How to respond to a recruiter: yes, maybe or not now, in a few lines.
Recruiters' messages are opportunities even when the role is wrong. A short, clear reply can get you better-fitting roles later. Silence usually gets you nothing.
Respond to a recruiter within a few days. If interested, thank them, say what attracted you and suggest times to talk, after asking for the job description, pay range and location terms. If not interested, say so politely, explain what you would consider, and invite them to keep you in mind. Check that the recruiter and company are real before sharing personal details.
4 copy-ready templates
Illustrative: names, companies, dates and numbers in these templates and examples are fictional. Replace every bracket with your own true details before you send anything.
Interested
When to use: The role looks relevant.
Hi [Name], thanks for reaching out about the [Role] role. It sounds interesting, especially [detail]. Could you share the job description, pay range and location or remote terms? If it's a fit, I'm free [two or three times] for a call. [Your name]
Maybe: need more information
When to use: When the message is vague.
Hi [Name], thanks for thinking of me. Before we talk, could you tell me the company (or industry), the level, the pay range and whether it's remote? That'll help me know if it's a fit. [Your name]
Not now, keep in touch
When to use: Happy in your role, but open in the future.
Hi [Name], thank you for reaching out. I'm not looking to move right now, but I'd be glad to stay connected. If you come across [type of role, level, location] roles in the future, I'd be interested to hear. [Your name]
Not interested
When to use: The role or recruiter is clearly not a fit.
Hi [Name], thanks for the message. This one isn't a fit for me, so I'll pass. Best of luck filling it. [Your name]
Disclosure: TryHired makes HIRED, a paid job-search program, so we have a conflict of interest when we mention it. Every template on this page is free to use without buying anything.
Before you share details
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Unknown recruiter | Check their profile, company website and email domain. |
| Asked for ID or bank details early | Stop: a real recruiter does not need these before an offer. |
| Agency recruiter | Ask which client and get consent before any submission. |
| Pay range missing | Ask before the call. |
The same message, rewritten
Illustrative example with fictional details.
| Version | Example |
|---|---|
| Weak | (No reply.) |
| Strong | Thank you for reaching out. I'm not looking to move right now, but if you come across senior analyst roles in healthcare, remote or in Chicago, I'd be interested to hear. |
Why it matters: Ignoring recruiters costs nothing today, but a two-line reply tells them exactly what to send you later, which turns an unwanted message into future leads.
Mistakes to avoid
- Sharing your Social Security number, bank details or ID before a verified offer.
- Letting an agency submit you without your consent.
- Agreeing to a call before knowing the basics.
- Being rude to recruiters for roles that don't fit.
Write yours faster
Questions people ask
Should I respond to recruiters if I'm not looking?
What should I ask a recruiter before a call?
How can I tell if a recruiter is a scam?
How do I decline a recruiter politely?
How this page is built
Written by Maid Dizdarevic, a career coach and 8x LinkedIn Top Voice. The templates and timing guides are practical advice, labelled as advice. We do not publish response rates or success rates, and every example uses fictional details.
- How a specific employer or recruiter will respond: practices vary by company, industry and person.
- Legal advice: for contracts, severance releases or disputes, talk to an employment attorney or the relevant agency.
- Outcomes: no message, template or program can promise an interview or a job.
- TryHired editorial guidance by Maid Dizdarevic, career coach, Nov 2, 2026.