Responds to a candidate's counter-offer with clarity: what moved, what couldn't and why, the full revised terms, and undiminished enthusiasm for the hire.
Hi {{Candidate name}},
Thank you for being direct about what you need — that's exactly how we like to work, and nothing about the conversation changed how much we want you on the team.
Where we landed:
The revised offer letter is attached with the updated terms: {{Summary of the full revised package}}. Our response deadline moves with it — we're now asking for your answer by {{New deadline date}}.
If this lands close but not quite, say so — one more conversation costs nothing. We'd rather solve it together than lose you over an unasked question.
{{Your name}} {{Your title}}, {{Company name}}
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.
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.
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.