4 Sample Email Templates To Send To A Recruiter
How you make contact with a recruiter will depend on where you are in your job search. Whether the recruiter reached out to you (or vice versa) also determines how you should communicate and what information you should provide.
As a former recruiter, my inbox was often difficult to maintain. Those candidates who sent emails with clear intentions were easier to prioritize and form relationships with. If you are going to reach out to a recruiter, it’s best to do so in a way that the recruiter knows what you are looking for without having to send multiple return emails for additional details.
Template 1: The Passive Job Seeker
The typical passive job seeker isn’t interested in a specific opportunity, but rather open to considering new employment outside their current organization. Passive job seekers may want to make initial contact with recruiters in order to be considered for future opportunities that meet their specific criteria.
Before reaching out, it’s important to do some research and determine which recruiting firm(s) might be the best option for you.
Some recruiters specialize in niche areas like executive searches or only placing financial professionals. Once you have decided who you want to reach out to, be prepared to give sufficient information in your initial contact.
Dear [Name]:
My name is [your name] and I am a [your industry] professional with [X] years of experience. While I am content in my current role, I understand that your recruiting firm has had great success with helping candidates like me get to the next step in their career. I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and talk about my background, interests and career objectives. My hope is that you may have an opportunity that aligns with my desired career path in the future.
I have attached my resume to provide you with some additional insight into my professional experience and abilities.
I can be reached at [phone number] or [email] at your earliest convenience.
Thank you and I look forward to speaking with you!
Best,
[Your Name]
Template 2: The Active Job Seeker
Active job seekers are interested in a specific position within a company. These individuals should make contact with recruiters and provide the title of the position they are interested in as well as the precise reasons why he/she is a good fit.
Dear [Name]:
I am reaching out to discuss the [job title] position with [company name] you are currently recruiting for. As you can see from my attached resume, I have [X] years of experience in the [industry or job function] and am very interested in an opportunity to take on a leadership role with [company name].
Based on the job description for the [title] position, I believe I can bring unique strengths and knowledge to the role. I’d love to schedule a time to further discuss how my skills and experience can benefit the team and [company name]. Below is my availability in the coming week:
[dates/time]
I can be reached at [phone number] or [email] at your earliest convenience.
Thank you and I look forward to speaking with you!
Best,
[Name]
Template 3: The Referral
Ask your friends or trusted colleagues if they have ever worked with a recruiter or know anyone who has had a positive experience.
Many recruiters get additional clientele through word of mouth. The referral email is a little less specific than the active job seeker but more prepared to begin the search than the passive job seeker.
Dear [Name]:
My name is [your name] and I received your contact information from [referral name]. I am a previous colleague of [referral name] from his/her time at [company]. I’m reaching out because I have decided to begin a search for the next employment opportunity to advance me in my career. Based on [referral name’s] wonderful experience, he/she suggested you might be able to connect me with potential opportunities as a [job title], [job title] or [job title]. I am most interested in opportunities in the [industry] sector. Companies I believe align with my background and experiences include [company name], [company name] and [company name].
I have attached my resume to provide you with some additional insight into my professional experience and abilities.
I can be reached at [phone number] or [email] at your earliest convenience.
Thank you and I look forward to speaking with you!
Best,
[Your Name]
Template 4: The Follow Up
Occasionally, you may feel the need to follow up with a recruiter for status updates if you are being considered for a position or if you haven’t heard back after your initial contact.
Dear [Name]:
I was hoping to follow up on my email from [date] regarding the [job title] position with [company]. I feel the position fits perfectly with my experience in [list experience(s)]. I’m excited about the prospect of working with [company name] and elevating their [area] department.
I’ve reattached my resume to provide you with additional insight into my background. I would be glad to answer any specific questions as they relate to my experiences and the [job title] position.
Please let me know when we can schedule a time to discuss the opportunity and the skills I can bring to your client/the [job title] position.
Best,
[Your Name]
Do not just send a recruiter your resume and ask them to review it for any potential fits. Be clear about where you are in your job search, the roles you are interested in, the company culture that you find ideal and any other specifics that will immediately help a recruiter narrow the field down for you.
Recruiters get paid to fill positions, not to find candidates jobs. Make it clear why they should want to put you in front of their clients and respond to your email.
About The Author
Robin Schwartz
Robin Schwartz has nearly a decade of experience providing HR expertise to employees and management in higher education. Her broad experience includes benefits, compensation, performance management, employee relations, payroll, talent acquisition and management. She received her masters degree from American Military University and maintains a PHR certification.
