How do you research the company and the role before writing a cover letter for a referral?

1 Know the company

The first step is to learn as much as you can about the company's mission, vision, values, culture, goals, challenges, and achievements. You can use various sources, such as the company website, social media, news articles, podcasts, blogs, reviews, and annual reports. Try to find out what makes the company unique, what problems they are solving, what impact they are making, and what kind of people they are looking for. This will help you align your cover letter with the company's brand and voice, and show that you share their passion and vision.

2 Know the role

The second step is to understand the role you are applying for and how it fits into the company's structure and strategy. You can use the job description, the company's career page, and your referral's insights to get a clear picture of the role's responsibilities, requirements, expectations, and challenges. Try to find out what skills, knowledge, and experience are essential for the role, what goals and metrics are used to measure success, and what challenges and opportunities are involved. This will help you highlight your relevant qualifications, achievements, and potential in your cover letter, and show that you can add value to the role and the company.

3 Know the referral

The third step is to leverage your referral's relationship with the company and the role. You can use your referral's name, position, and connection to you as a way to introduce yourself and grab the reader's attention in your cover letter. You can also use your referral's feedback, advice, and stories to support your claims and demonstrate your fit for the role and the company. Try to find out why your referral recommended you, what they appreciate about you, and how they describe the company and the role. This will help you personalize your cover letter, build trust and credibility, and show that you have an insider's perspective.

5 Know yourself

The fifth step is to reflect on your own skills, experience, and goals, and how they match the role and the company. You can use your resume, portfolio, or personal brand statement as a starting point to identify your strengths, achievements, and aspirations. Try to find out what makes you unique, what motivates you, and what you can offer to the role and the company. This will help you craft a compelling cover letter that showcases your personality, passion, and potential, and shows that you are a great fit for the role and the company.

6 Know the format

The sixth step is to follow the best practices for writing a cover letter for a referral. You can use a simple and professional format that includes a salutation, an introduction, two or three body paragraphs, and a closing. You can also use a clear and concise language that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements, and explains why you are interested in the role and the company. You can also use a positive and confident tone that expresses your enthusiasm, gratitude, and readiness for the next steps. Finally, you can proofread and edit your cover letter for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and clarity, and make sure it is no longer than one page.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?