Tells a candidate their background screening is starting: the provider, what it covers, the consent step, expected duration, and who to ask about anything sensitive.
Hi {{Candidate name}},
As mentioned during the process, your offer for the {{Role title}} role includes a standard background check. Nothing has changed about how much we want you here — this is routine, and we want you to know exactly what to expect.
How it works
If anything in your history feels worth explaining, or you have questions about how results are handled, contact {{Contact name}} at {{Contact email}} — confidentially, before or during the check. Context matters to us, and a conversation beats a surprise in both directions.
Thanks for bearing with the paperwork — we're nearly there.
{{Your name}} {{Your title}}, {{Company name}}
Jurisdiction note
Background screening is heavily regulated and varies by jurisdiction: consent formalities, permissible scope, and adverse-action procedures differ. Have local counsel confirm the process and required disclosures before sending.
Not legal advice
This template is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws differ by jurisdiction and change over time — have a qualified professional review any document before you rely on it.
Acknowledges a candidate's application with honest timeline expectations, what happens next, and a commitment to respond either way.
Asks for structured feedback on the hiring process after a decision, whatever the outcome: how long it takes, how to access it, how answers are handled, and why it matters.
Recruiter presents a vetted candidate to a client: three evidence-backed highlights, compensation expectations and availability, and a single next step to book the interview.
Honest mid-process update for when timelines slip: the real reason for the delay, a new date, confirmation the candidate is still in the running, and a promise to write again either way.
Acknowledges a candidate withdrawing from the process without friction: thanks them for the heads-up, asks one optional learning question, and leaves the relationship genuinely warm.
First-touch sourcing email for a candidate who isn't job hunting: specific personalization slots, a clear why-you, and a low-friction fifteen-minute ask.