How to Talk to a Recruiter: What to Say and How to Prepare

01Prepare before talking to a recruiter

Read the recruiter's message or role description and check whether their focus matches your experience. Have your current résumé, availability, preferred location or working arrangement and two relevant achievements to hand. Decide which information you still need before agreeing to be submitted for a role.

• Write a one-sentence description of your current work and strengths.
• Name one or two role types and the conditions that matter most to you.
• Know your availability and a realistic pay range, but leave room to learn about the role.

02Introduce yourself and explain what you want

Try: ‘I work in [field], with particular experience in [skill or outcome]. I am looking for [role type] where I can [contribution]. I am available [timing] and interested in [location or arrangement].’ Keep this short, then let the recruiter ask about details.

If a role is not a fit, say why briefly and describe what would be a better match. This helps the recruiter make a useful introduction later.

03Use this four-part structure

• Context: one calm sentence explaining your availability.
• Value: the work you do and the outcome you help create.
• Target: role type, sector, location or working arrangement.
• Request: one small action, such as a conversation, introduction or notification of a suitable opening.

04What to say to a recruiter in your first message

“Hi [Name], I work in [field] and specialise in [two relevant strengths]. I recently [brief relevant achievement]. I am exploring [target roles] in [location/remote preference]. Would you be open to a short conversation about relevant current or upcoming positions?”

05Ask questions and discuss pay

• Ask which responsibilities matter most, who makes the hiring decision and what the next steps and timing are.
• Ask whether the role is approved, what its location and working arrangements are, and what pay range has been set.
• If asked for salary expectations early, give a researched range or ask for the role's budget first. Explain relevant conditions without implying that one figure fits every role.
• Be honest about skills and availability. Avoid criticising a former employer, sharing confidential information or agreeing to a submission before understanding the role.

06Message to a former colleague

“Hi [Name], I hope you are well. I have recently become available and am looking for [specific role or problem you solve]. I especially enjoyed our work on [shared context], and I would value your perspective on teams that may need this experience. If anyone comes to mind, would you be comfortable introducing us?”

07What to say to a recruiter after a layoff or job loss

State what happened in a factual sentence, then move to your experience and the roles you are ready to consider. You need neither to apologise for a layoff nor to hide a relevant employment gap. If the departure was difficult, keep the account truthful and professional.

• Redundancy: “My position was eliminated as part of a restructure.”
• Contract completion: “My assignment concluded after the planned delivery.”
• Dismissal: “The role ended, and I have reflected on what I need in my next environment.” Keep it truthful and prepare to discuss lessons learned.
• Career gap: state briefly what you were doing, then redirect to your current readiness and relevant capability.

08Follow up professionally

If there is no response, send one short follow-up after roughly a week. Add useful information—a revised résumé, availability or a relevant achievement. Avoid daily messages or guilt-inducing language.

• Personalise the first two lines.
• Keep the initial message below about 120 words.
• Track whom you contacted and the next appropriate follow-up date.
• Thank people even when they cannot help immediately.