Thank-You Note for a Personal Business Reference

By Billie •  Updated: 04/06/13 •  3 min read

How to thank someone for a letter of recommendation: if you have received a positive business reference or letter of recommendation from a colleague or former boss, the proper thing to do is to acknowledge their generosity with a handwritten note of thanks. Here are wording examples for various “thank you for the business referral” scenarios.

Thank you Note For the Letter of Recommendation

thank you note for a personal business reference

Example 1: Thank you note for a colleague who took the time to write a personal reference

Dear Joe:

Thank you so much for taking the time to write the letter of reference. Your words were so glowing I thought the company might believe I walked on water! But good news –- I start to work December 27th.

This is the job I’ve been waiting for, and I’ll not forget your part in helping me land it. Let me know when I can return the favour.

Best regards,

Sally

Example 2: More formal thank-you for a personal reference

Dear Pat:

I want to thank you personally for your interest, support, and encouragement in my recent job search. I’ve accepted a position with Drew Fromm and Associates in San Jose.

I’ll be joining their company as vice president of marketing with responsibilities in the five-state western region. Primarily, we sell manufacturing plant engineering and inspection services and related products.

Your advice was particularly helpful in the interviewing process and in subsequent negotiations. Let me know if I can help you, your friends, or your associates in San Jose, in any way.

Sincerely,

Shannon

Example 3: Thank you for letter of reference

Dear Cheryl,

Although that interview is still two weeks away, I didn’t want to let another day go by without thanking you for taking the time to write the letter of reference. Although I can’t imagine how I might help someone of your position in a similar way, I do want you to call on me for any other favour–perhaps some information or special tickets to an event you may want to attend when traveling in New York? I’d love to hear from you for any reason or favour at all.

Thank you for making me look so well-qualified for the job.

Best,

Jill

Example 4: Thank you for corporate reference

Dear Ms. Wyatt:

Thank you for responding to the request for a reference from Jose Pose, Inc. Evidently, you did an excellent job in communicating with them, and your opinion was highly valued by that company. I began my job as research assistant for Mr. Franks almost immediately.

I still remember the excellent working relationship in your department and count it as an extremely beneficial experience that enabled me to progress in my career.

Thank you again, and please write or phone if I can help you in any way.

Sincerely,

Helen

Short Email Thank-You Letter Business Template for a Personal Reference

Dear Steve:

Thank you very much for the thoughtful letter of recommendation you provided me for my job application at Freedom 45. You have always been a mentor to me and have helped me so much as I progress through my career.

Best regards,

Mack

More Thank You For the Recommendation Letter (Examples)

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Billie

I like to climb mountains, read Nietzsche, and explore the West Coast. I have a BA from York University (2003) in Toronto, Canada, and yet on this site I sometimes spell like an American (know your audience). Thank you. Thank you very much.