Thank You Letter for a Job Lead Examples

young man at a job interview
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Most job seekers know that they should send a thank-you letter after a job interview. But hiring managers aren’t the only people who enjoy getting a note of thanks during the application process.

If you’ve received help from networking contacts during your job search, it’s a good idea to send those folks a thank-you email or letter to say that you appreciate their assistance. This is especially true if your connection referred you to a job lead that turned into a job offer. But even if their recommendation didn’t lead to a new job, it’s important to reach out to say that you appreciated the referral.

Learn more about what to include in a thank-you letter for a job lead and see sample letters to inspire your own message.

What to Include in a Thank-You Letter for a Job Lead

A thank-you letter should be written in standard business-letter format and include the following information:

  • Your thanks for the job lead and any other assistance your contact provided. For example, if your connection passed along your resume directly, be sure to mention that. The details are important.
  • A brief mention of the job for which you’re applying. Include the job title, company name, and the name of the hiring manager.
  • An offer to provide assistance in the future, if your connection needs a referral or other help.

If you are sending an email thank-you message, include your name in the subject line.

Thank You Letter for a Job Lead Example

This is an example of a thank you letter you can send to someone who referred you to a job where you were offered a lead position. Download the thank you letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Screenshot of a thank you letter for a job lead

Thank You Letter for a Job Lead Example

Gina Cohen
123 Main Street
Anytown, CA 12345
555-555-5555
gina.cohen@email.com

September 1, 2021

George Lee
123 Business Road
Business City, NY 54321

Dear George,

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for your referral to Frontier Media. After reaching out to your contact about an informational interview, I was later asked to return for a formal interview. I am thrilled to tell you that I was offered a job.

I have accepted a full-time Account Manager position, and I am very much looking forward to working with Frontier. I can’t thank you enough for connecting me with your contacts there. I deeply appreciate you sharing your networking resources with me, and I’m honored that you thought of me as a good fit for such an outstanding company. Your belief in me to succeed is an inspiration, and I will do my absolute best to live up to your confidence.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if, at some point, you think of any way I can return the favor. I am happy to introduce you to any of my past or present colleagues. Of course, if you find yourself in need of a reference letter or recommendation at any point, I am more than happy to contribute in that way, too.

Thanks again, and let’s stay in touch. I will be sure to update you about my experience at Frontier, and I look forward to hearing about your own progress, as well.

In gratitude,

Signature (hard copy letter)

Gina Cohen

Thank You Letter for a Job Lead Example (Not Hired)

Here's an example of a thank you letter ​to send to someone who referred you to a job lead, but you didn't get the position. This letter shows your appreciation for the lead even though you were not hired.

Thank You Letter for a Job Lead Example — Not Hired

Jason Gitman
123 Main Street
Anytown, CA 12345
555-555-5555
jason.gitman@email.com

September 1, 2021

Trudy Wolf
Five Star Production
123 Business Road
Business City, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Wolf,

First, I would like to thank you very much for your referral to Five Star Production. I am sincerely grateful that you thought of me as a strong candidate for the Sales and Ticketing Coordinator role.

Additionally, I appreciate you taking the time to alert me to the opening of this position and to recommend me as a good fit for the job.

However, I am disappointed to let you know that I was not hired for the job although your contact in Human Resources, Mr. Jameson, expressed his admiration for my enthusiasm and willingness to work hard in this role. Unfortunately, Five Star is looking for someone with specific experience in large-scale event production.

As you know, my background is in television production, though I am still actively looking to transition fields.

Thank you again for the job lead. If you happen to hear of any other positions that would be a good match or can share any other resources that you think might benefit the development of my career, I would love for you to me let me know. I very much look up to you as a Production Supervisor and
would be thrilled to learn as much as I can from a respected peer.

Meanwhile, if there is any way you think I might be able to return the favor, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am always here to help in any way I can.

Thanks again,

Signature (hard copy letter)

Jason Gitman