A referral request is easier to consider when it is specific and respectful. The person should understand which role you mean and why you are asking them, without feeling responsible for securing an interview.
Include only useful context
- Share the public job link and the exact role title.
- Explain briefly how you know the person and why your experience may fit.
- Offer a resume or portfolio link, and make clear that declining is fine.
Keep the relationship genuine
Do not ask strangers to claim they know your work or copy a message to many employees. If the contact is not comfortable referring you, ask whether they can point you to public information about the team instead.
Thank them either way and follow the employer's formal application process. A referral can help a conversation start, but it does not guarantee a response or job offer.