How to reply to a recruiter

A good reply to a recruiter does three things: thanks them, says clearly whether you're interested, and gives the next step (times for a call, a question, or "keep me in mind"). Two to four sentences is enough on LinkedIn. Reply within a few days, even if the answer is no.

The three versions below go from more formal to more casual, and also from "yes" to "not now", because that's how these replies usually work: the more interested you are, the more careful the message.

The messages

Copy a message, then replace the parts in [square brackets] with your own details.

Formal: interested

By email, or on LinkedIn for a role you really want.

Dear [Name],

Thank you for reaching out about the [Senior Analyst] position at [Company]. I'm interested in learning more. I'm available for a call on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon this week.

Could you share the job description and the salary range before we speak?

Best regards,
[Your name]

Neutral: open, but want details first

When you're happy where you are, but the right offer could change that.

Hi [Name], thanks for thinking of me. I'm happy in my current role, but I'm open to hearing about the right opportunity. Could you tell me a bit more about the team, the location and the salary range?

Casual: not now

A friendly no that keeps the door open for later.

Hi [Name], thanks for the message! I'm not looking to move right now, but feel free to keep me in mind for [data] roles in the future. All the best.

Why this works

• It's clear. Recruiters talk to many people. "I'm interested", "I'm open" and "not right now" each tell them exactly what to do next.
• It moves things forward. Giving two time slots is faster than "when are you free?" and saves three messages.
• It asks about salary early, politely. "Could you share the salary range?" is a normal question in most markets. Asking before the first call saves everyone's time.
• A "no" is still worth sending. A short, warm no means the recruiter remembers you well when the next role comes.

Asking about salary without sounding rude

• "Could you share the salary range for this role?"
• "Before we go further, could you tell me the budget for the position?"
• "To make sure we're aligned, what's the range you have in mind?"

If they ask you first: "I'm looking for something in the range of [amount], depending on the full package." A range sounds more flexible than one number.

Common mistakes

"I am interesting in this position." Interesting describes the job. Interested describes you. Speakers of many languages mix them, because their language uses one word for both.

• ✗ I am very interesting in this position.
• ✓ I'm very interested in this position. (The position is interesting.)

"I am working here since 2021." Spanish, Portuguese and French use the present tense with since (trabajo aquí desde 2021). English uses the present perfect continuous.

• ✗ I am working at [Company] since 2021.
• ✓ I've been working at [Company] since 2021.

"Which is the salary?" A word-for-word copy of ¿cuál es el salario? or qual é o salário?. In English, use what for a question about an amount, and ask for a range.

• ✗ Which is the salary for this job?
• ✓ What is the salary range for this role?

After the interview, send a thank-you note. If the recruiter goes quiet, a polite follow-up works the same way.