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47 Other Ways to Say I Was Referred to You By (With Examples)

Emma Brooke
April 19, 2026
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Other Ways to Say I Was Referred to You By

Other Ways to Say I Was Referred to You By is a commonly used phrase in professional emails, but relying on the same wording can make your message feel repetitive and less engaging. Have you ever struggled to introduce a referral smoothly without sounding too formal or too plain? That’s a challenge many professionals face when trying to make a strong first impression. But here’s the good news: small changes in wording can instantly make your communication sound more natural, polished, and confident.

In this guide, you will learn Other Ways to Say I Was Referred to You By along with practical alternatives you can use in emails, networking messages, and business introductions. You’ll also discover when to use each phrase and how to adapt them for different situations. And it gets better—you’ll get clear examples that you can use right away to make your messages more effective and professional.


Table of Contents

What Does “I Was Referred to You By” Mean?

“I was referred to you by…” means that someone suggested or recommended you to contact a specific person. It’s commonly used in professional emails, job inquiries, networking messages, and business introductions.


When to Use “I Was Referred to You By”

You can use this phrase when:

  • Reaching out for job opportunities
  • Contacting a business professional
  • Networking with new people
  • Following a recommendation from a mutual contact

It helps establish trust and credibility right away.


Is It Professional/Polite to Say “I Was Referred to You By”?

Yes, it is highly professional and widely accepted in formal communication. However, varying your wording can make your message sound more natural, less repetitive, and more personalized.


1. I Was Recommended to You By

Scenario: Professional email introduction
Examples:

  • I was recommended to you by John Smith for this opportunity.
  • I was recommended to you by my colleague in marketing.
  • I was recommended to you by a mutual connection.
  • I was recommended to you by your previous client.
  • I was recommended to you by a trusted associate.
    Tone: Professional and respectful
    Best Use: Job applications or business outreach

2. Your Name Was Shared With Me By

Scenario: Networking introduction
Examples:

  • Your name was shared with me by a mutual friend.
  • Your name was shared with me by my manager.
  • Your name was shared with me by a colleague.
  • Your name was shared with me during a discussion.
  • Your name was shared with me as a contact person.
    Tone: Neutral and formal
    Best Use: First-time professional contact
Read More:  30 Other Ways to Say How Can I Help You? (With Examples)

3. I Was Put in Touch With You By

Scenario: Business communication
Examples:

  • I was put in touch with you by Sarah from HR.
  • I was put in touch with you by a previous coworker.
  • I was put in touch with you by my supervisor.
  • I was put in touch with you regarding this role.
  • I was put in touch with you through networking.
    Tone: Professional and clear
    Best Use: Formal introductions

4. I Was Directed to You By

Scenario: Formal inquiry
Examples:

  • I was directed to you by the support team.
  • I was directed to you by your assistant.
  • I was directed to you by a mutual contact.
  • I was directed to you for further assistance.
  • I was directed to you regarding this matter.
    Tone: Formal and structured
    Best Use: Customer service or official communication

5. I Was Given Your Contact by

Scenario: Casual professional message
Examples:

  • I was given your contact by a friend.
  • I was given your contact by my manager.
  • I was given your contact by a colleague.
  • I was given your contact for collaboration.
  • I was given your contact by your team.
    Tone: Neutral and friendly
    Best Use: Networking emails

6. I Came Across Your Details Through

Scenario: Discovery-based outreach
Examples:

  • I came across your details through LinkedIn.
  • I came across your details through a referral.
  • I came across your details through a colleague.
  • I came across your details while researching.
  • I came across your details through a recommendation.
    Tone: Professional and natural
    Best Use: Cold outreach messages

7. I Was Referred to You at the Suggestion of

Scenario: Formal business email
Examples:

  • I was referred to you at the suggestion of Mr. Khan.
  • I was referred to you at the suggestion of my supervisor.
  • I was referred to you at the suggestion of your colleague.
  • I was referred to you at the suggestion of HR.
  • I was referred to you at the suggestion of a mentor.
    Tone: Formal and respectful
    Best Use: Corporate communication

8. Someone Suggested I Contact You

Scenario: Simple introduction
Examples:

  • Someone suggested I contact you about this role.
  • Someone suggested I contact you for advice.
  • Someone suggested I contact you regarding the project.
  • Someone suggested I contact you for guidance.
  • Someone suggested I contact you for collaboration.
    Tone: Friendly and direct
    Best Use: General outreach

9. I Was Introduced to You By

Scenario: Networking introduction
Examples:

  • I was introduced to you by a mutual friend.
  • I was introduced to you by my manager.
  • I was introduced to you by your colleague.
  • I was introduced to you during a meeting.
  • I was introduced to you at an event.
    Tone: Professional and polite
    Best Use: Formal introductions

