When reaching out to a new contact—whether for a job opportunity, collaboration, or business inquiry—the phrase “I was referred to you by” helps establish trust and credibility. It shows that someone has recommended your connection and provides helpful context for the conversation. However, using the same phrase repeatedly can sound repetitive or overly direct, especially in professional emails where tone matters.
That’s why having polished, varied, and professional alternatives can make your message feel more natural and refined. This guide presents 35+ different ways to say “I was referred to you by”, each with a clear meaning, tone, example sentence, and guidance on when to use it. Whether you’re emailing a recruiter, client, manager, or business partner, these alternatives help you communicate confidently and professionally.
Section 1: What Does “I Was Referred to You By” Mean?
The phrase simply means that someone recommended you reach out to the person you’re contacting. It helps establish credibility, context, and relevance in a professional interaction. The tone is neutral and appropriate for most business conversations, especially when starting communication with someone you haven’t met yet.
Section 2: When to Use It
You can use this phrase in:
- Job application emails
- Networking messages
- Client introductions
- Professional inquiries
- Business referrals
- Partnership or collaboration outreach
Examples:
- “I was referred to you by Maria, who suggested you might help with this project.”
- “I was referred to you by your colleague, David, regarding the open position.”
Section 3: Is It Polite or Professional?
Yes—it’s both polite and professional. However, depending on context, you may want to use a more formal, indirect, or refined version. Using thoughtful alternatives helps you tailor your tone to match the situation, whether you’re writing to a hiring manager, executive, client, or service provider.
Section 4: 35+ Ways to Say “I Was Referred to You By”
Below are polished alternatives with meanings, tones, examples, and usage notes.
1. I was recommended to contact you by…
Tone: Professional
“I was recommended to contact you by Sarah from your HR team.”
Use when the referral feels strong or authoritative.
2. I was directed to reach out to you by…
Tone: Formal
“I was directed to reach out to you by Mr. Ahmed regarding the proposal.”
Best for corporate or managerial contexts.
3. I was advised to connect with you by…
Tone: Formal, respectful
“I was advised to connect with you by Dr. Lopez.”
4. I was introduced to you through…
Tone: Professional-friendly
“I was introduced to you through our mutual colleague, Emma.”
5. I was encouraged to contact you by…
Tone: Warm, positive
“I was encouraged to contact you by John, who spoke highly of your work.”
6. I learned about you through…
Tone: Neutral, polite
“I learned about you through Ms. Ali from your finance team.”
7. Your name was shared with me by…
Tone: Polished and elegant
“Your name was shared with me by Aisha, who thought we should connect.”
8. I was pointed in your direction by…
Tone: Semi-formal
“I was pointed in your direction by Mark regarding the project details.”
9. I was referred to your expertise by…
Tone: Respectful, appreciative
“I was referred to your expertise by Julia from the leadership team.”
Great when acknowledging the person’s skills.
10. A mutual contact suggested I reach out to you—
Tone: Professional
“A mutual contact suggested I reach out to you—David Kim.”
11. We were connected through…
Tone: Professional-friendly
“We were connected through your colleague, Maya.”
12. I received your contact information from…
Tone: Direct, formal
“I received your contact information from Mr. Hassan.”
13. I was guided to your contact by…
Tone: Formal
“I was guided to your contact by the HR coordinator.”
14. I heard about your work from…
Tone: Appreciative
“I heard about your work from Claire and wanted to reach out.”
15. I was connected with you by…
Tone: Smooth and natural
“I was connected with you by Ms. Rodriguez regarding the vacancy.”
16. I’m reaching out on the recommendation of…
Tone: Formal
“I’m reaching out on the recommendation of Mr. Thompson.”
17. I was introduced to your name through…
Tone: Elegant
“I was introduced to your name through Dr. Patel.”
18. My colleague suggested I contact you—
Tone: Polite and friendly
“My colleague suggested I contact you—Sarah from marketing.”
19. I come recommended by…
Tone: Professional
“I come recommended by Ms. Evans, who shared your contact details.”
20. Your colleague recommended I reach out.
Tone: Polite, simple
“Your colleague recommended I reach out regarding the internship.”
21. I’m reaching out based on a referral from…
Tone: Strong and professional
“I’m reaching out based on a referral from Jason Lee.”
22. I was put in touch with you by…
Tone: Natural and friendly
“I was put in touch with you by Hannah from the design team.”
23. A contact of ours recommended you.
Tone: Neutral-professional
“A contact of ours recommended you for consultation.”
24. I was provided your details by…
Tone: Very formal
“I was provided your details by your assistant.”
25. I’m reaching out following a recommendation from…
Tone: Professional
“I’m reaching out following a recommendation from Ms. Khan.”
26. I was suggested to get in touch with you by…
Tone: Polite
“I was suggested to get in touch with you by Nathan from sales.”
27. I’ve been referred to your department by…
Tone: Corporate
“I’ve been referred to your department by your director.”
28. I’m contacting you at the suggestion of…
Tone: Clear and formal
“I’m contacting you at the suggestion of your colleague, Alicia.”
29. We share a mutual connection who suggested I reach out.
Tone: Professional-warm
“We share a mutual connection who suggested I reach out—Michael Tan.”
30. I was advised that you are the right person to speak with.
Tone: Very professional
“I was advised that you are the right person to speak with regarding the role.”
31. I was told you would be the best contact for this.
Tone: Respectful
“I was told you would be the best contact for this discussion.”
32. I’m reaching out as recommended by…
Tone: Clear and corporate
“I’m reaching out as recommended by your team lead.”
33. Your colleague directed me to you for assistance.
Tone: Efficient, formal
“Your colleague directed me to you for assistance with onboarding.”
34. I’m reaching out thanks to a referral from…
Tone: Natural and modern
“I’m reaching out thanks to a referral from Emily.”
35. A mutual acquaintance connected us.
Tone: Professional
“A mutual acquaintance connected us regarding the consultancy work.”
36. Your team shared your contact information with me.
Tone: Formal
“Your team shared your contact information with me for next steps.”
37. I was informed that you are the appropriate contact.
Tone: Very formal, respectful
“I was informed that you are the appropriate contact for this matter.”
Conclusion
Using the right introduction in a referral-based message helps establish trust and professionalism from the very first line. Whether you’re applying for a position, reaching out to a client, or starting a new business connection, these alternatives to “I was referred to you by” offer clarity, warmth, and polished communication. Choose the phrase that best fits your tone—formal, neutral, or friendly—and tailor it to your relationship with the person who made the referral. With the right wording, you can create a confident and compelling introduction.
