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Sourcing Veteran Candidates: Email Templates for Recruiters


Siddhartha Gunti

March 31, 2025


Connecting with veteran candidates requires a thoughtful approach. Tailoring your communication to respect their unique experiences can make a significant impact. Our sourcing strategies offer insights into crafting effective messages.

This post provides email templates for every step of the recruitment process, from initial outreach to post-interview follow-ups. Utilize these tools to streamline your communication and build meaningful connections with veteran candidates.

Table of contents

Crafting Your Message: Respect and Relevance
Initial outreach template
Follow-up template for interested candidates
Invitation to apply template
Interview scheduling template
Post-interview follow-up template
Offer letter template for veterans
Download Sourcing Veteran Candidates Email Templates in multiple formats
Wrapping Up

Crafting Your Message: Respect and Relevance

When reaching out to veteran candidates, your email isn't just a message; it's a bridge built on respect and understanding. It's about honoring their service while highlighting how their unique skills translate into success within your company.

Start with a clear and respectful subject line. Something like "[Company Name] – Opportunities for Veterans" immediately signals relevance and intent.

Acknowledge their service upfront with genuine appreciation. Briefly mention your company’s commitment to hiring veterans and fostering an inclusive hiring environment.

Focus on transferable skills and quantify their achievements. Instead of generic praise, highlight specific skills like leadership, problem-solving, or teamwork, and relate them to the job requirements, perhaps using a skills matrix to guide you.

Keep the email concise and easy to read, respecting their time. Clearly state the job opportunity, provide a brief overview of the company, and include a clear call to action, like inviting them to apply or connect with you.

Proofread carefully to avoid any errors that could be perceived as disrespectful. A well-crafted email shows you value their experience and are serious about considering them for the role; you could also use pre-employment testing to ensure quality of hire.

Offer support and resources to help them navigate the application process. Mention any veteran-specific programs or resources your company offers, and provide a point of contact for questions.

Initial outreach template

This template is designed for the first contact with veteran candidates. It's crucial to strike a balance between professionalism and acknowledging their unique background and skills.

Subject: Exploring New Opportunities Together

Hi [Candidate's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am a recruiter at [Company Name]. I came across your profile and was impressed by your background and experience.

We highly value the skills and dedication that veterans bring to the workforce. Your experience in [specific skill or experience related to the job] caught my attention, and I believe you could be a great fit for our team.

At [Company Name], we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone's talents are appreciated and utilized. We have an exciting opportunity for a [Job Title] that I think you might find interesting.

Would you be open to a brief conversation to discuss this opportunity further? I would love to learn more about your career goals and see how we can align them with our needs.

Thank you for considering this opportunity. I look forward to the possibility of working together.

Warm regards,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Company Name]
[Your Contact Information]

Follow-up template for interested candidates

Use this template when a veteran candidate has expressed interest in your opportunity. It's important to maintain momentum and provide clear next steps in the recruitment process.

Subject: Next Steps in Your Career Journey with Us

Hi [Candidate's Name],

Thank you for expressing interest in our opportunity at [Company Name]. We're excited about the possibility of having someone with your experience join our team.

To keep things moving forward, here are the next steps in the process:

  • Interview Schedule: We would like to schedule an interview with you. Please let us know your availability for the upcoming week.
  • Preparation: Feel free to review our company website and the job description to better understand the role and our team.
  • Questions: If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out.

We appreciate your service and are eager to learn more about how your skills and experiences can contribute to our team.

Looking forward to your response.

Best regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Company Name]
[Contact Information]

Invitation to apply template

This template encourages veterans to formally apply for a position. It should highlight the value of their military experience and how it aligns with the role.

Subject: Join Our Team: Your Military Experience is Valued

Dear [Veteran's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am a recruiter at [Company Name]. We are currently seeking talented individuals to join our team, and I wanted to personally invite you to apply for the [Job Title] position.

Your military background is impressive, and we believe the skills and discipline you've developed during your service could be a great match for our needs. At [Company Name], we value the unique perspectives and experiences that veterans bring to our organization.

Here are some key aspects of the role:

  • Position: [Job Title]
  • Location: [Location]
  • Responsibilities: [Briefly list key responsibilities]
  • Requirements: [Briefly list key requirements]

We are committed to supporting veterans in their transition to civilian careers and would love to see how your skills can contribute to our team. If you're interested, please apply through our careers page [link] or reply to this email with any questions you might have.

