.

Applicants with a referral are four times more likely to be offered a job than candidates without one. Referral hires also tend to get up to speed more quickly, fit in better, and stay with the company longer. Referrals can also give the hiring manager additional context on a candidate and their work background.

Mentioning your referral and shared connection in your cover letter can make the difference in helping your application get noticed by prospective employers.

Here's how to write a referral cover letter, including the best way to mention the contact who is referring you and a sample letter with a template to download.

A referral cover letter mentions a mutual connection when applying for a job. You might be referred by a colleague, friend, employee at the company you’re interested in, client or vendor, or college career office.

Referred candidates are a leading source of new hires, and many employers actively seek referrals when hiring for open positions. Even if a company doesn't have a formal employee referral program , referrals are typically welcomed as a way to expedite the hiring process and secure strong candidates for available jobs.

Having a referral name to mention in your cover letter helps the hiring manager understand the shared connection you have with them or their employer. A referral also helps relate your experience to the open position and, depending on how you know the referring party, can provide some insight into how well you might fit in at the company.

Your cover letter also provides an opportunity to briefly highlight your education, skills, and qualifications for the job. In addition to mentioning your referral, you'll have the chance to add a few specific examples of why you are the best candidate for the position and share other details not included on your resume.

There are many different ways to be referred for a job. A connection at a company may inquire into whether you have an interest in exploring new opportunities. You may find that you're connected with an employee on LinkedIn. Before you apply for a job, take a look to see who you know at the organization.

The referral doesn't have to be a business connection. You can ask anyone you know at the company or who has a contact at the company if they would recommend you for a job.

Be sure to check with the individual in advance and ask if they are willing to give you a referral . Even if you’re certain they’d vouch for you, giving a potential referral the heads-up ensures they’ll be ready and able to offer the best possible recommendation, given the job requirements.

You can send a letter or email asking for a referral , which gives the person the time and opportunity to think through what they can do for you and how to proceed. Asking in writing also gives your connection an out if they aren't comfortable referring you.

• Mention who is referring you. When you use a referral in your cover letter, mention them in the first paragraph. Include the individual by name and describe your connection with them as well.
• Explain how you know the person. Give a brief account of how you know the person, and explain how they came to be familiar with your work qualifications and skills.
• Describe why they are recommending you. If the person recommended that you apply for this particular position, take the opportunity to mention why they are endorsing you. What specific qualities of yours made them think you would be a good fit for the company and the job? What do you have to offer the company?

Here's an example of an introductory paragraph mentioning the candidate has been referred by a colleague:

My colleague Amy Smith recommended that I contact you directly about the sales representative position at ABC, Inc. Amy and I have worked closely in the industry for many years, and she thought the company would be a good fit for my style and experience in sales. She pointed out that as a successful, award-winning salesperson, I would be an excellent addition to the team at ABC, Inc.

Name-dropping does not come easily to some people, especially if you're already wrestling with how to write about your accomplishments and sell yourself to a hiring manager. Even though it might be a challenge, being referred for a job can give you a boost over the competition. At the least, it should help you get considered for an interview. At best, it could give you a foot in the door that might lead to a job offer.

Review examples. If you're not sure what to write, it helps to look at examples of cover letters , although you'll want to tailor your letter to fit your specific personal and professional circumstances.

Mention the referral upfront. Remember to include a brief mention of your referral and recommendation right away in your cover letter. This strategy puts the referral at the front of the reader's mind, giving them context for the information that follows.

Make the best first impression. Expand on your strengths and why you're the best candidate for the job. Your cover letter offers a chance to make a strong first impression since it's likely the first thing a hiring manager sees, possibly even before your resume.

Share your accomplishments. Mention brief examples of your successes in the workplace to prove you are the most qualified person for the job.

Carefully proofread your letter. As with all business correspondence, make sure you proofread your cover letter for correct spelling and grammar, and check that the information matches across all the documents you submit. 

This is an example of a cover letter that mentions a referral. Download the referral cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online).

Referral Cover Letter Sample (Text Version)

Betty Forbes 999 Main Street Anytown, MA 02222 555-123-4567 bforbes1223@email.com

February 28, 2024

George Smith Marketing Director Acme Communications 1234 Fragrant Way Citytown, MA 02224

Dear Mr. Smith,

It was with great interest that I learned of the opening in your department for a marketing associate. Your marketing manager, Anna Black, was my supervisor at Catz Marketing before taking her current position with Acme Communications. As she can attest, I bring a unique perspective and can integrate the many facets of a media campaign.

