Before you copy anything
A template only saves you the blank page. The parts worth reading are the ones you fill in.
- Replace every [PLACEHOLDER] with your own details, then search the message for "[" before you send it.
- Mention only projects, results and shared history that really happened.
- Change a few words so it sounds like you.
- The timings here are common rules of thumb. If the recruiter or company gives its own timeline, follow that.
Template 1: thank-you follow-up after an interview
Subject: Thank you – [JOB TITLE] interview
Hi [INTERVIEWER NAME], Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today about the [JOB TITLE] role. I especially enjoyed our conversation about [SPECIFIC TOPIC YOU DISCUSSED]. It made me even more interested in the role, because [ONE-SENTENCE LINK TO YOUR EXPERIENCE, E.G. "I led a similar migration at [PREVIOUS COMPANY]"]. [OPTIONAL: One sentence adding something you forgot to mention or clarifying an answer.] I'm excited about the chance to contribute to [TEAM GOAL]. Please let me know if I can provide anything else. Best regards, [YOUR NAME]
When to send: Within 24 hours of the interview. Send a separate, individual note to each interviewer.
What to customize:
- The specific topic. Reference one detail from that conversation, such as a system they described or a problem the team is working on. If you met three people, write three different notes.
- The link to your experience. One sentence, one real example. Pick the thing you did that is closest to what they talked about.
- The optional line. Use it only if you have something to add or correct. Otherwise delete it, brackets included.
- The team goal. Use the words the interviewer used, not the wording from the careers page.
Notice what the note leaves out: the layoff. By the interview stage they already know why you are looking, so the follow-up can stay on the role.
Template 2: referral ask to a former colleague
Subject: Quick favor? [JOB TITLE] role at [COMPANY]
Hi [FIRST NAME], I hope things are good at [COMPANY]. As you may have heard, I was affected by the layoff at [PREVIOUS COMPANY], and I'm now looking for my next role. I noticed [COMPANY] is hiring a [JOB TITLE] ([JOB LINK]). Given our work together on [SHARED PROJECT], I think it's a strong fit. Would you be comfortable referring me? To make it easy, I've attached my resume and a three-line summary you can paste into a referral form. If it doesn't feel right, no problem at all, and I appreciate you either way. Thanks, [YOUR NAME]
When to send: Before you apply, if possible, since some companies only credit a referral that comes first. Send it on a weekday.
What to customize:
- The shared project. Name the work you did together. It reminds your contact what they can honestly say about you.
- The job link. Point to one specific opening. "Anything at your company" hands the search to them.
- The three-line summary. Write it and put it in the email itself: your title, your most relevant result, and why this role fits. It saves your contact time.
- The layoff sentence. One plain line is enough. If they already know, shorten it to "I'm now looking for my next role."
Keep the closing line that lets them decline. A referral puts their name next to yours, and a contact who can say no without awkwardness is one you can still write to later.
The other 10 templates
These two come from a set of 12 email templates. The other 10 include a follow-up after applying, a nudge after a week of no response, a reply to a rejection, a negotiation opener and a reference request.
They are part of the Tech Layoff Job-Search Kit, USD 12, an instant download of 4 Markdown files through Gumroad. See the kit overview and a free ATS checklist sample.