Replying to recruiter
Dear [Recruiter name],
Thank you for reaching out about this opportunity—it sounds like a great job and aligns with where I’d like to take my career. I’m eager to learn more.
As you many have seen on my resume, I have [X number of years] in this field. I’ve been consistently committed to [Specific goal, skill or trait the new job entails]. In my current role at [Name of current employer], I recently [impressive accomplishment that relates to the new job].
Could we schedule some time to discuss this opportunity in more detail? I’d welcome the opportunity to learn more about the role and share how my skills and experiences would benefit [Name of potential employer].
I’m available to talk by phone on [List of dates and times you’re available]. I look forward to speaking with you.
Best,
[Your name]
Related: How to Reach Out to a Recruiter and Recruiter Outreach Examples
Here is an example response to illustrate how this template might be used:
Re: Rina from ABC Health has sent you a message about your resume
Dear Rina,
Thank you for reaching out about this opportunity—it sounds like a great job and aligns with where I’d like to take my career. I’m eager to learn more.
As you may have seen on my resume, I have more than eight years in healthcare operations. I have been consistently committed to efficiently and empathetically delivering patient care while also reaching revenue targets. In my current role at XYZ Clinic, I recently transitioned the team to new scheduling and EMR platforms—and we’ve seen 10% increases in key operational metrics as a result.
Could we schedule some time to discuss this opportunity in more detail? I’d welcome the chance to learn more about the role and share how my skills and experiences would benefit ABC Health.
I’m available to talk by phone on May 16, 17 and 18 between 2 and 6 p.m. I look forward to speaking with you.
Best,
Michelle Morello
If you are looking for a new job but this isn’t the right fit
While you’re in the middle of a job search, getting a message from a recruiter can provide an opportunity to learn more about a company. If you’re interested in a new role, but not the specific one you’ve been contacted about, you can steer the conversation to learn more about other opportunities that may be available.
Before you craft an email to a recruiter, search for jobs from this employer. You can do this on Indeed by putting the company name in the “what” field of the search bar. If there are one or two that stand out to you, include the link to the job description.
In your message, you should include a reference to how your qualifications align with the job you do want.
Dear [Recruiter name],
Thank you for reaching out about this opportunity. I’m grateful to be considered.
I am currently looking for a new position, so this is great timing. While I’m excited about the work that [Potential employer name] does, I’m not looking for a position as [Job title they contacted you about].
I noticed that [Potential employer name] is also hiring a [Job title you’re interested in]: [Link to job description]. Would it be possible to talk with you or a colleague about this opportunity? My experience in [area that matches the job description] would be a great fit for the role.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Related: 15 Questions to Ask a Recruiter
If you’re not sure but you’d like to learn more
Being contacted by a recruiter might prompt you to think about your career in a new light. Even if you’re satisfied in your current role, this could be the time to find a position that fits you even better. You can use this message from a recruiter to start a conversation about what your ideal job might look like.
Dear [Recruiter name],
Thank you for reaching out about this opportunity. I’m grateful to be considered.
Currently, I enjoy the the work I’m doing for [Current employer name]. However, this sounds like a great role, and I’m interested to learn more. Would it be possible for us to talk next week? I’m available for a phone conversation on [several dates and times you’re available to talk].
Looking forward to it,
[Your name]
If you’re not searching for a new job right now
You may receive an email from a recruiter at a time when you’re not interested in a new job. In this case, you’ll want to politely respond to the recruiter that you’re not in the market for a new job right now. End the email by thanking them for their interest in you.
Hi [Recruiter name],
Thank you for reaching out about this opportunity. I’m grateful to be considered.
Currently, I enjoy the work I’m doing for [Current employer name], and I’m not in the market for a new job. However, if I find myself pursuing a new job in the future, I’ll be in touch.
Thanks again,
[Your name]
Your response to a recruiter’s email is the beginning of your communication with this employer. Even if it’s not a fit right now, you can use this opportunity to begin a relationship. When you begin searching later on, you can return to this email and respond again to re-engage the recruiter.