With Anna at Catz Marketing, I worked with a local company to build their business and promote their grand opening. We continued to work with them for the first few years, developing a total media plan and implementing it. Their continued success and recommendations brought other businesses to seek our services as well.

My experience with Catz Marketing has prepared me to take on the challenges of working in a national company such as Acme Communications, and I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss how I can be an asset to your team.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Signature (hard copy letter)

Betty Forbes

More Cover Letter Examples 

Need more inspiration for writing your cover letters? Review these  cover letter samples and downloadable templates  for many different types of jobs to get started.

Key Takeaways

• A cover letter with a referral can help get your application considered.
• Before naming someone as a referral in your cover letter, ask them for permission to do so.
• Include the referral in the first paragraph of your cover letter.
• Also include specifics on why you're a leading contender for the job.

LinkedIn. " Here is Why Employee Referrals are the Best Way to Hire ."

Zippia. " Facts About Employee Referrals in the US ."

Jobvite. " 4 Reasons to Invest in Employee Referrals ."

CareerOneStop. " Make Your Next Cover Letter a Great One ."

SHRM. " Employee Referrals Remain Top Source for Hires ."

How to Write an Effective Referee Report and Improve the Scientific Review Process

Duke I&E Research Paper No. 2016-47

14 Pages Posted: 26 Nov 2016 Last revised: 13 Dec 2016

Jonathan Berk

Stanford Graduate School of Business; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Campbell R. Harvey

Duke University - Fuqua School of Business; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

David Hirshleifer

University of Southern California - Marshall School of Business - Finance and Business Economics Department; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Date Written: November 29, 2016

Drawing on insights of current and past editors of top economics and finance journals, we provide guidelines for reviewers in preparing referee reports and cover letters for journals. Peer review is fundamental to the progress of science and we believe that fundamental changes in reviewing practices are needed to improve the integrity, quality, and efficiency of the publication process. Such changes will also allow scholars to reallocate time from navigating the publication process to developing innovative research. Also see our companion paper: Preparing a Referee Report: Guidelines and Perspectives

Keywords: Referee report, Cover letter, Ethics, Conflicts of Interest

JEL Classification: A1, B1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, G1, I1, J1, K1, L1, M1, N1, O1, P1, Q1, R1, Y1, Z1

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Jonathan B. Berk

Stanford graduate school of business ( email ).

655 Knight Way Stanford, CA 94305-5015 United States

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) ( email )

1050 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02138 United States

Campbell R. Harvey (Contact Author)

Duke university - fuqua school of business ( email ).

Box 90120 Durham, NC 27708-0120 United States 919-660-7768 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.duke.edu/~charvey

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

University of southern california - marshall school of business - finance and business economics department ( email ).

Marshall School of Business Los Angeles, CA 90089 United States

HOME PAGE: http://https://sites.uci.edu/dhirshle/

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Personal perspective Free access | 10.1172/JCI39424

How to write an effective referee report

Ushma s. neill, executive editor, the journal of clinical investigation.

Find articles by Neill, U. in: JCI | PubMed | Google Scholar

Published May 1, 2009 - More info

Most scientists learn how to review papers by being thrown into the deep end of the pool: here’s a paper, write a review. Perhaps this is not the best way to keep an enterprise afloat. But what should be included in a review? What should the tone of a review be? Here I want to outline the specifics of what we at the JCI are looking for in a referee report.

For the editorial process to be successful, a few things are paramount: a well-written and novel manuscript, an informed and unbiased editor, and constructive comments from peer reviewers. We’ve already published pieces on how to write a scientific masterpiece ( 1 ) and what to expect from the editors ( 2 , 3 ), but so far, we haven’t paid as much attention to another important group: referees. In addition to the myriad tips listed by the Editor in Chief ( 4 ), here are a few other things to keep in mind.

Peer review should help to improve a paper that is already scientifically sound. The editors have a rule that if a manuscript is sent for external review, then we feel that it could ultimately, if appropriately revised, appear in the journal. The key thing we are looking for is comment on whether the experiments are well designed, executed, and controlled and can justify the conclusions drawn. Remember that there is a distinction between reviewing the paper and rewriting it for the authors. In other words, remember that this is the author’s paper.

