After a not this time
{{name}}, even though this role was not it, you might know someone good. Would you pass on my details? Only if it feels right.
Recruiter referral request texts: 13 messages to ask and thank
Good people know good people, and a referral is often the quickest way to a strong hire. But asking is delicate: you want a name, not an awkward favor, and you must never contact someone who did not agree to hear from you. These 13 messages cover asking a past candidate, a new hire and a team member, getting the other person's okay first, sharing a post, and thanking whoever helped, whether or not the referral works out. Use them with people who agreed to be texted. Copy any message, or add all 13 to your keyboard and send them from iMessage, WhatsApp, LinkedIn or SMS in one tap, in any app.
Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.
Words in {{double braces}} are blanks. In the textcuts keyboard you fill them with one tap, and the names you used recently come back.
Asking
After a placement
Hi {{name}}, glad you're settled. If anyone in your circle is looking, I'd be glad to talk to them.
A team member
Hello {{name}}, we are hiring for a role on your team. Anyone in mind? I'll read every referral with care.
Who is the best
{{name}}, who is the best person you've worked with in a job like this? A name is enough.
Doing it right
Check with them first
Before you share anyone's number, {{name}}, please check they're fine with me contacting them. If they are, send a name and I'll write once.
A friend suggested you
Hi {{name}}, your friend suggested I write to you, and said they'd ask first. We have a role they thought you'd like. Want details, or not now? Reply stop and I won't write again.
Share the post
{{name}}, would you share the job post on your profile? Here is the link: {{link}}. Thanks either way.
Share widely
Hi {{name}}, I'm sharing this role widely so everyone hears about it. Please pass it on to anyone who might want it: {{link}}.
Thanking
Thank for the intro
Thank you for the introduction, {{name}}. I've written to your friend. I'll tell you how it goes, without sharing private details.
Referral not hired
Hi {{name}}, an update on your friend: we are not moving ahead this time. I'll tell them directly. I appreciate you thinking of us.
Referral hired
{{name}}, good news: your referral accepted the role. Thank you for sending them our way.
The program
Hello {{name}}, the referral program details are in the handbook. Any thank you follows the written policy. I can't promise anything for a specific person.
A graceful no
No worries at all, {{name}}. Thanks for thinking about it. Call me if one comes to mind later.
When to send each message
| When | Message | Note |
|---|---|---|
| After a not this time | After a not this time | Ask lightly. |
| A month after a start | After a placement | Ask while they're happy. |
| When a role opens | A team member | Ask the team. |
| After a name appears | Check with them first | Check first. |
| After you contact them | Thank for the intro | Thank the referrer. |
| After a hire | Referral hired | Close the loop. |
Do not say
Texting a number that never agreed to hear from you (a bought list, or a number copied from a profile).
Instead: Text only people who applied or told you they are fine with texts, and honor stop.
Asking about age, family plans, religion, origin or health in a text.
Instead: Ask about the job: skills, schedule, location and the pay range.
Sending one pasted message to a whole list.
Instead: Type each message yourself, one candidate at a time, with their name.
Contacting someone whose number you were given without their okay.
Instead: Ask your referrer to check with them first.
Promising a bonus or gift to a named person.
Instead: Point to the written referral policy.
Relying only on referrals from one group of people.
Instead: Share the role widely too, so everyone can hear about it.
Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.
Frequently asked questions
Do these work on the free plan?
Yes. 11 of these 13 templates use a single blank, which fills in on the free plan. The other 2 use two blanks, and filling both from the keyboard needs Pro. Free holds 8 textcuts and 1 folder, so the six essentials fit. Importing all of them also works, because imports are never blocked and nothing is deleted.
Do I need permission to text a candidate?
Yes. Text only people who applied, replied to you or told you they are happy to be texted, and send each message yourself, one person at a time. Honor "stop" at once. Say in your first message that they can tell you if they'd rather not get texts. The US rules on texting are in the FCC's guide to unwanted robocalls and texts.
Can I send these in WhatsApp, iMessage or LinkedIn?
Yes. textcuts is a keyboard, so it works in every app where you type: iMessage, WhatsApp, SMS, LinkedIn, Messenger and Instagram. Add the messages once and tap to insert them.
Can I text a friend of a candidate?
Only if they agreed to hear from you. Ask your referrer to check first. The "Check with them first" template does that.
What should I say about referral rewards?
Point to the written program. Never promise anything to a specific person. The "The program" template is worded that way.