What to Say to Recruiters After Losing Your Job

01Use 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.

02Message to a recruiter

“Hi [Name], my role as [role] recently ended following [a restructure/the completion of my contract]. I specialise in [two or three relevant strengths] and recently [brief measurable achievement]. I am exploring [target roles] in [location/remote preference]. Would you be open to a short conversation about relevant current or upcoming positions?”

03Message 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?”

04Explain different departures without oversharing

• 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.

05Follow 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.