We use a form that requires referees to separate their comments into two fields: confidential comments to the editors and comments to be transmitted to the authors. Feel free to speak plainly and passionately, if you wish, in the confidential comments field (see Insightful confidential comments to editors ). Your comments need not recapitulate exactly what you have written for the authors. It is in the confidential comments field that you should place your views on whether the manuscript is appropriate for the JCI ; statements of this nature should not be transmitted to authors. This is because it is not fair to the authors or to the editors to give conflicting feedback, for example, if you tell the authors that their paper should be acceptable to the JCI and use language like “potentially interesting and important” but then disparage the conclusions in the confidential comments.

Summarize the science. In the comments for authors, start with a few sentences of introduction that outline what you think was the authors’ hypothesis, their main results, and the conclusions drawn. This is important because it shows us what you think were the major advances as opposed to what the authors might argue are the major conclusions. Be specific about what you think the study adds or changes in terms of understanding the pathway or disease under investigation and/or where this leaves us in terms of a conceptual advance. This allows the editors and authors to determine how an expert in the field viewed the paper. This first paragraph need not be long and is best finished with whether the conclusions are supported by the data and whether major or minor changes are required. An exemplary introductory paragraph taken from the review of a recently published paper ( 5 ) is shown here (see What we are looking for in an opening paragraph ).

In the rest of the review, you should break your comments into two bulleted or numbered sections: major comments and minor comments. Speak plainly, but dispassionately — in the same tone as you would in writing a manuscript. There is no need to use all caps, exclamation points, or complicated analogies. The goal is for the entire review to be a maximum of 750 words. Using 20 words when you can use one will impress no one, and shorter reviews (within reason) are usually more helpful and constructive than longer ones. Further to this point, it is easy to tell when a review has been handed to a junior associate — the review is often overly long and lacks a big picture view of the hypothesis and its implications. If you agreed to write the review, it is fine to review it with someone else in your lab — in fact, the editors realize that this is an important part of mentorship. But declare that you had a co-reviewer in your confidential comments, make sure that the final report has been edited as needed by you, and remember that you have assumed ultimate responsibility for its contents.

Determine any deficiencies. The key is to evaluate whether the experiments adequately address the hypothesis and support the conclusions. Keep it simple. Manuscripts generally propose a hypothesis and then test this experimentally. The results constitute an argument, usually in support of, although sometimes refuting, a hypothesis. The key to any review is to understand what is being asked? Do the experiments (and approach) adequately test the hypothesis? Do the results justify the conclusions or model? Are the studies convincing? If yes, say so. If no, state as clearly as possible what aspects are not convincing and outline experimental approaches that might be useful to address the question.

You need to focus on asking only for experiments that would bolster the foundation of the conclusions or add key mechanistic insight. There is no point in sending the authors on a fishing expedition to add new data that might be nice but are essentially frippery. When you ask for a specific experimental addition, justify the need for the request: “Since the relevance of the in vitro cell model for studying interactions between XX cells and YY is questionable, the authors would need to repeat the key experiments in the ZZ in vivo model.” If the timeline for such a request is long and the experiment is key, then rejection should be recommended. You have to determine whether the experiments requested are justifiable in terms of the overall conclusions. It is unlikely that we would encourage resubmission if the referees ask for new animal lines, experiments that take more than a year, or synthesis of completely new reagents.

There are also inherent dangers to asking for a specific experiment and outlining what you want to see from that experiment. Altogether too often, we have seen data added in response to such requests that are too good to be true. Try to phrase your criticisms in such a way as to ask for an experiment, not to predict what you want to see from said experiment (see How to properly phrase an experimental request ).

Minor comments. Within the minor comments section of the review, most referees include mention of typographical mistakes and request minor changes to the text and figures, but you can relegate some of the experimental requests to this section as well, if you think that they are not crucial to the overall conclusions. Most authors will still respond to these comments. You should obviously correct any factually incorrect statements, but offer — don’t demand — suggestions about interpretation of data.

Shifting goalposts. When reviewing a revision, don’t come up with completely new experiments for the authors to do that weren’t mentioned in the first round of review. The caveat to this is that it is appropriate to challenge any new data that do not support the central hypothesis. While most authors will be responsive to the critiques, not all are, and we encourage referees to evaluate this in a re-review. Authors get one shot to revise, and if they have not provided a robust response, the manuscript should not be given a free pass.

