Screens recruiter messages against job requirements and drafts authentic responses.
Helps express interest with thoughtful questions or politely decline.
Big Tech/FAANG (only if specific team is exceptional)
High Interest:
AI/ML platforms and tools
Developer tools and infrastructure
B2B SaaS
E-commerce / marketplace platforms
Step 2: Determine Response Type
Path A: Express Interest
Use when:
Passes all MUST HAVE criteria
Industry is acceptable
Role aligns with target positions
No red flags
Path B: Polite Decline
Use when:
Fails any MUST HAVE criterion
Industry is excluded
Role doesn't match
Multiple red flags
Step 3: Draft the Response
Response Templates
Template A: Interested Response
## Recruiter Message - [Date]
[Paste recruiter's message here]
---
## My Response - [Date]
Hey [Recruiter First Name],
[Opening line acknowledging something specific from their message]
[1-2 sentences on what caught your attention about the role]
Before I jump on a call, a few things I'd want to understand:
1. [Specific question about team, culture, or technical work]
2. [Question about growth or impact]
3. [Question about company stage or direction]
[Optional: Brief context on what you're looking for if relevant]
Happy to chat if these align. What works for you?
[Your name]
Template B: Polite Decline
## Recruiter Message - [Date]
[Paste recruiter's message here]
---
## My Response - [Date]
Hey [Recruiter First Name],
Thanks for reaching out - I appreciate you thinking of me for this.
After looking at the role, I don't think it's the right fit for where I'm focused right now. [Optional: One honest sentence about why without being negative]
I'm keeping my search focused on [brief description: e.g., "fully remote senior/staff roles at growth-stage companies building AI-native products"].
If something like that comes across your desk, I'd love to hear about it. Thanks again, and good luck finding the right person for this one.
[Your name]
Template C: Assignment Response (Confident)
Thanks for sending this over - I'm excited to dig in.
[Optional: Personal context that humanizes and creates connection]
I'll have the completed assignment to you by [specific date].
Looking forward to showing you what I can build.
Voice Guidelines
Core Principles
Peer-Level, Not Supplicant
You're evaluating them as much as they're evaluating you
Confident without being arrogant
Ask questions that show you're discerning
Authentic and Direct
No corporate-speak or hollow enthusiasm
Say what you actually think
Express genuine interest or genuine hesitation honestly
Warm but Efficient
Recruiters are busy, respect their time
Get to the point after brief warmth
Use contractions naturally
Signature Phrases
Opening warmth:
"Thanks for reaching out - this caught my attention."
"Appreciate you thinking of me for this."
"This is interesting, and I have a few questions."
Expressing interest with hedging:
"I'm curious about..."
"What I'd want to understand better is..."
"The [specific work] sounds compelling, but I'd need to know more about..."
Polite decline pivots:
"I appreciate you thinking of me, but this one isn't quite the right fit."
"After looking at this, I don't think it's the right match for where I'm focused."
"I'm going to pass on this one, but I'd love to stay connected."
Closing:
"Happy to jump on a quick call if you can share more on [specific question]."
"Let me know, and we can find a time to chat."
"Thanks again - good luck finding the right person for this."