Tools & Outreach Templates

Recruiting, like sales, is about getting the word out.

For early-stage recruiting, there’s no need to pay for expensive tools.

LinkedIn, iMessage, and email is all you need.

Below are proven message templates you can use to reach out to candidates. You can also edit them here or create your own.

Message Templates

1st Degree Connections

Variation A

Hi {First Name}, a few of us from {Stanford / Databricks / Google} just raised from {Investor} and have been heads-down on a new startup to solve {mission}. We're building the early team, and I remember from our last convo you {personalization}. I'd love to hear what you've been up to lately at {Company Name}, and if you're open to new opportunities. Are you free next Mon/Tues to catch-up over a call or coffee?

Variation B

Hi {First Name}, it's been a while! I've started a new venture with a few colleagues from {Stanford / Databricks / Google} to solve {mission}. We just closed our initial funding from {Investor} and are heads-down building. I immediately thought of you for our early team. Are you free for coffee or a call next {Day}?

Variation C

Hey {First Name}, I remember from our last convo you were interested in {personalization}.I'm building the founding team for my new startup and I thought of you. We just raised from {Investor}, and I'd love to share what we're building and get your thoughts.Are you free next Mon/Tues to catch-up over a call or coffee?

2nd Degree Connections

Variation A

Hi {First Name}, {personalization}.I'm building a new startup with my co-founders from {MIT / Facebook / AirBnb} to solve {mission}.We recently closed our seed round led by {Investor/Accelerator} and {traction}.We're expanding the early team and I'd love to speak with you about what we're building. Would you be open to a quick call or coffee next week to see if there's a fit?

Variation B

Hi {First Name}, {Mutual Connection} suggested I reach out.I'm a founder at {Company Name} (ex-{MIT/Facebook}) and we're building {mission}. We just closed our seed round led by {Investor} and {traction}.I'm building the early team, and your name came up. Would you be open to a brief chat next week?

Variation C

Hi {First Name}, I saw your profile through {Mutual Connection} and was impressed by your work at {Company}.My co-founders and I are building a new startup backed by {Investor}. We're looking for our first early hires to help shape the product and {traction}.Are you open to new opportunities and to dicuss this with me next week {Day}?

Referrals

Variation A

Hi {First Name}, {Referrer} referred you to me. He/she/they mentioned you're {compliment}. A few of us from {Stanford / Databricks / Google} just raised from {Investor} and have been heads-down on a new startup to solve {mission}.We're building the early team, and {Referrer} thought you could be a great fit.Would you be open to a quick call or coffee next week to discuss?

Variation B

Hi {First Name}, {Referrer} speaks very highly of you.I'm building {Company Name} along with some former {Company} colleagues and {traction}. We're tackling {mission} and just raised {$x} from {Investor}. {Referrer} mentioned you could be a great fit.Would you be open to dicuss?

Variation C

Hi {First Name}, {Referrer} mentioned you are an expert in {compliment}.We've just raised from {Investor} to solve {mission}. We're ooking for an early hire who can own {Role}, and {Referrer} thought you'd be a great fit.Are you free for a quick call next week to discuss?