In some cases, authors will do the experiments, but the data don’t sustain the hypothesis. Most will still add the data and send the paper back. As a referee, you need to let us know when the new data don’t make the paper better. In a rare example, an author wrote to us after we encouraged resubmission of his manuscript to say he wanted to withdraw the manuscript from further consideration, since his new data couldn’t be shoehorned into supporting the original conclusions (see Letter from an author ).

In a similar vein, we want to get away from the practice of authors always holding a little something back from their initial submission so that they can appear responsive to the referees. It is of course understandable if new data are added, since the work was ongoing at the time of submission. We would prefer to have a complete story at the time of initial submission that we can accept pending minor revisions than have a story with flaws that comes back a week later with all the experiments asked for added quickly.

Rankings and recommendations. Consider carefully your overall recommendation. Given that we accept less than 10% of the papers we receive, we need to get a sense from our referees of whether the paper falls in this top tier, or whether, even if revised, it would never reach this priority. By asking for a rating (both a category, accept/accept with revision/reject, and a ranking, top 10%/top 25%/top 50%), we want to know whether the paper is interesting enough to publish even if it is faultless scientifically — or, what would make the paper good enough, even if all i’s are not dotted but the concept is intriguing and scientifically important. In many ways, this is the most important question you have to address and where the editorial board depends on you the most.

Should you agree to review a manuscript if you have previously reviewed it for another journal? Is this a case of double jeopardy? Our position is that you should declare this in response to the invitation and let the editors decide. In some cases, if the previous review was for a journal like Science , it is possible that the manuscript is more appropriate for the JCI and that the points you previously made would be valid again. In this case, we will likely want your opinion but would ask you to carefully look at the current copy to see if there were positive updates to the manuscript. You should not just provide the authors and us with a carbon copy of the earlier review. In other cases, we may decline the re-review to seek alternative views on the manuscript.

Speaking of prejudice, it is worth mentioning that we do have a policy on referee conflicts of interest. Specifically, referees should recuse themselves as reviewers if they collaborate with the authors or if there is a material conflict — financial or otherwise. We ask that referees inform the editors of any potential conflicts that might be perceived as relevant as early as possible following invitation to participate in the review, and we will determine how to proceed. Disclosing a potential conflict does not invalidate the comments of a referee, it simply provides the editors with additional information relevant to the review. The editors consider known conflicts when choosing referees, but we cannot be aware of all relationships, financial or otherwise, and therefore rely on referees to be transparent on this issue ( 3 ).

Different journals handle interpretation of referee reports in different ways, given that some are run by professional editors and others are like the JCI , whose editorial board is comprised largely of practicing scientists. We can only comment on the way that things are at the JCI and how we discuss papers and our own emphasis on what is seen as important.

At the JCI , the editors truly don’t add any weight to whether a particular manuscript could potentially be highly cited or newsworthy, but simply consider whether it is medically relevant, novel, and important for our broad readership. Therefore, we would ask you not to comment on citation potential or newsworthiness within your review. Also note that the board’s decision does not rest on a referee majority: one well-worded, persuasive review can overrule others that are not substantive or constructive.

The editors collectively serve as the last referee — the ultimate arbiters who have to be convinced of the merits of the study — this is where the authors’ cover letter and the referees’ first paragraphs/confidential comments are of great help. The editor must be in a position to make decisions, overrule the referees when their demands are unreasonable, and be able to edit comments that are mean for the sake of being mean. It is humorous to note that the harshest reviews often come from referees suggested by the authors.

The name game. We also try not to pay any attention to who the authors are. Obviously we don’t live in a vacuum, but no JCI editor comments on the merits of the investigator in the course of discussion of a manuscript. Much has been said about how the peer review system has flaws and would be best done in a blinded fashion — that the referees should have no idea who the authors are. We are unsure of whether the referees are influenced by the authors’ names and whether they are softer on high profile names than they should be, but this is exactly where an editorial board’s role is key — it would be impossible for a particular editor to pass a mediocre manuscript from a big name lab from their own field past a group of editors who might otherwise be unfamiliar with that person.