10. I Was Encouraged to Reach Out By

Scenario: Warm referral
Examples:

  • I was encouraged to reach out by my mentor.
  • I was encouraged to reach out by your colleague.
  • I was encouraged to reach out by HR.
  • I was encouraged to reach out for this role.
  • I was encouraged to reach out by a friend.
    Tone: Positive and polite
    Best Use: Job applications

11. Your Contact Was Passed to Me By

Scenario: Formal referral
Examples:

  • Your contact was passed to me by a colleague.
  • Your contact was passed to me by HR.
  • Your contact was passed to me by a mutual connection.
  • Your contact was passed to me for this opportunity.
  • Your contact was passed to me by my supervisor.
    Tone: Formal and structured
    Best Use: Corporate outreach

12. I Was Pointed in Your Direction By

Scenario: Casual professional tone
Examples:

  • I was pointed in your direction by a friend.
  • I was pointed in your direction by your colleague.
  • I was pointed in your direction by HR.
  • I was pointed in your direction for help.
  • I was pointed in your direction by a mentor.
    Tone: Friendly and conversational
    Best Use: Semi-formal messages

13. I’m Reaching Out on a Referral From

Scenario: Professional email
Examples:

  • I’m reaching out on a referral from John.
  • I’m reaching out on a referral from your team.
  • I’m reaching out on a referral from HR.
  • I’m reaching out on a referral from a colleague.
  • I’m reaching out on a referral from a mutual contact.
    Tone: Formal and clear
    Best Use: Job or business inquiries

14. I Was Told to Contact You By

Scenario: Direct communication
Examples:

  • I was told to contact you by my manager.
  • I was told to contact you by HR.
  • I was told to contact you regarding this issue.
  • I was told to contact you by a colleague.
  • I was told to contact you for assistance.
    Tone: Neutral and polite
    Best Use: Professional requests

15. I Was Referred Your Way By

Scenario: Friendly professional tone
Examples:

  • I was referred your way by a colleague.
  • I was referred your way by a friend.
  • I was referred your way by HR.
  • I was referred your way for advice.
  • I was referred your way for collaboration.
    Tone: Warm and conversational
    Best Use: Networking

16. Your Name Came Up Through

Scenario: Informal introduction
Examples:

  • Your name came up through a colleague.
  • Your name came up through networking.
  • Your name came up through a friend.
  • Your name came up during discussion.
  • Your name came up through HR.
    Tone: Neutral and natural
    Best Use: Casual professional outreach
Read More:  30 Other Ways to Say No Need to Apologize (With Examples)

17. I Was Referred to You Via

Scenario: Formal writing
Examples:

  • I was referred to you via LinkedIn.
  • I was referred to you via a colleague.
  • I was referred to you via HR.
  • I was referred to you via a friend.
  • I was referred to you via your website.
    Tone: Professional and concise
    Best Use: Emails and applications

18. I Was Advised to Contact You By

Scenario: Respectful tone
Examples:

  • I was advised to contact you by my mentor.
  • I was advised to contact you by HR.
  • I was advised to contact you by your colleague.
  • I was advised to contact you for help.
  • I was advised to contact you regarding this role.
    Tone: Formal and polite
    Best Use: Corporate communication

19. I Was Suggested Your Contact By

Scenario: Simple referral
Examples:

  • I was suggested your contact by a friend.
  • I was suggested your contact by HR.
  • I was suggested your contact by a colleague.
  • I was suggested your contact for collaboration.
  • I was suggested your contact by my manager.
    Tone: Neutral and friendly
    Best Use: General outreach

20. I’m Getting in Touch Based on a Referral From

Scenario: Professional email opening
Examples:

  • I’m getting in touch based on a referral from John.
  • I’m getting in touch based on a referral from HR.
  • I’m getting in touch based on a referral from a colleague.
  • I’m getting in touch based on a referral from my mentor.
  • I’m getting in touch based on a referral from your team.
    Tone: Formal and structured
    Best Use: Job or business communication

21. I Was Given Your Name Through

Scenario: Networking message
Examples:

  • I was given your name through a colleague.
  • I was given your name through HR.
  • I was given your name through a friend.
  • I was given your name through networking.
  • I was given your name through recommendation.
    Tone: Neutral and polite
    Best Use: First contact emails

22. I Was Reached Out to You By Recommendation Of

Scenario: Formal outreach
Examples:

  • I was reached out to you by recommendation of HR.
  • I was reached out to you by recommendation of a colleague.
  • I was reached out to you by recommendation of my mentor.
  • I was reached out to you by recommendation of your team.
  • I was reached out to you by recommendation of a friend.
    Tone: Formal and respectful
    Best Use: Corporate settings

23. I Was Connected to You Through

Scenario: Networking introduction
Examples:

  • I was connected to you through LinkedIn.
  • I was connected to you through a mutual friend.
  • I was connected to you through HR.
  • I was connected to you through a colleague.
  • I was connected to you through a referral.
    Tone: Professional and friendly
    Best Use: Networking emails

24. I Was Encouraged by a Mutual Contact to Reach Out

Scenario: Warm referral
Examples:

  • I was encouraged by a mutual contact to reach out.
  • I was encouraged by HR to reach out.
  • I was encouraged by a colleague to reach out.
  • I was encouraged by my mentor to reach out.
  • I was encouraged by your team to reach out.
    Tone: Positive and polite
    Best Use: Job inquiries

25. I’m Following a Recommendation From

Scenario: Professional opening line
Examples:

  • I’m following a recommendation from John.
  • I’m following a recommendation from HR.
  • I’m following a recommendation from a colleague.
  • I’m following a recommendation from my mentor.
  • I’m following a recommendation from your team.
    Tone: Formal and clear
    Best Use: Business emails

26. I Was Referred Your Way Through

Scenario: Networking or email introduction
Examples:

  • I was referred your way through a colleague.
  • I was referred your way through HR.
  • I was referred your way through a mutual contact.
  • I was referred your way through a mentor.
  • I was referred your way through a recommendation.
    Tone: Friendly and professional
    Best Use: General business outreach

27. I Was Directed Your Way By

Scenario: Formal communication
Examples:

  • I was directed your way by HR.
  • I was directed your way by a colleague.
  • I was directed your way by your assistant.
  • I was directed your way for assistance.
  • I was directed your way regarding this matter.
    Tone: Formal and structured
    Best Use: Corporate or official messages

28. I Came to Know About You Through

Scenario: Discovery-based introduction
Examples:

  • I came to know about you through LinkedIn.
  • I came to know about you through a colleague.
  • I came to know about you through a friend.
  • I came to know about you through HR.
  • I came to know about you through networking.
    Tone: Neutral and polite
    Best Use: Cold outreach

29. I Was Introduced Through a Referral From

Scenario: Professional introduction
Examples:

  • I was introduced through a referral from John.
  • I was introduced through a referral from HR.
  • I was introduced through a referral from my manager.
  • I was introduced through a referral from a colleague.
  • I was introduced through a referral from your team.
    Tone: Formal and respectful
    Best Use: Job applications

30. I Was Encouraged to Reach Out Through

Scenario: Warm introduction
Examples:

  • I was encouraged to reach out through HR.
  • I was encouraged to reach out through a colleague.
  • I was encouraged to reach out through my mentor.
  • I was encouraged to reach out through your team.
  • I was encouraged to reach out through a friend.
    Tone: Positive and polite
    Best Use: Networking emails
Read More:  Other Ways to Say I Apologize for the Confusion (With Examples)

31. I Was Given a Referral By

Scenario: Direct referral mention
Examples:

  • I was given a referral by my manager.
  • I was given a referral by HR.
  • I was given a referral by a colleague.
  • I was given a referral by a mutual contact.
  • I was given a referral by your employee.
    Tone: Professional and clear
    Best Use: Job-related communication

32. I Was Pointed Toward You By Recommendation

Scenario: Informal professional tone
Examples:

  • I was pointed toward you by recommendation of HR.
  • I was pointed toward you by a colleague.
  • I was pointed toward you by a friend.
  • I was pointed toward you by a mentor.
  • I was pointed toward you by your team.
    Tone: Friendly and conversational
    Best Use: Semi-formal outreach

33. I Was Suggested to Connect With You By

Scenario: Networking message
Examples:

  • I was suggested to connect with you by HR.
  • I was suggested to connect with you by a colleague.
  • I was suggested to connect with you by a friend.
  • I was suggested to connect with you by a mentor.
  • I was suggested to connect with you by your team.
    Tone: Polite and professional
    Best Use: Networking emails

34. I Was Put Forward to You By

Scenario: Formal introduction
Examples:

  • I was put forward to you by HR.
  • I was put forward to you by my manager.
  • I was put forward to you by a colleague.
  • I was put forward to you by a mutual contact.
  • I was put forward to you by your team.
    Tone: Formal and respectful
    Best Use: Corporate introductions

35. I Was Brought to Your Attention By

Scenario: Professional referral
Examples:

  • I was brought to your attention by HR.
  • I was brought to your attention by a colleague.
  • I was brought to your attention by a friend.
  • I was brought to your attention by a mentor.
  • I was brought to your attention by your team.
    Tone: Formal and structured
    Best Use: Business communication

36. I Was Informed to Contact You By

Scenario: Direct instruction
Examples:

  • I was informed to contact you by HR.
  • I was informed to contact you by my manager.
  • I was informed to contact you by a colleague.
  • I was informed to contact you by your assistant.
  • I was informed to contact you regarding this role.
    Tone: Neutral and professional
    Best Use: Formal emails

37. I Was Reached Out to You On Referral From

Scenario: Structured professional message
Examples:

  • I was reached out to you on referral from HR.
  • I was reached out to you on referral from a colleague.
  • I was reached out to you on referral from my mentor.
  • I was reached out to you on referral from your team.
  • I was reached out to you on referral from a friend.
    Tone: Formal and clear
    Best Use: Job applications

38. I Was Guided to You By

Scenario: Helpful referral tone
Examples:

  • I was guided to you by HR.
  • I was guided to you by a colleague.
  • I was guided to you by a mentor.
  • I was guided to you by your team.
  • I was guided to you by a friend.
    Tone: Friendly and respectful
    Best Use: Networking or support requests

39. I Was Connected Through a Mutual Contact Who Suggested You

Scenario: Strong referral context
Examples:

  • I was connected through a mutual contact who suggested you.
  • I was connected through HR who suggested you.
  • I was connected through a colleague who suggested you.
  • I was connected through a mentor who suggested you.
  • I was connected through your team who suggested you.
    Tone: Professional and detailed
    Best Use: Formal introductions

40. I’m Reaching Out Based on a Suggestion From

Scenario: Email opening line
Examples:

  • I’m reaching out based on a suggestion from HR.
  • I’m reaching out based on a suggestion from John.
  • I’m reaching out based on a suggestion from a colleague.
  • I’m reaching out based on a suggestion from my manager.
  • I’m reaching out based on a suggestion from your team.
    Tone: Formal and clear
    Best Use: Business outreach

41. I Was Referred in Your Direction by Someone Who Knows You

Scenario: Friendly networking tone
Examples:

  • I was referred in your direction by someone who knows you.
  • I was referred in your direction by a colleague.
  • I was referred in your direction by HR.
  • I was referred in your direction by a friend.
  • I was referred in your direction by your team.
    Tone: Warm and conversational
    Best Use: Networking emails

42. I Was Passed Along Your Contact Details By

Scenario: Informal professional introduction
Examples:

  • I was passed along your contact details by HR.
  • I was passed along your contact details by a colleague.
  • I was passed along your contact details by a friend.
  • I was passed along your contact details by my manager.
  • I was passed along your contact details by your team.
    Tone: Neutral and friendly
    Best Use: Casual business outreach

43. I Was Referred to You Following a Recommendation From

Scenario: Formal business message
Examples:

  • I was referred to you following a recommendation from HR.
  • I was referred to you following a recommendation from John.
  • I was referred to you following a recommendation from a colleague.
  • I was referred to you following a recommendation from my mentor.
  • I was referred to you following a recommendation from your team.
    Tone: Professional and polished
    Best Use: Job applications

44. I Was Encouraged to Make Contact By

Scenario: Warm introduction
Examples:

  • I was encouraged to make contact by HR.
  • I was encouraged to make contact by a colleague.
  • I was encouraged to make contact by my manager.
  • I was encouraged to make contact by a mentor.
  • I was encouraged to make contact by your team.
    Tone: Positive and polite
    Best Use: Networking or outreach

45. I Was Referred to You After Speaking With

Scenario: Conversation-based referral
Examples:

  • I was referred to you after speaking with HR.
  • I was referred to you after speaking with a colleague.
  • I was referred to you after speaking with my manager.
  • I was referred to you after speaking with a mentor.
  • I was referred to you after speaking with your team.
    Tone: Natural and conversational
    Best Use: Professional follow-ups

46. I Was Directed to Reach Out Based on a Referral From

Scenario: Formal structured communication
Examples:

  • I was directed to reach out based on a referral from HR.
  • I was directed to reach out based on a referral from John.
  • I was directed to reach out based on a referral from a colleague.
  • I was directed to reach out based on a referral from my manager.
  • I was directed to reach out based on a referral from your team.
    Tone: Formal and professional
    Best Use: Corporate messaging

47. I Was Referred to You Through a Mutual Connection Who Suggested Contact

Scenario: Full formal introduction
Examples:

  • I was referred to you through a mutual connection who suggested contact.
  • I was referred to you through HR who suggested contact.
  • I was referred to you through a colleague who suggested contact.
  • I was referred to you through a mentor who suggested contact.
  • I was referred to you through your team who suggested contact.
    Tone: Highly professional and detailed
    Best Use: Important business or job introductions

Conclusion

Using different ways to say “I was referred to you by…” helps you sound more natural, confident, and professional in every situation. Whether you’re networking, applying for jobs, or reaching out for collaboration, these 47 alternatives give you flexible and polished options to create a strong first impression.

Written By

Emma Brooke

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