Your cover letter should start with mentioning the referral's name because it instantly qualifies you. Most applications and cover letters don't take the references right away, anyway.A general line, "References on request" usually will suffice. References can serve as a final confirmation of your skills and abilities and verification of positive on-the-job performance. Prepare a list of references with each person's name, their job title or relation to you, and their contact information. Cover letters are a way to create a personalized statement that explains how you as the applicant meet the needs of the employer. Reach out to the mutual contact who referred you, and send them a note to thank them for their time and effort. Referral Letter Example.