Let the judges be judged. Each review we receive is given a grade that reflects the quality and constructive nature of the review, and over time, referees get an averaged score. As we try to use experienced reviewers who are familiar with the journal, we’re able to see at a glance who has given us good advice in the past and those who provided biased, unhelpful advice. Happily, the large portion of reviews we receive are constructive. A journal like the JCI can only exist with the support and efforts of peer reviewers who spend hours reading manuscripts and delivering their verdicts, and we thank you for your efforts on our behalf.

I am thankful to many people who assisted in discussion of these ideas, including Brooke Grindlinger, Mitch Lazar, Domenico Accili, Anthony Ferrante, Bob Farese Jr., Mike Schwartz, Don Ganem, Larry Turka, Mark Kahn, Gary Koretzky, and Morris Birnbaum. I would also like to thank those listed in the masthead as Consulting Editors for providing the JCI with consistently high quality, helpful reviews.

Reference information: J. Clin. Invest. 119 :1058–1060 (2009). doi:10.1172/JCI39424

• Neill, U.S. 2007. How to write a scientific masterpiece. J. Clin. Invest. 117 :3599-3602. View this article via: JCI CrossRef PubMed Google Scholar
• Turka, L.A. 2007. Evolution, not revolution. J. Clin. Invest. 117 :504-505. View this article via: JCI CrossRef Google Scholar
• Neill, U.S., Thompson, C.B., Feldmann, M., Kelley, W.N. 2006. A new JCI conflict-of-interest policy. J. Clin. Invest. 117 :506-508. View this article via: PubMed Google Scholar
• Turka, L.A. 2009. After further review. J. Clin. Invest. 119 :1057. . View this article via: JCI Google Scholar
• Qatanani, M., et al. 2009. Macrophage-derived human resistin exacerbates adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance in mice. J. Clin. Invest. 119 :531-539. View this article via: JCI CrossRef Google Scholar
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How To Mention A Referral In Your Cover Letter (With Examples)

• How To Sign A Cover Letter
• Salary Requirements In Cover Letter
• Referral In Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Body
• Use Dear Sir Or Madam?
• Use Mrs. Or Ms.?

Find a Job You Really Want In

Having a referral by someone who is already employed at the company you’re applying to can be an excellent way to get your foot in the door. Mentioning a referral in your cover letter is one of the ways to do this. To help you write the best referral in your cover letter, we’ll go over how to include a reference in a cover letter, provide some referral cover letter examples, and some benefits to being referred. Key Takeaways: Make sure you have a reliable referral that is in good standing with a company, and that they know they are being included before putting down a referral. Candidates that are referred also tend to feel more of an obligation to the company, their reference, and their team, allowing them to get up to speed more quickly and adapt to the new culture and workplace more efficiently. Writing a cover letter with referral will allow you to highlight the key skills you can bring to the position and provide specific examples of why you are the best fit for this job. In This Article    Skip to section What is a referral cover letter? How to mention a referral in your cover letter Referral cover letter examples Who to ask for a referral The benefits of being referred Referral in your cover letter FAQ Final thoughts Expert Opinion References Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs Show More What is a referral cover letter?

A referral cover letter is an application document for a potential job opportunity that mentions a mutual contact you may share with the hiring manager or someone in the company. This connection can be an old colleague, a friend, or a networking acquaintance who likely works at the company you are applying to.

When done effectively, you can drop their name in your cover letter to emphasize how your skills and abilities align with the job and how you’ve worked with your referral in the past. You can mention specific projects and details that you know this person may be able to vouch for.

Your cover letter is the first thing your employer or hiring manager is likely to see, so use it as your moment to shine. This document will allow you to provide additional details about your education, qualifications, skills, and work ethic. You can point to specific projects and challenges you may have experienced and discuss how you overcame them and how those abilities translate to the job you are applying for.

How to mention a referral in your cover letter

When mentioning a referral in your cover letter, make sure your referral knows you are including them before, and then mention their name in the letter and explain why they are recommending you. Here is a more detailed list of how to add reference in cover letter:

Make sure your referral knows. Mentioning a referral in your cover letter is appropriate when you have directly contacted the person you’re planning to mention as your referral. This could be someone you contacted or someone that contacted you. It can even be someone who is not your contact on LinkedIn or other networks, but you’ve reached out to them, and they’ve agreed to be a referral.

However, in instances where you have not asked for explicit permission from the person you’re planning to use as your referral or this person is not in good standing with their employer, you should stay clear of mentioning them in your cover letter .

