Email templates that get replied to.

Hi {first_name},

I just applied for the {role_title} role and wanted to reach out directly. I noticed {company} {recent_news_specific} — I've spent the last {N} years on exactly that problem at {past_company}.

The shortest version: I {one_concrete_outcome}. Happy to send a longer note or hop on 15 minutes if useful.

{signature}

Hi {first_name},

Hope you're well at {their_company}. I'm applying to a {role_title} role at {target_company} and saw you have a connection to a few folks there.

Would you be comfortable forwarding my resume to {target_recruiter} or making a quick intro? Happy to make it easy — short blurb + resume attached. Totally fine to say no.

{signature}

Hi {first_name},

Saw you're recruiting for {target_team} at {company}. Before I formally apply, I wanted to ask: is the team specifically looking for {specialty_X} or more {specialty_Y}? I have strong fit on the first and adjacent on the second — want to make sure I lead with the right pitch.

Resume attached for context. Happy to chat or just shoot back a one-liner.

{signature}

Hi {first_name},

Following up on my application for the {role_title} role from {N} days ago. Wanted to add one thing I forgot to mention: {one_specific_extra_value_signal}.

Happy to hop on a 15-minute call if useful, or send anything else that would help.

{signature}

Hi {first_name},

Not trying to be a pest — just wanted to surface this one more time before assuming the role's filled. If timing is off or there's a different role you'd point me to, totally understand.

Thanks for your time either way.

{signature}

Hi {first_name},

Thanks again for forwarding my resume to {recruiter_name}. Just checking in — should I follow up directly, or is the process likely to come back through you? Whichever you prefer.

{signature}

Hi {first_name},

Thanks for the call earlier. Helpful to hear how you're framing the {team} priorities — especially {one_specific_thing_they_said}. The piece about {challenge} is exactly the kind of problem I've been spending my time on; happy to go deeper in a follow-up round.

Let me know what's next on your end. Looking forward to it.

{signature}

Hi {first_name},

Thanks for putting time into today's interview. Two thoughts:

1) On the {problem_we_discussed} — after the call I realized {refined_better_answer_or_extension}. Wanted to share since I felt my initial pass was incomplete.

2) Genuinely enjoyed the discussion on {topic} — would love to keep digging in if I move forward.

{signature}

Hi {first_name},

Thanks again for hosting me today. Loved meeting {names_of_interviewers}. The thing that stuck with me most: {one_specific_observation_about_the_team_or_problem}.

I'm a strong yes on this. Happy to answer anything else from your team. Let me know what's next.

{signature}

Hi {first_name},

Really excited about the offer and the team. Before I sign, I wanted to discuss base salary. Based on {market_data_anchor — Levels.fyi / Glassdoor / a competing offer}, the going rate for this role + scope is closer to {your_target_number}. Is there flex to bring base to that number?

Happy to discuss — and I'm leaning yes overall, this is the only piece I want to get right.

{signature}

Hi {first_name},

Thanks for the offer. The base + equity look good. One ask: I have {N_months} of unvested equity at my current employer that I'd be walking away from if I accept. Could we discuss a signing bonus to bridge that?

Figure ~{$amount} would make me whole. Open to other structures if that doesn't work.

{signature}

Hi {first_name},

Quick logistical ask: I'd ideally start on {target_date} rather than {their_proposed_date}. Reason: {real_reason_or_'commitments to wrap up'}. Doesn't change anything else about my excitement on this — just wanted to flag early.

Let me know if that works.

{signature}

Hi {first_name},

Thrilled to formally accept the {role_title} offer. Looking forward to starting on {start_date}.

Let me know what you need from me on paperwork. Excited.

{signature}

Hi {first_name},

Thanks again for the offer and for the time everyone put into the process — genuinely a hard decision. After thinking it through, I've decided to go a different direction: {one_sentence_reason — 'staying at my current company', 'taking another offer', 'role fit'}.

Really hope our paths cross again. Best of luck with the search.

{signature}

Hi {first_name},

Wanted to give you a heads-up: I'm withdrawing from the {role_title} process. Quick context: {one_sentence — 'accepted another role', 'priorities changed', 'realized fit was off'}.

Really appreciate the time you and the team have put in. Hope our paths cross again.

{signature}