Cold call script for recruiters
Recruiters call two audiences. Candidates want to know why this role fits them; clients want speed and quality.
Both respond to specifics and respect for their time.
Short answer
A recruiter cold call script is specific and respectful: with candidates, lead with why the role fits them; with clients, lead with the roles you fill fast and the quality you deliver. The scripts below cover both candidate and client calls.
Key takeaways
- For candidates, lead with why the role fits them.
- For clients, lead with speed and candidate quality.
- Be specific; skip "great opportunity" and "top talent."
- Respect that passive candidates are not job-hunting.
Candidate call script
Lead with the fit.
- Opener: "Hi {First}, {Your name}, a recruiter specializing in {field}. Caught you cold, do you have a quick minute?"
- Hook: "Your experience with {specific skill or project} lined up perfectly with a {role} I am filling at {company type}."
- Ask: "Even if you are not actively looking, would you be open to hearing the details?"
Client call script
Lead with speed and quality.
- Opener: "Hi {First}, {Your name} with {agency}. I place {role} talent in {industry}, is now an okay time for 30 seconds?"
- Hook: "I currently have two or three strong, vetted candidates who could fit {company}."
- Ask: "If filling {role} is on your plate, I can send profiles this week. Worth a quick call to calibrate?"
Draft and send this with Ardovo
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Frequently asked questions
How do recruiters cold call candidates?
Open with permission, lead with why the role fits their specific background, and keep the ask low even for passive candidates: "would you be open to hearing the details?" Specific and respectful beats a generic pitch.
How do recruiters cold call hiring clients?
Lead with the roles you fill fast and the quality of your vetted candidates, and offer to send a few relevant profiles. Hiring managers care about speed and fit, so prove both quickly.
How do I call passive candidates?
Acknowledge they are not looking, lead with something specific about their work, and keep the ask soft. Passive candidates respond to earned flattery and roles that clearly fit their experience.