Mention who is referring you. The purpose of the cover letter is to impress from the start . Mention your referral within the first paragraph of your note. To do this effectively, include:

The person’s name

How you know them

How they are familiar with your skills and qualifications

Explain why they are recommending you. You can give the hiring manager a quick summary of why they are recommending you and how your past experience gives you the skills required to do the job well.

Keep it short. Try to keep your referral to one single paragraph in your cover letter. The rest of your letter should expand more on you and your skills, including how the things you have learned in previous work environments are transferable to your new role .

Send a copy of your cover letter to your referral. The last thing you should do is send a copy of your cover letter to your referral so they can read it over. Doing this is a nice gesture and allows them to know what you are saying about them. Be sure to also thank them for their help.

Referral cover letter examples

We’ve included some examples of how it may look to include a referral in your cover letter.

Cover letter with referral example

Dear Angela Morris, I am writing to inquire about the Marketing Director position, which came highly recommended to me by Bill Jeffries, Vice President of Marketing at Apple, Inc. Bill and I worked closely together for several years at Nabisco, where we tackled a variety of event coordination and digital lead generation efforts. Bill believes my marketing experience and skill for developing memorable events can have a profound impact on the marketing team and organization as a whole.

Dear Larry Smith, Bill Jeffries suggested I reach out to you regarding the Marketing Director position at Apple, Inc. I met Bill while coordinating a conference at the end of last year. We worked closely together with vendors, contracts, and design. He was able to see my ability to bring booths to life, develop innovative ideas to capture new leads, and drive to continually improve marketing programs, which is why he’s referred me to this role on your team.

Dear John Riley, Tom Johnson suggested I contact you regarding the Customer Representative Position at XYZ Company. I worked with Tom last year when we worked together at ABC Corp. Working closely together allowed him to see my ability to connect with others and drive sales. This is why he referred me to this role and your team.

Who to ask for a referral

Getting a referral when you don’t know someone well can sometimes be tricky. But there are a variety of ways to be referred for a job . A connection at the company you’re applying for might inquire whether you’re interested in exploring new job opportunities. You may have an old connection on LinkedIn that you forgot about.

LinkedIn is a great tool to explore whether you know anyone at the company you are applying to. You can easily see if you know an existing connection or if one of your contacts knows someone at the company currently.

Once you choose someone to provide a referral , be sure to reach out to them before applying for the job. Ask if they are willing to give you a referral for the job. Even if you assume this person will build your credibility with the hiring manager, it’s important to check with them first. You don’t want to bombard someone at the last minute, and you certainly don’t want to tell the hiring manager that a person has vouched for you when they actually haven’t.

To do this, you can send them an email or a letter asking them for a referral. Similar to a reference letter , this will give the person you are asking a chance to look over the requirements and think about how they can best help you. This also gives them an opportunity to opt out of a referral in case they don’t feel comfortable.

The benefits of being referred

Being a candidate who is referred by someone respected in the company is a tremendous benefit for you as a job seeker such as an expedited hiring process or the ability to highlight key skills. Here are some more benefits of being referred.

It can quicken the hiring process. Even if a company doesn’t have a formal employee referral program , the human resources (HR) department typically welcomes referrals. They help to expedite the hiring process and ensure that strong candidates fill open spots on teams.

Allows the interviewer to see you in a different light. When you are referred for a job, it might feel like a lot to live up to. However, if you view it as a step up during your interview process , you will be better suited for your interview. Ultimately, having a candidate referred gives the hiring manager an authentic glimpse into the kind of employee you will be and will help them relate your experience to the position.

A better understanding of the company culture. The person who referred you will likely be asked to provide insights into how you will fit into their company culture . However, there is no need to worry because the person who referred you would not have vouched for you if they didn’t think you were the right fit for this job.

Being able to highlight key skills. Putting this referral in your cover letter will allow you to highlight the key skills you can bring to the position and provide specific examples of why you are the best fit for this job. Cover letters give you another area to share additional details that your resume may not include.

Referral in your cover letter FAQ

Should you mention a referral in a cover letter?

Yes, you should mention a referral in your cover letter. Mentioning a referral in a cover letter helps to emphasize how your skills and abilities align with the job and how you’ve worked with your referral in the past. The best way to do this is to mention specific projects and details how you know the person and how they can vouch for you.

Who should be a referral for a job?

