06 · Profile, letters, network · Chapter 18 of 35
Write recruiter messages that are easy to answer
Short, relevant, specific. Context, fit, one question, respect. No daily follow-ups, no guilt, no exaggerated claims.
8 min read
Hi [Name] — I applied for [Role] on [date]. My background in [X] and [Y] matches the posting’s emphasis on [priority]. Happy to share a 4-line snapshot if useful. Thanks for your time.
Hi [Name] — thanks for reaching out about [Role]. I am actively targeting this family. Two facts that may help you screen: [proof 1], [proof 2]. My compensation target for this scope in [market] is [range], and I can speak [days]. Does that match what you’re hiring?
Hi [Name] — bumping this once in case it landed in a busy week. Still interested in [Role]; happy to step back if the req is on hold. Thank you.
Inbound recruiter screen — have these answers ready
- What you do now, in two sentences.
- Why this role family, in two sentences.
- Work authorization and location/hybrid reality.
- Start date.
- Compensation range (target, not walk-away).
- Anything that would make you withdraw (nights, 80% travel, unpaid overtime culture) — decide before they ask.
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