How to write a cover letter referral when your dad is referral? (employee, application) - Job Search -Interviews, resumes, recruiters, and more - City-Data Forum

gleamingobscenereader · 03-19-2018, 09:56 AM

My dad was talking to someone he knows and they said they had an open position at their work. He said he knows of me for various reasons, and he got the persons email and phone number so I can send her over my resume and cover letter.

I am wondering if I should put my dad as referral? if I should, than how should I write it in there?

selhars · 03-19-2018, 08:27 PM

Uh, what kind of job is this? What's the situation?

More info would be helpful.

joe from dayton · 03-20-2018, 08:54 AM

Based on what you have written, I presume that your dad is the understood referral, so he does not need to be specifically mentioned.

selhars · 03-20-2018, 01:11 PM

I could be wrong, but from what I gather the OP is trying to figure out -- or get suggestions on -- what to say to the guy when he forwards his resume.

How to get into the cover letter.....what's he supposed to say, "My dad suggested I send you my resume?" That sounds a bit childlike, no?

He could use his dad's formal name and say, "Joe Blow suggested I forward my resume."

That's why I asked for more info....is this contact a family friend, a business/professional contact -- someone he knows very well or just casually....who said, "sure have him send me his info." Knowing that might help us come up with ideas for how to introduce yourself.

Perhaps.....

Dear whoever,

Thanks so much for agreeing to consider me for a position with XYZ.
Joe Blow thought my experience/background would be a good fit for xyz...., and suggested I send you my resume.

When the person making the initial contact for you is your mom or dad.....I DO think it's tricky to try to figure out how to get into it.

AADAD · 03-20-2018, 06:20 PM

"He said he knows of me for various reasons, "

What does this mean?

selhars · 03-20-2018, 08:43 PM

OP, until we get more background info, there's not much we can advise about how to proceed.

Hemlock140 · 03-26-2018, 10:48 AM

Referrals can go either way. Obviously I know nothing about your dad and his relationship with the hiring company/manager, but if he is a respected employee and know to be a good judge of character it can help a lot. If for some reason the person looking at the resume doesn't like him, or knows he's your father and distrusts his ability to be objective, it may go against you. Most jobs applications ask for references that are not related to you. i would have some good references ready to list, and would not mention the referral, if it were me. Without more detail, it sounds like you should discuss this with your dad and ask his advice. After all, if you mention the referral his name will be on it.