A referral should be someone you know such as an old colleague, former classmate, or someone from your network who works at the company you are applying for. The person who is referring you should be a current employee and someone you trust. They should be able to help highlight your strengths and abilities.

How do you mention a referral in your cover letter?

To mention a referral in your cover letter be sure to mention by name the person who referred you and your relationship to the. This should be a person who is a current employee who can highlight your skills and abilities. Your referral in your cover letter should be kept short and to the point.

Final thoughts

If you come into a company with the right type of referral and a person who can actively vouch for your work ethic, you’ll already place yourself ahead of the competition. Even if you have a vast network and land your dream job, continue to network . Ensure that you always depart work environments on good terms with colleagues and managers. You never know who you will cross paths with later in your career journey: the broader your network, the better chance you will have to name-drop in the future.

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Expert Opinion

How To Mention A Referral In Your Cover Letter

Martha Nicks Career Services Provider

“My colleague XXX recommended that I contact you directly about this position ” is an easy way to name drop your referral in the cover letter. To strengthen the statement, add something about the relationship of the referral to the company.

University of South Florida – Cover Letter Do’s & Don’ts

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Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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How to Write an Effective Referee Report and Improve the Scientific Review Process

The review process for academic journals in economics has grown vastly more extensive over time. Journals demand more revisions, and papers have become bloated with numerous robustness checks and extensions. Even if the extra resulting revisions do on average lead to improved papers—a claim that is debatable—the cost is enormous. We argue that much of the time involved in these revisions is a waste of research effort. Another cause for concern is the level of disagreement amongst referees, a pattern that suggests a high level of arbitrariness in the review process. To identify and highlight what is going right and what is going wrong in the reviewing process, we wrote to a sample of former editors of the American Economic Review, the Journal of Political Economy, the Quarterly Journal of Economics, Econometrica, the Review of Economic Studies, and the Journal of Financial Economics, and asked them for their thoughts about what might improve the process. We found a rough consensus that referees for top journals in economics tend to make similar, correctable mistakes. The italicized quotations throughout this paper are drawn from our correspondence with these editors and our own experience. Their insights are consistent with our own experiences as editors at the Journal of Finance and the Review of Financial Studies. Our objective is to highlight these mistakes and provide a roadmap for how to avoid them.

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Referee Cover Letter Examples

A great referee cover letter can help you stand out from the competition when applying for a job. Be sure to tailor your letter to the specific requirements listed in the job description, and highlight your most relevant or exceptional qualifications. The following referee cover letter example can give you some ideas on how to write your own letter.

or download as PDF

Cover Letter Example (Text)

Ivey Santaanna

(284) 836-9778

[email protected]

Dear Layna Krausch,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Referee position at Stripe that was listed on your company's careers page. With my extensive background in dispute resolution and customer service, honed over five years at PayPal, I believe I am well-equipped to handle the complexities and challenges that come with the role of a Referee at Stripe.

During my tenure at PayPal, I was responsible for mediating between parties in high-stakes situations, often involving sensitive financial transactions. I have developed a keen ability to listen impartially, analyze facts quickly, and make fair decisions that align with company policies and legal guidelines. My dedication to maintaining a high standard of integrity and transparency has been paramount, and I have consistently received positive feedback from both colleagues and customers for my clear communication and effective resolution skills.

I am particularly drawn to Stripe's commitment to innovation and its customer-centric approach, which I have followed with great interest over the years. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my experience to a team that values collaboration, continuous learning, and staying ahead of industry trends. I am confident that my proactive approach to problem-solving and my ability to work under pressure will make me a valuable addition to your team.

Furthermore, I am adept at managing a wide array of cases, always ensuring that I stay updated on the latest in regulatory compliance and best practices within the digital payments industry. I am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to Stripe's mission of building economic infrastructure for the internet by ensuring fair and just interactions between your platform, its users, and stakeholders.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasms can be in sync with the dynamic team at Stripe. I am looking forward to the opportunity to further discuss how I can contribute to your team and help maintain the high standards of service that Stripe is known for.

Warm regards,

Cover Letter & References Examples

Cover letter & reference examples.

Get started on your cover letter and reference page materials using these examples to apply tips on formatting, structure, and content.

Cover Letter Example

References Example

Who could you ask to be a reference? Professional references include people who can attest to your skills and qualifications. Consider using a current supervisor, past employer, colleague, instructor, coach, or advisor.