Recruiter cold outreach message templates
A good recruiter cold outreach message is short, specific to the person, and says what the role is, why you are writing to them, and what you ask them to do next. Use the templates below, replace the brackets, and send follow-ups sparingly. Never mislead anyone about the role, pay or employer.
At a glance
- Keep first messages under 120 words.
- Name one specific thing from their profile.
- Say the role, location or remote status and pay range if you can.
- Give an easy next step and an easy way to say no.
Template 1: First message to a candidate
Subject: [ROLE] at [COMPANY or "a [INDUSTRY] company"], [LOCATION / Remote]
Hi [FIRST NAME],
I came across your work on [SPECIFIC PROJECT / ROLE] and thought of a [ROLE TITLE] opening with [COMPANY / a client in INDUSTRY].
It is [LOCATION / remote] and pays [RANGE]. The team needs someone who [ONE KEY RESPONSIBILITY].
Would you be open to a 15-minute call this week? If it is not a fit, tell me and I will not follow up.
[NAME] | [AGENCY] | [PHONE / LINK]Template 2: Follow-up
Subject: Re: [ROLE] at [COMPANY]
Hi [FIRST NAME], a quick follow-up on my note about the [ROLE]. If now is not a good time, no problem. Is there someone you know who may be a fit? I would be glad to share the details. Thanks, [NAME]Template 3: Passive candidate who is happy where they are
Hi [FIRST NAME],
I know you are doing well at [CURRENT COMPANY], so I will be direct. [CLIENT] is hiring a [ROLE] and your background in [SKILL] is what they asked for. I can share the full description and pay range so you can judge in two minutes. May I send it?
[NAME]Template 4: Ask for a referral
Hi [FIRST NAME],
Thank you for your time on [DATE]. I am still looking for a [ROLE] with [KEY SKILLS] in [LOCATION]. Do you know anyone I should speak to? I will keep your name private and thank you in my update.
[NAME]Template 5: Close the loop politely
Hi [FIRST NAME],
I have not heard back, so I will assume this is not the right moment. If it changes, reply to this message and I will pick it up. Thank you, [NAME]Best practices
- Tell candidates who the client is when you can, or say that you cannot yet, and why.
- State the pay range honestly. See pay transparency laws.
- Do not ask about age, family, health or other protected topics. See illegal interview questions.
- Get permission before submitting a candidate. See the candidate submission email template.
- Find candidates with boolean search.
- Respect opt-outs. Check your local messaging laws before bulk email.
Sources
- LiveRec editorial templates; no external data used (accessed 31 October 2026)