Thank you for considering this opportunity. We look forward to possibly working together and benefiting from your valuable experience.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Company Name]
[Contact Information]

Interview scheduling template

Once you've decided to interview a veteran candidate, use this template to set up the meeting. Be clear about the interview format and any preparation needed.

Subject: Interview Invitation - [Your Company] - [Candidate Name]

Dear [Candidate Name],

Thank you for your interest in [Your Company] and for taking the time to apply for the [Job Title] position. We were very impressed with your resume and experience, particularly your background in [mention specific military experience or skill that aligns with the role].

We would like to invite you to an interview to discuss your qualifications further.

Here are the details:

  • Date: [Date]
  • Time: [Time] [Time Zone]
  • Location: [Video Conferencing Link or Address if in-person]
  • Interviewers: [Interviewer Name(s) and Title(s)]
  • Format: [Specify the interview format, e.g., behavioral interview, technical interview, panel interview]. For example: This will be a behavioral interview focusing on your past experiences and how they relate to the requirements of this role.

To help you prepare, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • [If applicable: Please bring a copy of your resume.]
  • [If applicable: Be prepared to discuss [Specific topic or skill].]
  • [If applicable: Please review [Link to relevant document or information].]

Please confirm your availability by replying to this email by [Confirmation Deadline]. If the proposed time doesn't work for you, please suggest a few alternative times that fit your schedule.

We understand that transitioning to civilian life can present unique challenges, and we appreciate your service and the skills you bring. We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive interview experience.

We look forward to speaking with you soon!

Sincerely,

[Your Name] [Your Title] [Your Company] [Your Contact Information]

Post-interview follow-up template

After the interview, this template helps maintain communication with the veteran candidate. It should express appreciation for their time and outline the next steps in the hiring process.

Subject: Thank You for Your Interview

Hello [Candidate's Name],

Thank you for taking the time to interview with us for the [Job Title] position. We appreciate your interest in joining our team and the valuable experiences you bring as a veteran.

We enjoyed learning more about your background and skills, and how they align with our goals. Your insights were particularly impressive.

Here's what you can expect next:

  • We are currently reviewing all candidates and will reach out with our decision by [Date].
  • Should you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to contact us.

Thank you once again for considering a career with us. We look forward to the possibility of working together.

Best regards,

[Your Name] [Your Position] [Company Name] [Contact Information]

Offer letter template for veterans

This template is used when extending a job offer to a veteran candidate. It should be tailored to highlight how their military experience will be valued in the new role.

Subject: Job Offer - [Job Title] at [Company Name]

Dear [Candidate Name],

We are thrilled to offer you the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. Your skills and experience, especially those gained during your military service, impressed our team, and we believe you'll be a great addition.

We recognize the unique strengths veterans bring to the workplace, including:

  • Leadership
  • Teamwork
  • Problem-solving
  • Discipline

We are confident that these qualities will be valuable in this role.

Here's a summary of the offer:

  • Position: [Job Title]
  • Department: [Department]
  • Reporting to: [Manager Name]
  • Start Date: [Start Date]
  • Compensation: [Salary] per [Year/Month]
  • Benefits: [Briefly mention key benefits, e.g., health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan]

Please find the complete offer letter attached, which includes more details about the role, responsibilities, and benefits.

To formally accept this offer, please sign and return the attached offer letter by [Date].

We are excited about the possibility of you joining our team and look forward to hearing from you soon.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Welcome aboard (almost!).

Sincerely,

[Your Name] [Your Title] [Company Name]

Download Sourcing Veteran Candidates Email Templates in multiple formats

Wrapping Up

Effectively engaging veteran candidates requires a thoughtful approach and personalized communication. By using these email templates as a starting point, and tailoring them to reflect your company’s culture, you can build stronger connections.

Remember to measure your success by tracking response rates and quality of hire. You can also use skills assessments for recruiters to streamline the screening process and identify top talent.

Sourcing Veteran Candidates Email Template FAQs

Why does every rejection email look the same?

Many recruiters use generic templates, leading to similar-looking rejection emails. Personalizing your messages can make them more impactful.

Should you use AI to write your rejection emails?

AI can assist in drafting emails but should be used with caution. Personal touches and empathy are crucial in rejection communications.

How can you improve the response rate from veteran candidates?

Craft messages that highlight relevance and respect for their military experience. Clear communication about the role's benefits and fit can also help.

What should be included in a post-interview follow-up email?

Include a thank you note, reiterate your interest, and provide a timeline for the next steps. This keeps candidates engaged and informed.

How do you handle uninterested candidates?

Respect their decision and keep the door open for future opportunities. Acknowledge their response and express willingness to reconnect later.


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