Candidate first text: 13 recruiter messages you can send today

Hello {{name}}, thanks for applying. I'm a recruiter and I read your application today. Is a quick chat this week okay? You can say no, and reply stop if you'd rather not get texts.

When to send: The day you read their application.

Why it works: It names you, the reason and the way out in three lines.

Hi {{name}}, you said texting suits you best, so here I am. I have a role close to what you described. Short version now or later today? Tell me if you'd rather not get texts and I'll stop.

When to send: When a candidate chose text as the channel.

Why it works: It reminds them why you are writing, so it never feels random.

Thanks for answering our post, {{name}}. I'm the recruiter for this role. May I send the details here, or would email be better?

When to send: After they reply to a posting.

Why it works: It lets them choose the channel before you send anything long.

The basics, {{name}}: full time, hybrid, and the pay range is in the listing. I'd rather you know that before we spend time on a call. Does it still sound worth a chat?

When to send: Before a first call, once they show interest.

Why it works: It saves a wasted call and shows you respect their time.

Great, {{name}}. I can talk {{day}} at {{time}}, or the same hour the next day. Which is easier? The call takes about 15 minutes.

When to send: Right after a yes.

Why it works: Two real options get an answer faster than an open question.

Here is the full job description, {{name}}: {{link}}. Read it when you have a minute. If something does not fit, tell me plainly and I'll save us both a call.

When to send: When they ask for more detail.

Why it works: It invites an honest no early, which makes the yes more real.

Before I pitch anything, {{name}}, what should your next role have? Two or three things is plenty. Then I'll only send roles that fit.

When to send: In the first reply, before you send a role.

Why it works: It turns a pitch into a conversation about their needs.

Quick one, {{name}}: which hours are best for calls? I'd rather not ring in the middle of your work day.

When to send: Before the first phone call.

Why it works: It shows care for their day and cuts missed calls.

Fair question, {{name}}. I'll send a short note on the team and what a normal week looks like. If I'm unsure of anything, I'll find out and tell you, not guess.

When to send: When they ask what the place is like.

Why it works: Honest and specific beats a glossy answer.

Good to ask, {{name}}. The listing says where the work happens and how many days are on site. If you need something different, tell me and I'll ask the hiring manager.

When to send: When they ask about location or remote days.

Why it works: It points to the written terms and offers to ask, not promise.

Understood, {{name}}. If the pay range does not work, no hard feelings. Tell me the range you'd need and I'll only come back if a role matches.

When to send: When pay is the sticking point.

Why it works: It keeps the door open without chasing.

No problem at all, {{name}}, and thank you for telling me. I won't text again unless you ask. If things change, you know where to find me.

When to send: When they say they are not looking.

Why it works: A clean exit makes people remember you well.

Thanks for being open, {{name}}. This role is not the right match, so I'll stop here. If you want me to keep you in mind for something closer, a quick yes is all I need.

When to send: When the role does not suit either side.

Why it works: It ends the thread and offers a next step without pressure.