Most cold messages to recruiters get deleted.

Here’s how to write one that gets a reply: ↓

After coaching 800+ professionals, I keep seeing the same pattern. Candidates treat the first message like a cover letter.

They make it about themselves. And the recruiter moves on in seconds.

You’ve found the role. You have the contact.

Here’s what to do instead:

1. Name the role first
↳ Use the exact job title in your opener
↳ They juggle many roles; be precise
↳ Copy it word for word from the listing

2. One line on what you bring
↳ Pick one achievement that fits their need
↳ Solve their problem, not your proudest moment
↳ Keep it about them, not your history

3. Ask for a chat, not a job
↳ Low stakes means more replies
↳ If it reads like a cover letter, start over
↳ Open a door, don’t walk through it uninvited

4. Keep it short
↳ Six lines max; if it scrolls, cut it
↳ Test it on your phone before you send
↳ If you skim it, they definitely will

5. End with a yes/no question
↳ “Would a quick call make sense?” works well
↳ Avoid vague closers like “Let me know”
↳ Open-ended questions let them procrastinate

6. One follow-up, then leave it
↳ Five to seven days later, one polite nudge
↳ Reference your first message so they find it
↳ After that, move on

Recruiters want to place good people.
Your job is to make it easy for them to see you’re one.

Recruiters: what actually makes you respond to a cold message? Drop it in the comments.