Templates
Recruiter reply templates for every answer
A recruiter message is the start of a negotiation even when it doesn't feel like one. Reply quickly, keep it short and don't give away your number first. Saying no kindly costs nothing and keeps a door open for the role you'll actually want next year.
Show interest without overselling
Interested, tell me more
Hi [recruiter name], thanks for reaching out. The [role] sounds interesting. Could you share the job description and the salary range? Happy to have a quick call this week if it looks like a fit.
Interested, offer times
Thanks [recruiter name], I'd like to hear more. I'm free [day and time] or [day and time]. Does either work for a 20 minute call?
Interested but quietly looking
Hi [recruiter name], thanks for this. I'm open to the right move but I'm not actively looking, so please keep this between us for now. What can you tell me about the team and why the role is open?
Say not right now and keep the door open
Not now, try me later
Thanks [recruiter name], I appreciate you thinking of me. I'm settled where I am for now. If you have something in [field] around [month or season], I'd be glad to hear from you then.
Not now, here is what would interest me
Hi [recruiter name], this one isn't quite right for me. What would get my attention is [type of role] with [one thing that matters to you]. Feel free to come back if something like that turns up.
Not now, pass it on
Thanks for the message, [recruiter name]. I'm not moving at the moment but I know someone who might be a good fit. Happy to pass your details on if you'd like.
Say no thanks cleanly
Polite no
Hi [recruiter name], thanks for reaching out. I'm going to pass on this one but I wish you luck filling it.
No, wrong fit
Thanks [recruiter name]. I've moved away from [area] work so this isn't the right fit. All the best with the search.
No after an interview
Hi [recruiter name], thank you for setting up the conversations with [company]. Having thought it over, I've decided not to go further. I enjoyed meeting the team and I'm grateful for your time.
Ask for the details that matter
Before I take a call
Thanks [recruiter name]. Before we speak, could you tell me the salary range, whether it's remote, hybrid or office based and who the role reports to? That will help me know if it's worth both our time.
Which company is it
Hi [recruiter name], the role sounds good. Are you able to share the company name? I'd like to make sure I haven't already applied there directly.
Ask about the process
Thanks for the update, [recruiter name]. What does the process look like from here and roughly how long does it take? I have [other commitment] coming up so it helps to plan.
Handle the salary question
Ask for their range first
Good question. I'd rather understand the full role first. What range has the company set for it?
Give a range when pressed
Based on the role as you've described it, I'm looking at [low] to [high] for base salary, depending on the full package.
Their range is too low
Thanks for being upfront, [recruiter name]. That's below what I'd move for. If there's room to get closer to [number] I'd be keen to keep talking. If not, no hard feelings.
Current salary question
I'd prefer to keep my current salary private. What matters for this move is the value of the new role and I'm aiming for [range].
Save these to Breezily
Tap Add to my replies on any template to keep it in your saved replies. They sync to your account and appear on the phone keyboard when you type their name. Each one is set to adapt to the conversation, so the keyboard fills in the names and dates from the chat. Change any of them at getbreezily.com/saved-replies.
Questions
Do I have to reply to every recruiter message?
No. But a two-line no takes ten seconds and recruiters remember who was easy to deal with. If the message is clearly a mass send with the wrong role, ignoring it is fine.
Should I tell a recruiter my salary expectations?
Ask for their range first. If they push, give a range rather than a single number and anchor it on the role, not your current pay. You can always say a range is too low and step away.
Can Breezily help with the reply itself?
Yes. Highlight or paste the recruiter's message and Breezily tells you what they are really after, then offers two or three replies with different moves, such as ask for the range or decline and keep the door open. You choose, edit and send.
Related
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