Template 1
Reference a specific project from the candidate's background
Subjectthe {project} work
{first_name},
Saw the {project} write-up from when you were at {prev_company}. The {specific_decision} part stood out. We're hiring for a role where exactly that kind of trade-off comes up weekly.
Not asking for a "are you looking" yes/no. Asking whether 15 min to compare notes on how the team approaches {topic} would be useful regardless.
{your_first_name}Why it worksAsks for a peer conversation, not a pipeline interview. Higher reply rate, better-quality conversations.
Template 2
Open-source / public-work reference
Subjecton the {repo_or_post}
{first_name},
The way you handled {specific_problem} in {repo_or_post} is unusual. Most teams I see do the lazy version. We're hiring for a {role} role at {company} where that exact judgment is the bar.
Want to grab 20 min and trade notes on {topic}, even if the timing isn't right for a switch?
{your_first_name}Why it worksSpecific praise for specific work, not generic praise. Engineers can tell the difference instantly.
Template 3
Salary-transparent first email (high reply rate for senior IC)
Subject{role} at {company}, {salary_band}
{first_name},
Cutting the dance: hiring a {role} at {company}, salary band {salary_band}, equity {equity_band}, remote-first, the team has shipped {ship_proof}.
Worth 20 min to see if the slope is right? If not, no follow-up.
{your_first_name}Why it worksSenior candidates value time over warmth. Putting the comp in the subject line filters out wrong-fit fast.
Template 4
Founder-to-engineer outreach (when the founder is the recruiter)
Subjectengineering at {company}, from the founder
{first_name},
I'm the founder at {company}, sending this myself. We're 12 people, $X ARR, and our first engineering hire after PMF.
I read {public_work}. It's the kind of thinking we need on day one. Open to 30 min to walk through what we're building, whether or not the timing works for you?
{your_first_name}Why it worksFounder-direct outreach has 5x the reply rate of recruiter outreach for senior candidates. Lean into it.
Template 5
Re-engagement after a "not now"
Subjectsix months later
{first_name},
We talked back in {month}. You said "not actively looking but keep me posted if X happens". X happened: {specific_change}.
Worth catching up for 20 min, or want me to wait another quarter?
{your_first_name}Why it worksYou actually listened the first time. That alone differentiates from 95% of recruiters.